A High Reliability Straight Tube LMFBR Steam Generator Design
Straight-tube counterflow steam generators for LMFBR applications have been proposed, tested, fabricated and operated with varying degrees of success. A new embodiment of the straight-tube concept is described which incorporates a number of unique features which contribute to high reliability and availability. These features include a replaceable bellows for accommodation of differential thermal expansion between shell and tubes and a redundant, crevice-free tube-to-tubesheet joint design. The design can also easily incorporate single-wall or double-wall tubes. Single and double-wall tube versions are described whose thermal and geometric size are based on anticipated manufacturing limitations. The results of scoping tests of the tube-to-tubesheet welds are described which provide positive indications of the soundness of the weld design.