Heavy Ion Beams in the LHC

In addition to protons, the LHC will collide beams of heavy ions. The beam intensity in the LHC ring is tightly constrained from below by beam instrumentation (visibility on the beam position monitors in partiuclar) and from above by magnet quench limits, the capabilities of the injectros and beam lifetime. We summarise current plans for beams of lead ions with emphasis on beam dynamics issues, commissioning strategy and the differences from operation with protons.