Successful use of NozzleCheck valves in EdF nuclear plants: Paving the way for US applications

摘要

Severe water hammer damage caused by swing check valve closure characteristics following main feed pump trips has resulted in the approval of plant modifications to install a more suitable check valve design. During the 1970's and 1980's, more than 350 large bore swing check, valves in main feed pump discharge applications at Electricite de France (EdF) nuclear plants were replaced with Model DRV-B and Model DRV-C NozzleCheck valves. The NozzleCheck effectively eliminated pressure surge problems without adding additional maintenance burden associated with damping systems and soft seat designs.