Forged parts for heavy components

Forging at Creusot Forge

Having focused for some time on the replacement of vessel heads and steam generators, manufacturing operations for large forged parts are now being reoriented around the growing market for the construction of new power plants. With SFARSTEEL, its specialist subsidiary, AREVA has state-of-the art-equipment and technology to guarantee the quality and competitiveness of these parts, key components of the nuclear island.

The strategic role of forged parts

Forged parts are large molded and machined parts. They are used to manufacture the heavy components which form the primary reactor coolant loop. Expertise in forged part manufactures is critical to AREVA’s provision of an integrated product range.

A cast part is shaped using a sand mold. It is then subjected to a series of operations: arc-blowing (producing molten metal with an electric arc and removing the cast produced by air jet), grinding, welding, and machining. The molded parts are then subjected to non-destructive inspections, followed by hydraulic testing under pressure.

To support nuclear power plant modernization and construction programs, SFARSTEEL produces the following parts:

  • steam generator (SG) shells (upper, conical, and lower),
  • steam generator tube plates,
  • steam generator domes and bases,
  • nuclear reactor vessels,
  • legs (hot and cold) connecting the reactor and the steam generators.

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Discover Creusot Forge and Creusot Mecanique

Discover Creusot Forge and Creusot Mecanique

Creusot Forges and Creusot Mécanique have know-how recognized around the world in the fabrication of parts for nuclear islands and for the petrochemical sector. Their workshops and research centers utilize exceptional processes, from the forge through quality tests.

Machining

Dans son atelier de Creusot Mécanique, AREVA assure l’usinage de grande précision de pièces de grandes dimensions. Grâce à des moyens d’usinage exceptionnels par leurs tailles et leur précision et grâce au savoir-faire de ses opérateurs, Creusot Mécanique réalise entre autres l’usinage de précision des éléments en acier inoxydable du cloisonnement lourd des internes de la cuve du réacteur EPR™.

Leading the world

SFARSTEEL supplies forged parts for nearly 90 pressurized water reactors (PWR) in this market, as well as for heavy water reactors of the CANDU type (operated in India). Its international references make the group the world leader in this specialist field.

Also active in the petrochemical industry, SFARSTEEL has all of the certifications necessary to develop in environments as demanding as the nuclear or offshore sectors.

The SFARSTEEL manufacturing facility consists of:

  • a forge equipped with 2 presses (7,500 and 11,300 metric tons),
  • a machining workshop,
  • workshops for joint welding and machining mechanical sub-assemblies.