Localization of some key parts of AP1000 nuclear fuel simulation module
Source: China Nuclear Group Date: 2016-05-20
Recently, China's first qualified AP1000 nuclear fuel simulation module using domestically produced fuel rods, guide tubes, buffer tubes, grids and other domestic materials was rolled off the production line of China Nuclear Baotou Nuclear Fuel Element Co., Ltd. Among them, the use of domestic independent grids not only broke the history of AP1000 nuclear fuel assembly grid imports, laid the foundation for the future localization of other key components of AP1000 fuel assemblies, but also promoted the localization process of AP1000 fuel assemblies.
As an important part of the fuel assembly, the grid frame plays a key role in clamping and fixing the fuel rod in the fuel assembly, ensuring the position of the fuel rod and forming the overall dimensions of the fuel assembly. In 2013, CNNC Baotou began to participate in the research project of AP1000 component grid strip manufacturing technology, a major national science and technology project undertaken by CNNC North. After nearly three years of scientific research, CNNC Baotou gradually broke through key processes and parameters that restricted grid cell size, welding, and expansion of the frame, completed grid process development, and prepared 5 types of grids.
In the process of using domestic materials to produce analog components, CNNC Baotou has undergone work such as process development, process qualification evaluation, and production line unit identification, and has successively broken through the welding process of fuel rods, guide tubes, and buffer tubes. In a short time, the welding parameters suitable for domestic materials were found out, and qualified fuel rods, guide tube parts and buffer tube parts were prepared.