Engineering Laboratory and Rig Design - Rolls-Royce

Primary circuit relief valves rig
Valve test facility
The valve test facility (VTF) works in the development and production
testing of valves for use on the nuclear reactor plant using high temperature
high pressure water. The rig is capable of performing functionality tests on
the following valves: hydraulically operated, pneumatically operated, oil
operated, electrically operated and manual valves.
Control rod test facility
The control rod test facility comprises 3 rigs:
Hot CRTF rig – This rig is used to test control rod drive mechanisms
(stators, upper drive mechanisms and position indicators) in a pressurised
heated vessel. The rig is capable of testing at NSRP conditions, ie high
temperature and pressure. The rig is mainly used to perform development
and prototype testing and was used for the new generation of upper
mechanism containing out-motion and rebound latches.
In air CRTF rig – This rig is used to perform the same functionality tests of
CRDMs as the hot CRTF rig without the need to immerse the components
in a pressurised vessel. This rig is used to carry out production testing of all
CRDMs that are fitted to the nuclear submarine fleet.
Position indicator rig – This rig is used to carry out electrical calibration
of production position indicators. These components are used on the
submarine to indicate the position of all the fuel rod in the reactor
pressure vessel during operation.
Heat transfer rig
The heat transfer rig is used to provide experimental data to validate the
thermal and hydraulic mathematical models used for the design and
safety justifications of pressurised water reactor (PWR) cores. To date,
the rig has been used to develop PWR1, SWR and PWR2. A test section,
representing a reactor core cooling channel, is fitted between insulating
flanges. Heated, pressurised water is passed through 6”, 2”, or ½” lines
into the test cell. A series of tests is carried out where the parameters of
fluid flow rate, temperature and pressure drop are measured as power
is increased via a 2MW DC power supply through the test section. The
aim is to find an operating envelope within which the heat transfer
mechanism remains intact, and the structural integrity of the test section
is maintained. The rig has also been adapted to test compact heat
exchanger units for the oil industry and perform tests on stator can units
for the Ministry of Defence.
Primary circuit relief valves (PCRV)
Installed, upgraded and commissioned in Sept 2006. The PCRV rig tests
relief valves at high temperature and pressures. The test rig mainly
comprises a steam generator (boiler), 3 large accumulator vessels, stainless
steel pipework and valves, a discharge tank and a modern control room. To
supplement the rig pressure once temperature has been attained, a high
pressure nitrogen system is incorporated which provides the necessary
surge to lift the valve at test.
Rigs team
The team provide complete solutions for the design, implementation
and testing of rigs. In addition, we also have the capability to
design mechanical handling systems, jigs and tools, and automated
inspection systems.
Test rigs
Rolls-Royce has considerable experience in the design and
implementation of mechanical test rigs (used for testing components) and
fluid flow rigs (used to understanding of flow regimes within components
and systems).
The Rolls-Royce engineering laboratory and test rig team, has the
capability and experience to produce bespoke test rigs to operate at both
ambient conditions and high pressure and temperature environments.
Working closely with the customer at all times, our specialist team design
specific test requirements and then develop solutions to meet customer
expectations.
The team offers full rigs service from conception to final handover to the
customer. Additionally, we provide full support after delivery including
upgrades and modifications where necessary to maintain standards and
support ongoing test development.
7406/SO.24/Nov10
Rolls-Royce Power Engineering plc
PO Box 2000, Derby DE21 7BD, England
Tel: +44 (0)1332 632688
Fax: +44 (0)1332 622936
Email: nuclearsolutions@rolls-royce.com
www.rolls-royce.com
© 2010 Rolls-Royce plc
Whilst this information is given in good faith, no
warranty or representation is given concerning such
information, which must not be taken as establishing
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Rolls-Royce plc or any of its subsidiary companies.