Meeting Boiling Water Reactor Requirements with a Custom 260” RPV O-FLEX Metal O-Ring
Inside a commercial (BWR), unused steam is exhausted to a condenser, which is then condensed into water. The core reactor vessel, which serves heat to start the process, contains fuel assemblies that are cooled by light water.
To withstand the light water’s absorption of neutrons, the system uses enriched uranium — nearly 140 tonnes — as its nuclear fuel. The entire BWR contains between 370-800 fuel assemblies, and within these assemblies, a nuclear reactor pressure vessel (RPV) closure head seal is required for ultimate control and minimal leakage.
Clearly, this is a highly technical and specific industrial process that requires an equally tough and reliable seal. The custom-designed 260” RPV O-FLEX metal O-ring spare seals are made from high-strength Alloy 718 tubing — offering maximum strength, spring back, and resistance to radiation and corrosion — that is coiled, cut, and welded to size.
The base tubing is plated with pure (99.95%) silver, making this combo of elastic core (tubing) and a deformable plastic layer (silver) the most durable seal for RPVs.