Superphenix 1 reactor block fabrication

Journal Article · Fri Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1985 · Nucl. Technol.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5052247

Branchu, J; Gigarel, C

The reactor block constitutes a highly complex key component in a pool-type breeder reactor, the difficulties involved being considerably heightened for Creys-Malville by its prototype character, involving a considerable scale-up from Phenix, with several important design changes. Problems arose in the course of design engineering, but also throughout the manufacturing stage: steel plate elaboration, welding, shaping, etc. The construction approach adopted involved consistent interaction between structure fabrication and the structural analyses underlying design and sizing documents. These carefully defined procedures are described using certain typical examples. For the very large structures, factory fabrication preceded site workshop assembly. Related technical difficulties are evoked, as, for instance, welding problems, compliance with tight dimensional tolerances, technological test mock-ups, structure stress relieving, assembly of heat insulating material, the general reactor block assembly operations, with the associated constant cleanliness requirements, and the overall leaktight testing. The knowledge acquired is already being applied in connection with the Superphenix 2 preliminary design.

• Research Organization: Novatome, La Boursidiere, Le Plessis-Robinson
• OSTI ID: 5052247
• Journal Information: Nucl. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: Nucl. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 68:2; ISSN NUTYB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
210500* -- Power Reactors
Breeding
BREEDER REACTORS
CONSTRUCTION
DESIGN
ENRICHED URANIUM REACTORS
EPITHERMAL REACTORS
FAST REACTORS
FBR TYPE REACTORS
LIQUID METAL COOLED REACTORS
LMFBR TYPE REACTORS
PLUTONIUM REACTORS
REACTORS
SODIUM COOLED REACTORS
SUPER PHENIX REACTOR