The magnets that control the direction and focussing of the proton beam in the ISIS synchrotron occasionally need to be removed from the synchrotron hall for maintenance. During the current long shutdown, one of the dipole magnets was removed to replace both the coils inside it. The work has now been completed and it's time for it to return to the synchrotron hall.
To move these magnets, which weigh over 30 tonnes, is a challenging task, and one that is not possible using the cranes. The engineers use a hovercraft device that, thanks to its noise levels, is known as 'Hissing Sid'. Using a specially installed shiny floor, they are then able to push the magnet into the synchrotron hall and into a place where the crane can lift it into place.
