Nuclear Power - Sonkit Sealing Solutions

Nuclear Power

In the demanding world of nuclear technology, where safety and reliability are paramount, metal seals play a crucial role in maintaining system integrity. From traditional nuclear power plants to cutting-edge fusion reactors , these precision-engineered components are essential for containing radioactive materials, maintaining vacuum environments, and ensuring the longevity of critical equipment. This article explores the applications of metal seals in nuclear equipment, with a special focus on their use in China's Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak ( EAST ) reactor, also known as the " artificial artificial artificial artificial sun ."

Applications of Sonkit Metal Seals In Nuclear Power

Sonkit's metal sealing solutions are specifically designed to meet these challenges in various nuclear applications:

Nuclear Fusion Reactors (Tokamak Devices):

Fusion reactors, like the EAST "artificial sun" in China, demand seals that withstand extreme temperatures, magnetic fields, neutron radiation, and UHV. Sonkit's CIPP-type dual-stage metal seal, developed with ASIPP, addresses these challenges with a multi-layer composite structure and knife-edge design. This technology is critical for clean energy R&D.

Nuclear Accelerators:

Particle accelerators share similar sealing needs with fusion reactors: high vacuum, radiation resistance, and temperature fluctuations. Sonkit's zero-preload seals are ideal, especially for applications with ceramic, plastic, aluminum, and quartz flanges, where traditional methods struggle. Our solutions enable reliable sealing with minimal bolt preload.

Vacuum Sealing for Specialized Flanges:

Sonkit's composite all-metal seals excel at sealing between dissimilar materials, like polymer and stainless steel. This is valuable in nuclear applications using ceramic, plastic, aluminum, and quartz flanges, which are difficult to seal conventionally. Our seals offer full compression with minimal bolt force.

Advantages of Sonkit Metal Seals In Nuclear Power

Metal seals are preferred in nuclear applications due to their superior performance under extreme conditions. Key advantages include:

Radiation Resistance :

Unlike elastomeric seals, metal seals maintain their integrity under high radiation exposure. Studies have shown that metal seals can withstand radiation doses exceeding 10^9 rads without significant degradation.

Temperature Tolerance:

Nuclear environments often involve high temperatures. Metal seals, particularly those made from nickel-based alloys like Inconel 718, can operate effectively at temperatures up to 650°C (1202°F).

Pressure Resistance:

In reactor vessels and associated piping systems, metal seals can withstand pressures exceeding 200 MPa (29,000 PSI).

Low Permeability:

Metal seals provide excellent barriers against gas permeation, crucial for maintaining containment in nuclear systems. Helium leak rates as low as 10^-10 cc/sec can be achieved with properly designed metal seals.

Long-term Stability:

Metal seals exhibit minimal creep and stress relaxation over time, ensuring consistent performance over the long operational life of nuclear equipment.

Trusted By

We are trusted by these companies within the Nuclear Power industry

To see our other customers in all industries, click below

View all customers

Sealing Solutions In The Nuclear Power Industry

Metal C-Ring Seal

Metal C-rings feature a metallic "C" substrate, require low bolting load, offer good spring back, and are system pressure-energized for internal, external, or axial sealing in extreme conditions.

CIPP Type Dual-Stage Metal Seal

The CIPP Type Dual-Stage Single Lining Metal Seal features a dual-stage design that enhances sealing performance, providing reliable leak prevention and durability in high-temperature/pressure applications.

Metal O-Ring Seal

The Metal O-ring is a durable metallic seal designed for harsh conditions, offering an optimal balance of cost and performance for high-pressure/high-temperature applications with minimal spring back.

Case Study - Sonkit Metal Seals in China's "Artificial Sun"

The Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) reactor, located at the Institute of Plasma Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences ( ASIPP ) in Hefei, China, represents the cutting edge of nuclear fusion research. This "artificial sun" aims to replicate the fusion process that powers our sun, potentially unlocking a virtually limitless source of clean energy.

Sonkit Industry Technology Co., Ltd. has played a crucial role in this groundbreaking project by providing high-performance metal seals for critical components of the EAST reactor. The extreme conditions within the reactor demand sealing solutions that push the boundaries of material science and engineering.

Key specifications of Sonkit's metal seals for the EAST reactor:

Seal Type - Metal C-Ring with silver coating

Material - Inconel 718

Size - 2000mm (78.74 inches) in diameter

Temperature Resistance - Up to 350°C (662°F)

Pressure Tolerance - 100-200 MPa (14,500-29,000 PSI)

Medium - Corrosive gases and liquids

The silver coating on the C-Ring seals serves multiple purposes:

Enhanced sealing properties at lower loads

Improved corrosion resistance

Optimized thermal and electrical conductivity

Our Commitment to Quality and Excellence

As a leading metal ring seal manufacturer, Sonkit prioritizes quality and adheres to stringent standards, demonstrated by the following:

ISO 9001:2015 Certification:

We strictly implement the ISO 9001:2015 quality management system, ensuring full control and traceability of all Sonkit metal seals.

State-of-the-Art Facilities:

Our Shanghai factory features a high-standard office and production environment with advanced digital and intelligent processing and inspection equipment, providing a leading edge in manufacturing and quality control.

GE SRG Audit Approval:

Passing the GE SRG audit in 2023 underscores our commitment to quality assurance and industry best practices.

Premium Materials:

We use high-quality alloys such as Alloy 718, Waspaloy, and stainless steel for superior seal durability and performance.

Stringent Quality Control:

Our in-house test labs, equipped with advanced testing equipment, guarantee the highest quality standards through rigorous testing, including vacuum and helium leak tests.

Collaborative Partnerships:

We work closely with renowned universities and research institutes and have extensive experience collaborating with top 500 enterprises, further enhancing our quality and innovation.

Conclusion

Metal seals, exemplified by Sonkit's contributions to the EAST reactor, play a vital role in advancing nuclear technology. Their ability to withstand extreme temperatures, pressures, and radiation makes them indispensable in both fission and fusion applications. As we continue to push the boundaries of nuclear science , the development of advanced metal sealing solutions will remain crucial in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and feasibility of next-generation nuclear equipment.

For more information about Sonkit's metal ring seals and their applications, please visit www.sonkitsealing.com or contact us at johnny@sonkit.cn

Back to applications