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For over 60 years, we have been a trusted leader in the nuclear steam generator market. Steam generators transfer heat from the reactor in a nuclear power plant to generate steam for electricity production. Since the 1960s, we have reliably engineered, manufactured and shipped heavy nuclear components, supplying over 315 nuclear steam generators in Canada and around world. Our Cambridge facility houses one of the world’s largest nuclear clean rooms for nuclear component assembly.
In Canada, our steam generators drive the electrical turbines in every nuclear plant and many more worldwide. They have the lowest combined tube leak rate, the most optimum circulation rate, and the best operating record in the industry. Simply put, our steam generators are some of the most reliable in the world.
We offer expertise in the two fundamental steam generator designs used in commercial power systems in North America: once-through steam generators and recirculating steam generators.
Recirculating Steam Generators (RSGs)
In an RSG, only part of the feedwater is converted to steam as the water passes through the unit. After the steam is separated from the water, the steam is sent to the turbine for power generation, and the water is then returned to the tube bundle for additional steam generation. We consistently meet or exceed RSG design objectives, including creating “form, fit and function” designs to simplify licensing, retaining all terminal points, ensuring overall performance consistent with existing steam generators and maximizing reliability.
Once-Through Steam Generators (OTSGs)
The OTSG has a vertical-shell counterflow straight-tube heat exchanger design, which directly generates superheated steam as the feedwater flows through the steam generator in a single pass. We are the original designer and lead manufacturer of OTSGs for the nuclear industry. Like our RSGs, we consistently meet or exceed OTSG design objectives, including simplified licensing, performance consistency, reliability and ease of inspection and maintenance.
Replacement Steam Generators
Our advanced series of replacement steam generators are designed to support extending power plants’ operating lives. Our advanced series are designed with cutting-edge technology to overcome steam generator issues while meeting or exceeding all functional requirements. Our replacement steam generators incorporate upgrades in component materials, advanced design features and manufacturing methods and the latest technical developments to combat the causes of component degradation.
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The products and services described herein are provided by subsidiaries of BWX Technologies, Inc.