NUCLEAR ELECTRICAL PENETRATOR ASSEMBLIES AND CONNECTORS FOR SMALL MODULAR AND OTHER ADVANCED REACTORS

摘要

Containment structures for nuclear power plants(NPPs) operating with both conventional as well asadvanced reactors are entirely sealed-off devicesdesigned to safely contain the nuclear reactor contents atall times. To keep the radioactive high-energy sourcecontrolled, electrical and instrumentation cablespenetrate the containment structure to provide power,control signals and monitoring of the reactor. ElectricalPenetration Assemblies (EPAs) are critical safetycomponents that provide the pass-through for such cableswhile maintaining the pressure boundary integrity of thecontainment structure. These EPAs should providedimensional stability under irradiation, whether understress or without stress, and have mechanical propertiesand good behavior in corrosive environments. Inparticular, small modular reactors and other advancednuclear systems utilize EPA materials and componentsthat can withstand much higher temperatures, pressuresand corrosive fluids than conventional NPPs. Thesechallenging requirements mandate that in most cases, theuse of conventional materials are excluded, and a newrange of materials has to be developed and qualified fornuclear use. EPAs using glass/ceramic-to-metal sealedpenetrators and organic-free connectors aspressure/temperature barriers have a minimum 60-yearmaintenance free lifetime as well as low life cycle cost.This brief overview presents the challenges andrequirements for EPA components having applicationsnot only for small modular and advanced reactors, but forconventional reactors as well.