Client: CNNC Nuclear Power Operations Technology Co., Ltd. / Nuclear Power Operations Research Institute
Plate & shell heat exchangers are increasingly adopted in nuclear power plants and other high-reliability energy systems, where safety margins, pressure resistance, and long-term operational stability are critical design drivers.
For this project, a fully welded plate & shell heat exchanger was supplied to CNNC Nuclear Power Operations Technology Co., Ltd. / Nuclear Power Operations Research Institute for high-temperature, high-pressure water cooling service. The unit is designed to operate under demanding thermal and mechanical conditions typically encountered in nuclear auxiliary cooling circuits, test loops, and safety-related water systems.
The welded plate pack forms a robust, gasket-free pressure boundary, eliminating leakage risks associated with elastomeric sealing materials. This construction is particularly suited for nuclear applications where maintenance access is limited and absolute containment integrity is required over long operating cycles. Compared with conventional shell-and-tube designs, the plate & shell configuration delivers significantly higher heat transfer coefficients, allowing a more compact exchanger footprint while maintaining strict thermal performance requirements.
High turbulence generated by the chevron-pattern plates ensures efficient heat transfer even at relatively low temperature approaches, supporting precise temperature control of cooling water. At the same time, the fully welded design enables the exchanger to withstand frequent start-up and shutdown cycles, thermal transients, and pressure fluctuations without compromising structural integrity.
From a system integration perspective, the compact geometry reduces installation space, piping stress, and overall system weight—key advantages in nuclear facilities where layout constraints, seismic considerations, and structural load management are essential. The plate & shell heat exchanger therefore provides a reliable, efficient, and lifecycle-optimized solution for nuclear power water cooling applications.