Submergence tests ensure nuclear safety
19 Apr 2013
ClydeUnion Pumps and GE Hitachi have demonstrated successful submergence of the CUP-TWL pump
The CUP-TWL is a turbine driven safety pump designed for use in Pressurised Water Reactors (PWR’s) and Boiling Water Reactors (BWR’s).
ClydeUnion and GE conducted two eight-hour submergence tests to find out whether it was possible for a hot running pump, under simulated flooding conditions, to continue to run for the full test period with no change in fundamental performance or detrimental damage.
This type of cooling pump is capable of enhancing nuclear reactor safety
The test began with flooding the CUP-TWL with cold water, starting it with design steam conditions.
The team then conducted a series of performance tests and an emergency stop/start while submerged.
The test tank was drained while the unit continued to run and the temperature of the unit was allowed to stabilise with the steam supply at 290°C (554°F) before rapidly flooding the tank with cold water.
A second performance test was then conducted with a total of eight hours submerged running with no reduction in performance or integrity.
“The results of these tests leave little doubt that this type of cooling pump is capable of enhancing nuclear reactor safety in that, in the rare event where the pump may become flooded, it is specifically designed to continue to work submerged,” said Ranald Patrick, Chief Engineer for SPX’s ClydeUnion Pumps.
