Nuclear

Fusion

ITER is an international research project dedicated to testing the feasibility of fusion power. The device will trap hydrogen isotopes in magnetic fields and heat them to around 100 million degrees Celsius. At that temperature, the hydrogen will fuse to form helium, releasing neutrons and energy in the process. ITER could become a second major source of atomic energy besides fission.

Mission-critical components inside the ITER such as the blanket system require Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) in order to shield the reactor from gases as hot as the centre of the sun.

Fluid systems

Fluid systems have to answer strict requirements in terms of in-service behaviour and corrosion resistance. Specific heat treatments such as over quench, tempering, ageing, solution annealing, stabilisation, are used to provide different stainless steels and base nickel components in-service required properties. Typical treated parts include:

• Piping
• Pump elements
• Rings
• Shafts

In-core assemblies

The reliability of both rod cluster control and fuel assemblies is crucial to nuclear plant operations. The components must withstand degradations caused by the various media and conditions encountered. Loss of their critical functionality as well as the possible pollution of the fluid systems must be avoided.

Bodycote employs specific heat treatments to ensure performance of the various materials used. Environmentally friendly low temperature plasma processes are also employed for components which undergo heavy mechanical loadings and require superior wear and seizure resistance. Typical treated parts include:

• Rod cluster control assembly
• Fuel assembly
• Thin walled tubes
• Socket head screw
• Springs
• Grids