Design and manufacture of graphite components for 21st century small modular reactors

Abstract

Successful deployment of graphite in 21st century nuclear reactors depends on the rigor and quality of communication between the component designer and manufacturer. For construction in the U.S., a thorough understanding of meeting the regulatory requirements, ASME International graphite component design and construction code requirements, and ASTM International material specifications enables efficiency and cost reduction during construction, reactor operation, and decommissioning. These codes and standards (C&S) are interlinked in several technical, component design, and reactor operation functional requirements. The focus in this technical note (TN) is to establish a framework for engaging the graphite component designer (GCD) and the graphite component manufacturer (GCM). This TN discusses five significant areas for active interactions between the designer and manufacturer, which begin at the preconceptual design stage and continue through material and fabrication method selection, component manufacturing, installation, reactor operation, decommissioning, and disposal. Performance success and overall cost reduction could likely be enhanced by adapting proven ceramic component probabilistic brittle design principles and incorporating features to minimize worker dose exposure during in-service inspection, component replacement, and decommissioning.