Applying knowledge in the field of structural materials degradation from large pressurized reactors to small modular reactors

Abstract

Innovative design incorporates radical conceptual changes in design approaches or system configuration in comparison with existing practice and would, therefore, require substantial R&D, feasibility tests and a prototype or demonstration plant to be implemented. According to the classification currently used by the IAEA, small reactors are the reactors with an equivalent electric power less than 300 MW. The NuScale Power Module (NPM) is a small, light-water-cooled pressurized-water reactor (PWR). To approach the R&D activity in the field of SMR, one can use the knowledge and expertise held by researchers regarding large reactors CANDU PHWR. The paper synthetically presents a CANDU Nuclear Power Plant and a NuScale reactor and a short presentation of steam generators used for the two types of reactors. Also, the paper includes a description of the processes and structural materials for the CANDU steam generator and the identification of known processes or those for which intense research activity must be developed to fill the knowledge gaps for the NuScale steam generators. Finding the answers for these issues supposes inter and transdisciplinarity in engineering sciences and technologies. Only by working in research teams including chemists, physicists, engineers specializing in materials science, metallurgy, energy, electronics can be identified and put into practice the optimal solutions for the proper functioning of innovative reactors.