Process pumps used for research
Orlita process pumps ensure smooth material testing for nuclear power plants and nuclear facilities. Researchers working in the Studsvik Nuclear AB laboratories in Sweden are testing the impact of hydrogen gas concentrations on various encapsulation materials. Studsvik offers a range of advanced technical services to the international nuclear power industry. The tested materials are used to encapsulate nuclear fuel elements with the overall aim of storing them safely for hundreds of years.
| Orlita MfS, MhS, PS and DR ranges |
- specially designed for chemical process technology
- for controlled critical media feeding
- good operational reliability and availability
- highly accurate metering using a rigid compression curve
- long diaphragm / piston life
more |
They need to ensure complete seal integrity at all times regardless of the prevailing conditions. The researchers defined three identical autoclave systems and tested them in loops lasting 30, 100, 100 and further 200 days. The results will show the effect on the material with different hydrogen concentration over time.
Olita range feeds critical media
Three low-flow diaphragm pumps from the Olita range meter the system solution of boric acid and lithium hydroxide dissolved in water . These process pumps, designed especially for the chemical industry, feature a robust steel diaphragm.
The solutions used for the research differ in terms of their hydrogen gas content. No forms of radioactivity occur during the tests.
Strict monitoring with robust steel diaphragm
"The job of always ensuring accurate pressure and flow speed monitoring in this extreme test environment is a tough one," says Peter Gillén, who works in the Studsvik research department. In the past the researchers used a Teflon diaphragm but it didn't prove satisfactory. "The problem was that the hydrogen gas molecules diffused from the liquid side to the hydraulic side. But the process metering pumps with a steel diaphragm were perfect."
Preparations for the individual series of tests are very time-consuming, which makes pump failure very costly. The pressure must not drop because otherwise the exposure environment changes.
Test details. The pumps generate a pressure of 215 bar and a flow of 3 l/h. Then the system solution is heated to 360 degrees by heat exchangers and a preheater. After the preheater, the system solution is fed into an autoclave where all the samples are located. "We have now been running stringent tests with these pumps for 100 days without any problems," says Gillén.
Facts
Studsvik offers a range of advanced technical services to the international nuclear power industry in such areas as waste treatment, decommissioning, engineering & services, and operating efficiency. The company has 60 years experience of nuclear technology and radiological services. Studsvik is a leading supplier on a rapidly expanding market.
The business is conducted through five segments: Sweden, United Kingdom, Germany, USA and Global Services. Studsvik has 1,100 employees. The company's shares are listed on the NASDAQ OMX Stockholm.
