Research Of Hydraulic Expansion Technology In CAP1400 Steam Generator

Steam generator is the core equipment of pressurized water reactor nuclear power plant. For the steam generator, the tube and tube sheet is connected by hydraulic expansion. The security of the whole nuclear power plant will be affected by the leakage during the normal work. This expanded joint is easy to leak. It’s of vital importance to study the hydraulic expansion of Steam generator.In this paper, according to finite element analysis and theorial calculation, the impact for residual contact pressure by expanding pressure was researched. The appropriate pressure was also determined. On the basis of finite element analysis about clearance, expanding length and tube-sheet hole defect’s impact on pull-out force, a series of technology parameters were determined. Besides, hydraulic Expansion test and pull-out test were accomplished. On this basis, pressure holding time was assured and the theorial calculation formula of pull-out force was detected.The project is not only for the design of CAP 1400 steam generator, but also provide technical reference for the manufacturing process of other same equipment.