Nuclear Hydraulic Snubber Actuators

A snubber is a mechanical device designed to protect pipes and other critical components from excessive shock or sway caused by seismic disturbances or other transient forces. In a nuclear power plant, the environment is defined by its accident conditions, which mean that a hydraulic snubber actuator can be subject to high temperature and pressure as well as potentially encounter radiation during these accident conditions.

In accident conditions (e.g., an earthquake), the snubbers activate and transition from a flexible state into momentarily, rigid locked conditions.  In this state, the snubber absorbs dynamic energy and transfers it to the supporting structure, preventing excessive movement and damage to critical components. The accident conditions during this incident include temperatures of up to 100°C (212°F), pressures of 350 bar (5000 psi), as well as radiation exposure. The radiation exposure is the biggest driver in using the right material selection for this application that can handle these extreme conditions.

Operating in a nuclear power plant, snubber seals must face harsh operating conditions and need to ensure high performance with extended lifetime. 

Omniseal Solutions provides precision spring-energized seals that are custom designed for these severe conditions and to protect the nuclear plant’s critical components. Our ETFE Fluoroloy^® material solution offers excellent chemical  resistance to the fireproof hydraulic fluids and radiation resistance during accident conditions. Along with the polymer jacket, the stainless steel spring gives the sealing solution a stiffness, allowing for critical support in misalignment.

• Excellent chemical compatibility
• Good radiation resistance (up to 10⁸ rad)
• Stiff and robust, able to support misalignment
• PFAS-Free* options are also available (*PFAS-Free here means we do not intentionally add PFAS material in the product, but does not exclude the possibility of traces, as these materials are common in the environment).