Experts weld full-sized SMR nuclear vessel in 24 hours, a first
Sheffield Forgemasters achieved the first full-sized Small Modular Reactor (SMR) nuclear vessel demonstrator assembly in under 24 hours.
Sheffield Forgemasters has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in welding technology by completing the first full-sized Small Modular Reactor (SMR) nuclear vessel demonstrator assembly.
This accomplishment signals a global leap in the industrialization of Local Electron-Beam Welding (LEBW), marking a pivotal moment in welding development.
Vessel assembled in 24 hours
The vessel assembly, which typically requires a year of intensive work, was completed in less than 24 hours, showcasing the efficiency and capabilities of LEBW.
The vessel, with a diameter of three meters and a wall thickness of 200mm, stands as a testament to the reliability and innovation of LEBW, setting a dramatic new standard for weld-joining thick-walled components, previously unrivaled in a demonstrator model.
Professor Jesus Talamantes-Silva, the Research, Design, and Technology Director at Sheffield Forgemasters, expressed joy at achieving a significant milestone in assembling a nuclear vessel demonstrator.
This marks the first utilization of electron beam welding at such a scale, boasting a flawless 100 percent success rate with no defects.
The RD&T team employed meticulously developed parameters, fine-tuned during the welding development stage. Innovative techniques, such as sloping-in and sloping-out, were deployed to initiate and conclude the weld, ensuring a pristine and comprehensive weld join.
Being the exclusive company in the UK with the capability to manufacture large forgings for SMRs, Sheffield Forgemasters has gained a substantial developmental lead over global competitors in the welding of thick-walled assemblies.
Implication within the nuclear industry
Dr. Michael Blackmore, Senior Development Engineer, and Project Lead underscored the monumental implications of this technology within the nuclear industry.
He highlighted the potential to eliminate high-cost welding processes, reduce the need for inspections, and significantly expedite the deployment of SMR reactors in the UK and beyond.
The disruptive nature of the LEBW breakthrough could reshape the landscape of nuclear assembly processes.
The success of this project can be attributed to the meticulous fine-tuning of welding parameters by Sheffield Forgemasters’ RD&T team.
Innovative techniques, including sloping-in and sloping-out methods to initiate and conclude the weld, ensured a clean and seamless weld join, showcasing the precision and expertise involved.
Sheffield Forgemasters holds a unique position in the UK as the sole company capable of manufacturing the large forgings required for SMRs.
This places the company years ahead of global competitors in welding thick-walled assemblies, underlining its leadership in the nuclear industry.
The successful demonstration of LEBW technology not only impacts the nuclear industry but also opens new horizons for other projects requiring thick-walled welded assemblies.
Dr. Jacob Pope, Development Engineer, and LEBW machine tool installation lead expressed gratitude to the Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero for enabling the project through its Nuclear Innovation Program.
He also acknowledged the invaluable support of their partner, Cambridge Vacuum Engineering, whose remote and on-site assistance played a crucial role in the success of this milestone.
Sheffield Forgemasters has propelled nuclear welding technology to global prominence with the successful completion of the SMR nuclear vessel demonstrator assembly using Local electron beam Welding.
This achievement not only showcases the company’s technical expertise but also has far-reaching implications for the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and timely deployment of nuclear assemblies, marking a significant step forward in the evolution of welding technology on a global scale.
SHOW COMMENT ()
