Steam Generator Technology in Nuclear Power Plants

In summary: The study done by C-E looks at all kinds of potential SG configurations. Ability to fabricate is a big factor. The typical designs we see today (vertical U-tube and vertical once-through) weren't just the first thing that popped into their minds. Unfortunately this kind of design study is still proprietary, trade secret stuff.
  • #1
kumar1405
6
1
hi every one ,

I need an information about the development of steam generator technology in nuclear power plants . please suggest me some websites or textbooks for reference .
thank you in advance .
 
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  • #2
kumar1405 said:
hi every one ,

I need an information about the development of steam generator technology in nuclear power plants . please suggest me some websites or textbooks for reference .
thank you in advance .
What have you found in your searching so far? It would seem that there would be a lot of detailed information available that you could find with a Google search, no? :smile:
 
  • #3
berkeman said:
What have you found in your searching so far? It would seem that there would be a lot of detailed information available that you could find with a Google search, no? :smile:
Yeah i found information about steam generators . Like how it work ,different types of steam generators,materials used for it ,about U-tubes,issues ,degradation and some more details . Actually iam looking for the development of steam generators from generation -1 to generation -4.
 
  • #4
One can find information on steam generators from the IAEA

http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/te_981_prn.pdf (1997)
http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/Publications/PDF/TE_1668_web.pdf (2011 update)

B&W adopted so-called Once-Through Steam Generators (PTSG), while Westinghouse and Combustion Engineering (CE) adopted recirculating or U-tube steam generators.

The material of choice for the tubing was Inconel 600, but it was found that the alloy was particularly susceptible to IGSCC and Ni-dissolution. Siemens favored Incoloy 800, and modern steam generators use either Incoloy 800 or Inconel 690, with a reduced proportion of Ni. Heat treatment is another important characteristic in addition to composition and fabrication methods.

Somewhat related but of importance these days are passive heat removal systems.
http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/te_1624_web.pdf

EPRI has published The Steam Generator Reference Book, Revision 1 (~50 MB)
Look at www.nrc.gov/docs/ML1021/ and find ML102180302.pdf (use safe target as)
Downloading can be slow.
 
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  • #5
Astronuc said:
One can find information on steam generators from the IAEA

http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/te_981_prn.pdf (1997)
http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/Publications/PDF/TE_1668_web.pdf (2011 update)

B&W adopted so-called Once-Through Steam Generators (PTSG), while Westinghouse and Combustion Engineering (CE) adopted recirculating or U-tube steam generators.

The material of choice for the tubing was Inconel 600, but it was found that the alloy was particularly susceptible to IGSCC and Ni-dissolution. Siemens favored Incoloy 800, and modern steam generators use either Incoloy 800 or Inconel 690, with a reduced proportion of Ni. Heat treatment is another important characteristic in addition to composition and fabrication methods.

Somewhat related but of importance these days are passive heat removal systems.
http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/te_1624_web.pdf

EPRI has published The Steam Generator Reference Book, Revision 1 (~50 MB)
Look at www.nrc.gov/docs/ML1021/ and find ML102180302.pdf (use safe target as)
Downloading can be slow.
Thank you very much for giving me links and details .
 
  • #6
I once saw an old study done by C-E looking at all kinds of potential SG configurations: horizontal, vertical, U-tube, once-through, cylindrical, spherical, integral steam drum, remote steam drum, downcomer on the circumference, downcomer down the centerline, etc. etc. Ability to fabricate is a big factor. The typical designs we see today (vertical U-tube and vertical once-through) weren't just the first thing that popped into their minds. Unfortunately this kind of design study is still proprietary, trade secret stuff.
 
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  • #7
gmax137 said:
I once saw an old study done by C-E looking at all kinds of potential SG configurations: horizontal, vertical, U-tube, once-through, cylindrical, spherical, integral steam drum, remote steam drum, downcomer on the circumference, downcomer down the centerline, etc. etc. Ability to fabricate is a big factor. The typical designs we see today (vertical U-tube and vertical once-through) weren't just the first thing that popped into their minds. Unfortunately this kind of design study is still proprietary, trade secret stuff.
Thank you very much for your reply. please could you send me the link or information about the study done by C-E.
 

What is a steam generator in a nuclear power plant?

A steam generator is a crucial component of a nuclear power plant that converts heat from the reactor into steam. This steam is then used to drive turbines that generate electricity.

How does a steam generator work?

A steam generator consists of thousands of tubes through which hot water from the reactor flows. This water is heated by the nuclear reactions and the resulting heat is transferred to the tubes, which in turn heats the water inside them. The heated water then turns into steam and is collected in a separate chamber, which is then used to drive turbines.

What are the benefits of using steam generators in nuclear power plants?

Steam generators are an efficient and reliable way to convert heat from nuclear reactions into electricity. They also have a smaller footprint compared to other power plant technologies, making them suitable for areas with limited space. Additionally, the steam produced by these generators is clean and does not contribute to air pollution.

What are the safety precautions in place for steam generators in nuclear power plants?

Nuclear power plants have strict safety regulations in place to ensure the safe operation of steam generators. These include regular inspections and maintenance, as well as safety features such as pressure relief valves and emergency shutdown systems. Additionally, plant operators undergo extensive training to handle any potential issues with the steam generators.

How has steam generator technology evolved over the years in nuclear power plants?

Since the first nuclear power plant was built in the 1950s, steam generator technology has undergone significant advancements. These include improved materials for the tubes, more efficient heat transfer designs, and enhanced safety features. These advancements have made steam generators even more reliable and efficient in producing electricity from nuclear reactions.

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