1. Specifications & Capability
FUSHUN METAL forges reactor pressure vessel (RPV) components in SA-508 Gr.2/3, 16MND5, 18MND5 and 20MnMoNi5-5, from vacuum-cast ingots up to 114 t and single pieces up to the 100 t class. Final dimensions are established through project-specific process qualification.
These forgings cover the full primary pressure boundary, produced to ASME and RCC-M with third-party surveillance and EN 10204 3.2 certification.
| Grade | Standard | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| SA-508 Gr.3 | ASME SA-508 | RPV shell, head, nozzles |
| 16MND5 | RCC-M | Steam generator heads, tubesheets |
| 20MnMoNi5-5 / 1.6310 | EN 10222 | European RPV steel |
2. Components & Service Conditions
FUSHUN METAL forges the complete RPV set: shell courses, transition rings, nozzle shells, the closure head, the bottom head, nozzles, pressuriser shell courses, steam generator heads and tubesheets, and main coolant pump casings. These components form the primary pressure boundary, containing the reactor coolant at operating pressure and temperature.
Near the core the steel sees neutron irradiation, so copper and vanadium are tightly controlled to resist irradiation embrittlement. Multiple-ladle casting with inverse-segregation compensation and vacuum treatment secures the internal soundness of the 100 t class sections, and full-section ultrasonic testing plus third-party surveillance confirm compliance with the nuclear code.
3. Grade Equivalents – SA-508 Gr.3 / 16MND5
| Designation | Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SA-508 Gr.2/3 | ASME SA-508 | US RPV steels |
| 16MND5 / 18MND5 | RCC-M | French RPV steels |
| 20MnMoNi5-5 / 1.6310 | EN 10222 | European RPV steel |
| 20MnMo | JB/T | Reference only, not used in certification |
| Grade | C | Si | Mn | Cr | Mo | Ni |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SA-508 Gr.3 | 0.25 max | 0.15-0.40 | 1.20-1.50 | 0.25 max | 0.45-0.60 | 0.40-1.00 |
| 16MND5 | 0.20 max | 0.10-0.30 | 1.15-1.55 | 0.25 max | 0.45-0.55 | 0.50-0.80 |
Copper and vanadium are controlled to resist neutron irradiation embrittlement over the vessel’s 40-60 year design life.
4. Manufacturing Process
Melting & casting. FUSHUN METAL uses multiple-ladle pouring with inverse-segregation compensation and vacuum casting up to 114 t, controlling copper, vanadium and residual elements for irradiation resistance.
Forging. Shell courses, heads and nozzle shells are forged as single pieces with a high reduction ratio, compacting the core and closing central porosity.
Heat treatment. Quenching and tempering set the strength and toughness required for the primary boundary.
Testing. Full-section UT, mechanical and impact tests, and third-party surveillance with EN 10204 3.2 certification and complete traceability.
5. Standards & Certification
RPV forgings are supplied to ASME SA-508 and RCC-M, with EN 10204 3.2 certificates and third-party surveillance. FUSHUN METAL holds ISO 9001 and AS9120B certification.
Related forgings: nuclear flange rings and heat exchanger tubesheets.
6. Typical Applications
RPV shells, heads and nozzles for PWR plants.
Heads and tubesheets for nuclear steam generators.
Pressuriser shell courses for primary circuit control.
Main coolant pump casings for the primary loop.
7. Inquiry Essentials
To quote your RPV forging, please provide the component drawing, the reactor type, the required grade, and the third-party surveillance requirements.
