The Design and Construction of Heat Exchangers for Gas-Cooled Nuclear Power Plant

Abstract

The scope of the paper is limited to the design and construction of heat exchangers of the type used in gas-cooled nuclear power plant for the purpose of raising steam. Among the earliest examples of such heat exchangers were the steam-raising units at Calder Hall and Chapelcross: the paper discusses their development and behaviour in operation. Subsequent improvements exemplified by the plant at Hinkley Point and Sizewell are described and reference is made to considerations affecting current designs. Although the design and construction of these nuclear heat exchangers represent little extrapolation beyond well-established principles and practice, certain peculiarities do require special attention. Amongst these is their radiation environment and necessity of placing ancillaries requiring routine attendance in appropriately shielded positions. Another requirement is a knowledge of the transient behaviour of the heat exchangers both in normal and in emergency operation. Yet another relates to virtual elimination of the possibility of leakage. The paper concludes with reference to future trends and designs of steam raising plant suitable for advanced conditions.