Kinectrics, a division of BWX Applied sciences Inc. (NYSE: BWXT), and Burloak Applied sciences have efficiently utilized steel additive manufacturing for nuclear vitality purposes. The partnership, which started in 2021, goals to supply nuclear-grade parts that deal with obsolescence points in operational fleets and assist rising reactor applied sciences.
The collaboration concerned manufacturing a hydraulic manifold utilizing additive manufacturing strategies. The advanced, pressure-retaining high-grade metal element was initially produced by way of standard manufacturing strategies. The half was designed and manufactured to fulfill nuclear service atmosphere necessities and display a nuclear qualification path for Burloak’s steel AM course of.
The preliminary focus targets high-obsolescence threat parts in Canada’s CANDU fleet and different getting old nuclear reactors. Each firms additionally see purposes for additive manufacturing in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and superior reactor designs. The expertise’s skill to cut back half depend, optimize fluid dynamics, and allow fast prototyping aligns with next-generation nuclear expertise targets.
“This program demonstrates that AM elements could be certified for nuclear use when the method is managed and validated to nuclear-grade requirements. We’ve utilized the identical rigor we carry to historically manufactured parts, guaranteeing that security, efficiency, and traceability stay uncompromised,” mentioned David Marttila, Senior Director of Nuclear Tools Options at Kinectrics.
“Additive manufacturing allows on-demand manufacturing of alternative elements which can be in any other case unattainable to supply. We’re not solely fixing for obsolescence — we’re working with Kinectrics to assist develop the framework for utilizing the Additive Manufacturing (AM) course of within the Canadian nuclear business, whereas creating new engineering choices that meet and infrequently exceed the efficiency of legacy manufacturing processes,” mentioned Jason Ball, VP/GM at Burloak Applied sciences.
Supply: kinectrics.com
