Maintenance experience on process heat exchangers in Dhruva reactor

Dhruva a 100 MW (thermal) high flux research reactor has two types of heat exchangers operating in various process system i.e. shell and tube type and plate type. Annexure-1 indicates various heat exchangers in different systems of the reactor. Among the heat exchangers, those used in main coolant system, vault and shield cooling system did not warrant regular overhaul after commissioning but for periodic fastness, tightness checks in view of the high standard of purity and close chemistry control on the process fluids on both the sides of the heat exchangers. In addition, the heat transfer performance of these heat exchangers have been consistent without any degradation. Therefore shell and tube type heat exchangers in process water system and plate type heat exchangers in process water and Spent Fuel Storage Building (SFSB) bay water recirculation systems are typically chosen for highlighting the maintenance experience. Maintenance experience on process heat exchangers is given. 4 ills