Navigating India's Energy Future: The Vital Role of Nuclear Valves

In India's quest for sustainable energy, nuclear power emerges as a beacon of promise. With the nation's electricity demands rapidly escalating and coal reserves facing limitations, the imperative for a robust nuclear infrastructure becomes undeniable.

Presently, India heavily relies on coal, supplemented by hydropower, to meet its energy needs. However, projections indicate that coal resources may only sustain this demand for another half-century. Enter nuclear power - a technology with the potential to fulfill India's energy requirements for centuries to come, all while offering superior environmental credentials.

As India's nuclear technology matures, its significance in the country's energy landscape grows exponentially. But harnessing nuclear power necessitates stringent safety measures and precision engineering, particularly in the design and operation of nuclear valves within power plants.

Enter the 'N' certification - a hallmark of quality assurance in the realm of nuclear applications. This certification signifies adherence to international standards essential for the design, manufacture, and testing of nuclear valves. With an 'N' stamp, facilities are equipped to produce equipment compliant with ASME SEC – III Div 1, positioning them to compete in the global market for nuclear power plant components.

Moreover, the significance of 'N' certification extends beyond borders, with mandatory requirements for equipment supplied to the U.S.A and Canada, and applicability to other regions based on customer specifications.

As India charts its energy future, the imperative for 'N' certified nuclear valves becomes indisputable. They stand as guardians of safety, reliability, and global competitiveness in the journey towards a sustainable energy landscape.

Why ‘N’ Certification ?

To upgrade Quality systems to meet International requirements for NUCLEAR Power Plant Equipment

To enable us Manufacture Code stamp equipment as per ASME SEC – III Div 1

Enable us to compete in global market for Nuclear Power Plant Equipment.

ASME NUCLEAR CODE STAMPING REQUIREMENT:

Mandatory for equipment to be supplied to U.S.A & Canada.

Applicable if specified by the Customer for equipment to be supplied to other parts of the world

Scope of Section -III

Division 1 - Metallic Vessels, Heat Exchangers, Storage Tanks Piping System, Pumps, Valves & Core Support structures

Division 2 - Concrete containment Vessels

Division 3 - Metallic containment systems for Storage & Transportation of spent fuel and high level radioactive materials & Waste

Sub section NCA - General Requirements for Div.1 & 2

Sub section WA - General Requirements for Division 3

Classification of Nuclear Items as per Section III Division 1 :

Class 1 as per subsection NB

Class 2 as per subsection NC

Class 3 as per subsection ND

Class MC as per subsection NE

Supports as per subsection NF

Core Supports as per subsection NG

ASME Nuclear Certificates & Stamps:

N - Construction of equipment (including design & final testing)

NPT - Manufacturing of Equipment / Subassemblies without design & final testing

NS - Support Structures

NA - Assembly of Nuclear Components

NV - Pressure relief Valves

QA Program Documentation:

Nuclear Quality Assurance Manual (NQAM)

Prepared based on ASME SEC III Sub section NCA & ASME-NQA-1.

Nuclear Quality Assurance Procedures (NQAP)

Prepared based on requirements of various Sub-sections of ASME SEC III Div 1.

Here are the Important Control procedures:

DESIGN CONTROL

PROCUREMENT DOCUMENT CONTROL

DOCUMENT CONTROL

CONTROL OF PURCHASED ITEMS & SERVICES

CONTROL OF PROCESS

INSPECTION, EXAMINATION & TESTING

INDOCTRINATION , TRAINING & QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

AUTHORIZED NUCLEAR INSPECTION

Generally The Design Process involved for N, NPT & 10 CFR.

First step is understanding of Section III Div 1 – NB & NCA requirements for design. Analysis through FEA is a mandatory requirement for N Stamp.

Second step is to understand the needs of the customer and to prepare design input sheet. Since there is an external interface in this stage in the form of customer spec. a design input checklist is necessary.

Then prepare design plan in which responsibility of personnel carrying out design is defined.

Carry out design calculations using excel as per req. excel used for doing this calculations needs to be validated thro hand calculations.(For any other Calculation methods - A Program validation Report is mandatory}

The 3D modeling software need not be validated. But the FEA software needs to be analyzed. Follow SI unit / US customary units throughout the calculation without interchanging them.

All procedures and the whole manual depends up on the organization chart. Any change in the same may lead to major changes in manual.

In conclusion, as India's energy demands shift towards nuclear power, the necessity for N-stamped valves in power plants becomes imperative. With the potential to meet long-term energy needs and environmental considerations in mind, the expertise of subject matter experts is vital for ensuring the safety and efficacy of nuclear technology. Stay connected with me for more insights and contact me directly for anything to be moving forward in Nuclear and Power domain..

Best Regards

Karthikeyan K

Oil&Gas I Subsea I Power I Nuclear I Mines