Testing experience of NAPP fuelling machine heads

The Fuelling Machine (FM) and its various controls are being manufactured in India progressively with more and more indigenous components. After manufacture and final assembly, it is necessary to prove its reactor worthiness. Hence each FM is tested and qualified under fully simulated reactor operating conditions of pressure, temperature and flow in radiation-free environment. Five FM Heads of Narora Atomic Power Station have been qualified. The test facility has water hydraulic, oil hydraulic and computerised control system. This paper deals with the experience on NAPP FM heads which have been tested, as well as with the test facility used for testing these heads. (author)