Transforming Nuclear Applications with Advanced Double Containment Pump Technology

The Challenge

The nuclear industry has proven to encounter various challenges when managing hydrogen isotopes. To address these challenges, Senior Metal Bellows was asked to engineer a solution that possessed a design suited for infinite durability, increased flow rate, and maintained zero leakage rates.

Our Solution

In response to specific challenges, SMB adopted a comprehensive and innovative strategy to improve our pump design. By utilizing our extensive database of engineered bellows designs and performance ratings, we scaled up our existing design to meet the heightened flow and pressure needs. Through Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and rigorous lab testing, we ensured the final product exceeded the end user’s performance and durability requirements.

Key Features of our Hermetically Sealed, All-Metal Double Containment Pump

• Primary Operating Bellows: Designed to withstand the increased mechanical loads and provide the specified flow and pressure requirements.
• Secondary Containment Bellows: Ensures process gas is confined within the pump head, eliminating the risk of leakage and contamination.
• Tertiary Sensor Bellows: Detects and alarms the operator in the unlikely event of a bellows breach caused by upset process conditions, sending a signal back to the plant Distributed Control System (DCS) for timely intervention and maintenance.
• Infinite Life Design: Engineered for long-lasting performance in a radioactive environment, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing downtime.
• Minimal Footprint: Suitable for glovebox installations, optimizing space utilization in confined working areas.

The Result

Senior Metal Bellows custom-engineered a double containment pump designed to withstand high flow and pressure, offering unparalleled performance in radioactive environments. Also, it ensured operator safety with secondary containment bellows and tertiary sensor bellows technology.