Siemens
Siemens nuclear power plant component
From left to right: the original obsolete part; the 3D prototype; and the actual 3D-printed impeller currently in use at Krško Nuclear Power Plant
Engineering and technology company, Siemens has installed a 3D printed part in a Slovenian nuclear power plant.
Achieving what it believes will be considered a breakthrough in the industry, Siemens, and the operators of Krško Nuclear Power Plant, have been impressed with the part’s continued safe operation since its installation. Such is the stringent safety and reliability requirements in the nuclear sector, achieving this qualification is a significant accomplishment in the nuclear and additive manufacturing spheres alike.
The part is a metallic, 108mm diameter impeller for a fire protection pump that is in constant rotating operation. This pump provides pressure for the fire protection system at the plant. The original impeller had been in operation since the pant was commissioned in 1981. Siemens’ engineering team reverse engineered and created a ‘digital twin’ of this original component. The company then printed the part in its additive manufacturing facility in Finspang, Sweden.
“We continue to push forward our investments and cutting-edge advancements in additive manufacturing and 3D printing,” said Tim Holt, CEO of Siemens Power Generation Services division. “This achievement at the Krško nuclear power plant is another example of how the digital transformation and the data-driven capabilities we have are impacting the energy industry in ways that really matter. Additive manufacturing’s reduced lead times and faster production optimises parts replacement and creates real value for our customers.”
Siemens
Krško Nuclear Power Plant
Slovenia's Krško nuclear power plant
Prior to the part’s installation, extensive testing was carried out over several months to ensure the part would perform safely and reliably. Further material testing at an independent institute, as well as a CT scan, showed that the material properties of the 3D-printed part were superior to those of the original part.
“The better than expected performance of this 3D-printed part gave us confidence that we can reach the full life expectancy from our asset,” said Vinko Planinc, Head of Maintenance at the Krško plant. “Siemens has a long history of innovation in this area and their dedication to providing their customers with the latest, proven innovations made them an excellent partner for this project.”
The Krško plant is considered among the best in Europe by the European Nuclear Safety Regulations Group in terms of safety according to assessments following the Fukushima Nuclear disaster in 2011. It provides more than 25% of Slovenia’s power, and 15% of Croatia’s power, making it vitally important to the region. For over a decade, Siemens has been actively performing modifications on the plant’s non-nuclear side, including turbine, generator and auxiliary equipment. Following this breakthrough, Siemens and Krško are planning to continue research and development, and advance the design of parts that are typically difficult to produce with traditional methods.
