Installation of the graphite internals in HTR-PM

Abstract

Internals are one of key equipment in the nuclear islands of High Temperature gas-cooled Reactor Pebble-bed Module (HTR-PM). Their structural integration is very important to the nuclear safety. Different from the internals in pressurized water reactors, a large number of graphite and carbon components are used in the internals of HTR-PM. These components are connected by dowels and keys with gaps between them to compensate the deformation caused by thermal and irradiation stresses. High installation accuracy of each component is required for the important safety and function related devices installed inside the internals, such as control rod and fuel handling system. Due to the cumulative assembly error of the components and the deformation of the supporting structures, the installation of the graphite and carbon internals is very challenging. Detailed requirements for the examination and installation of the graphite component have been developed and continually optimized for both trial assembly and assembly in the reactor. Research was also carried out for measurement techniques, lifting tools, examination and rapid assessments. The installation of graphite and carbon internals has been successfully completed for both modules. Some major installation results, including the position of the channels and levelness of the graphite components as well as the considerations of their acceptance are introduced in the present paper. The lessons-learned and experience can be applied to the installation of internals in HTRs and other reactors using graphite components, such as molten salt reactor.