Confidence in Fuel Channel Components

Abstract

Although the basic design of the fuel channel has not changed since NPD, the power output of the channel has been considerably increased and the operating conditions for the components have become correspondingly more severe. The individual components have been developed and improved. Their service performance has been very good and only a few of the pressure tubes have given any problems. The properties of the components change during service due to the stress, temperature, corrosion and neutron flux. Dimensional changes and fitness for service can both limit the service life of the components and the parameters that affect these are reviewed.