What is a nuclear power plant cable?

Cables for nuclear power stations: Various types of wires and cables used in the special environment of nuclear power stations. Nuclear power station cables refer to the raw materials used for the insulation and sheath of nuclear power station cables,  Including plastic, rubber, and other varieties.

lassification of cables for nuclear power plants

There are two classification methods for cables in nuclear power plants: one is classified by function, including measurement cables, communication cables, instrument cables, and fireproof cables (silicon insulated cables);  The other is based on the safety level. The safety level of cables used in nuclear power plants belongs to IE level, and they should have a service life of more than 4O years,  IE grade nuclear power plant cables are further divided into K1, K2, and K3,3 safety levels. The development process of cable products for nuclear power plants is essentially the upgrading of materials,  The type of cable and its raw material selection.

Characteristics of cables for nuclear power plants

1、 Low smoke performance. The insulation and sheath materials of cables used in nuclear power plants must be low smoke, non-toxic, and non corrosive halogen-free flame retardant cables,  For example, thermoplastic flame retardant halogen-free or cross-linked flame retardant halogen-free materials can meet special nuclear safety requirements.    2、 Environmental resistance.  The materials used for cables in nuclear power plants must have environmental resistance, namely, heat resistance, radiation resistance, and LOCA resistance.    (1) Heat resistance Due to the fact that nuclear power plant cables often work in high-temperature environments, high-temperature cables. Therefore, they need to have long-term heat resistant performance,  Polymers that meet the requirements for heat resistance should be selected and can provide a service life of over 40 years for the cable.    (2) Irradiation resistance (mild environment, harsh environment) When cables used in nuclear power plants are exposed to a large amount of radiation, the insulation and sheath materials will become brittle and the mechanical properties will deteriorate.  Therefore, as an insulation and sheath material for nuclear power station cables, it must have excellent radiation resistance. Various polymers have different radiation resistance properties.  People usually add radiation resistant agents to polymers to improve their radiation resistance.    (3) In LOCA resistant nuclear power plants, coolant loss accidents and high-energy tube rupture accidents are commonly referred to as LOCAS.  In the event of a LOCA/HELB, the cable will be subjected to the impact of high-temperature and high-pressure steam and the action of corrosive chemicals,  And subject to higher doses of radiation than normal operating conditions. Therefore, nuclear power plant cables should have LOCA resistance.