Lasting customized pumping solutions for Nuclear Energy

Reactor Coolant Pumps (RCPs) and Cooling Water Pumps

The pumps achieve highest mechanical load capacity due to their large shaft diameter, forged main parts and martensitic steel. The forged martensitic stainless steel has proven an ideal material as it is characterized by low heat stress as a result of 50% lower dilatation compared to austenite.

Hydrodynamic Shaft Seals for Reactor Coolant Pumps (RCPs)

Hydrodynamic shaft seals are one of the most important parts of nuclear pumps. ANDRITZ is a technology leader and specialist for this key equipment in reactor coolant pumps for nuclear power plants. Extremely short maintenance times are possible thanks to the maintenance-friendly sealing cartridge system. Due to the special contour on the main sealing parts, a sealing gap of just a few micrometers forms when the pump shaft rotates, permitting consistent low leakage and a reduction of around 50 bar pressure per stage.

Design and Manufacturing of components

ANDRITZ has not only become an established name for customized pumping solutions in the nuclear business but has also competence in design and manufacturing of components and items based on various standards from nuclear and aerospace sector. We ensure the highest technical quality and reliability of our products by fulfilling many significant quality standards in this field.

Testing facilities and capabilities

Model testing is conducted on four-quadrant test rigs. They fulfill or even outperform all the requirements of IEC60193. The test rigs are certified and accredited according to ISO17025. In prototype testing, our facilities provide up to 9 MW power at voltages from 4.1 kV to 14.8 kV on VFD with corresponding cooling capacities at 32 °C ambient temperature. Flows reach up to 12m3/s, and pressure is defined according to customer specifications. Additionally, boundary conditions for various pump tests are available. Our Reactor Coolant Pump small-load test loop has been installed to test the pump systems for all possible scenarios in the nuclear environment, with operating conditions similar to the power station’s operating data. Beside prototype pump tests, the test field is in use for R&D activities for various components and equipment (e.g. axial and radial bearings, 3 stage shaft seal cartridge, etc.) to meet the latest requirements issued by authorities respectively by our customers.