The Oskarshamn 3 (OKG3) reactor, 30 km north of Oskarshamn, was connected to the Swedish power grid in 1980. It is a boiling water reactor (BWR) that provides approximately 10 % of Sweden’s electricity needs each year.
In 2021, OKG3 supplied more than 10,000 GWh of electricity, which generally increases yearly.
OKG3 holds preparation, security and maintenance at the heart of its nuclear power plant operations. In September 2022, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) finalized a long-term operational safety review of OKG3 and found good practices and performances; these were shared within the global nuclear industry, modeling them as an industry leader.
The IAEA team leader and nuclear safety officer, Martin Marchena, said: “The team observed that OKG is implementing preparations for safe Long Term Operations (LTO) in a timely manner and the staff at the plant are professional, open and receptive to suggestions for improvement.”
As oversights and errors can have momentous and widespread consequences, the nuclear industry must be held to a higher standard than other industries. Afiliating with a trusted supplier, an industry expert with customization capabilities, will make it easier to guarantee minimal system failures.
Meeting BWR Requirements
In a commercial BWR, unused steam is condensed into water. The core reactor vessel provides heat to begin the process and comprises fuel assemblies cooled by light water.
The system uses almost 140 tons of enriched uranium as nuclear fuel to survive light water's absorption of neutrons. The entire BWR contains between 370 and 800 fuel assemblies, inside which a nuclear reactor pressure vessel (RPV) closure-head seal is needed for minimal leakage and ultimate control.
This highly technical and specific industrial process requires an equally sturdy and reliable seal. The specially designed 260” RPV O-FLEX metal O-ring spare seals are formed from high-strength alloy 718 tubing. They offer maximum strength, spring-back, and resistance to radiation and corrosion and are coiled, cut, and welded to size.
The base tubing is plated with 99.95 % silver. The most durable seal for RPVs combines an elastic core (tubing) and a deformable plastic layer (silver).
Image Credit: Technetics Group
Helping OKG3 Supply Power to Sweden
Technetics has been working with OKG3 since 2021 and began developing multiple custom 260” RPV O-FLEX metal O-ring spare seals at the end of 2023.
This collaboration has ensured the integrity and fine-tuning of all documentation, including multiple revisions of raw material and operational cost development quotes as changes have occurred.
By purchasing customized spare O-rings for its reactor vessel, OKG3 is persistent in its commitment to safety and precaution.
Image Credit: Jan von nebenan/Shutterstock.com
Technetics: A Critical Solution Partner for the Nuclear Industry
Technetics follows component design, using engineers who work closely with stakeholders from foundation to installation to guarantee the highest level of satisfaction.
Technetics has 50 years of expertise as an international RPV seal design and manufacturing leader.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Technetics Group.
For more information on this source, please visit Technetics Group.