Innovative component manufacturing for enabling sustainable energy transition - COMPOSE

Important results from the project

An advanced version of the powder metallurgy hot isostatic pressing method was developed for the manufacture of a large nuclear component. The manufacturing of the component and the material evaluations were successful. The results from characterizations were excellent. The content of oxygen was reduced by >61 % and the toughness was improved by >40 % both exceeding the goals. The project shows that a new manufacturing route is possible for the manufacture of large nuclear components.

Expected long term effects

The project improves competitiveness of Swedish powder industry, even as new market opportunities can arise. In nuclear power plants, security controls will be made in a shorter time, as fewer joints are to be inspected. Shorter stand-stills facilitate increased energy production with reduced CO2 emissions. Life time of nuclear plants can be prolonged by making resource efficient replacements. Delivery time of the components will be shortened. New reactor designs can be made.

Approach and implementation

The project included the stages process optimization, manufacturing, material characterizations, and evaluation of material properties against the codified requirements. The time schedule was followed well. Yet, at the end an extension to the project time was needed to achieve the first results from tests in the nuclear power plant. The achieved knowledge was spread to stakeholders in a workshop and new publications will come next year. Collaboration within the group worked nicely.