What are nuclear grade connectors?
Nuclear grade connectors must be exceptionally reliable and rugged enough to withstand extreme conditions such as chemical exposure, high temperatures, radiation, and seismic activity.
Meet the Connector: Nuclear Grade Connectors
Connectors used in the nuclear energy industry must be exceptionally reliable and rugged enough to withstand extreme conditions such as chemical exposure, high temperatures, radiation, and seismic activity. In addition to maintaining high performance levels, they must meet requirements for radioactive decontamination, stringent cleaning procedures, and microbiological sterilization (autoclave, EtO [ethylene oxide], gamma radiation, and Steris or Sterrad technologies). All this impacts the choice of material and sealing level.
Connectors for nuclear energy applications often require high mating cycles, which makes durability as well as ease of mating and unmating a priority. They may be keyed for quick, positive one-way connection.
Design Notes
Standards:
NQA-1 (Nuclear Quality Assurance-1) standard is created and maintained by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
RCC-E is the French standard for the design and construction of electrical equipment for nuclear islands.
LOCA is the loss of coolant accident qualification criteria
Mating cycles: High mating cycles with quick and easy mating and unmating.
Locking mechanism: A push-pull locking system is often used because it is extremely safe and easy to connect, even when wearing gloves.
Material specifications: Stainless steel is recommended for nuclear applications for its combination of strength and corrosion resistance, ability to withstand high temperatures, and because it can conduct electricity. Other premium materials for these connectors include 316L, PEEK, and EPDM.
Plating: passivated plating to prevent reactivity
Markets and Applications
Nuclear grade connectors are used in a wide range of applications: valve controls/monitoring, control rod drive mechanisms, rod position indicators, pressure transmitters, solenoids, hydrogen detectors, fuel handling equipment, radiation-tolerant cameras, limit switches, radiation detectors, in-core detectors, data acquisition equipment, post-accident monitoring systems, process control monitoring, pressurized water reactors, and secure connection to qualified electrical equipment such as sensors, transmitters, limit switches and sensitive control equipment.
Suppliers
Connectors for use in the nuclear energy industry are available in many variations from many suppliers, including: Axon’ Cable, Radiall, RS, TE Connectivity, Fischer Connectors, Glenair, Souriau, Namco
Like this article? Check out our other Meet the Connector and Networking articles, our Military and Aerospace Market Page, and our 2024 Article Archives.
Subscribe to our weekly e-newsletters, follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook, and check out our eBook archives for more applicable, expert-informed connectivity content.
- Tiny Medical Sensors Boost Procedure Success in a Big Way - October 29, 2024
- What are Multiport Connectors? - October 29, 2024
- Magnetic Connectors Product Roundup - October 29, 2024