Nuclear

Major expertise in critical nuclear applications
For almost 60 years, Aubert & Duval has been supplying steel and superalloy materials and forged parts for the particularly sensitive nuclear sector.
Used in the primary circuit of many civil nuclear power stations throughout the world, we also find Aubert & Duval forged and rolled products in experimental reactors such as the RJH, Astrid and ITER, and in submarine nuclear propulsion systems.
Always seeking innovation, Aubert & Duval plays a role in developing the metallurgic solutions that will be used in future generators..

Our offer
Aubert & Duval produces an extremely wide range of metallurgic solutions in the form of forged or rolled bars, sheets and tubes, forged parts and powders for additive manufacturing:

• light alloy and alloy steels (including low cobalt),
• nickel-based superalloys,
• titanium leading edge flap rails.

The products can be delivered raw or fully machined, or even ready for installation, such as steam generator ventilation nozzles.
We manufacture products that comply with the French (RCCM, RCCM-MR, RCCM-MX) and American (ASME) nuclear regulations.
Aubert & Duval products cover all types of civil nuclear reactor, Gen II, Gen III and Gen III+, and we are working with our customers on new solutions for advanced Gen IV reactors and for small modular reactors.
Our products are designed and manufactured specifically for the inside of reactor vessels, steam generators, primary pumps and pressurizers.
Aubert & Duval is also a major producer of materials used in nuclear fuel manufacturing equipment, including enrichment and reprocessing.

Qualifications
Aubert & Duval works in accordance with the RCC-M, RCC-MR, RCC-MRx standards, and the ASME code, and with numerous customer certifications.

Example materials and applications

• Products in 15-15 Ti alloy (standard designation) for operating conditions that require resistance to high temperatures and corrosion, such as Gen-IV reactor applications.
• Aluminium-formed austenitic and martensitic steels for high-temperature and high corrosion resistance components.
• Products in NY690 alloy for steam generator applications (e.g. separation plates, flow limiters, venturi forged parts).
• Pump shaft forged in 347 stainless steel for primary cooling pump.
• 304L, A286, 718 alloy for the nuclear fuel assembly.
• Tubes forged in 316L for the pressurizer balance pipe.
• Parts forged in SA 508 Gr3 and SA 508 Gr4N for reactor nozzles and primary pump flaps.
• 718 alloy springs for nuclear fuel assemblies.
• Steel and superalloy powders for producing components via 3D printing.

Aubert & Duval’s melting capacities allow for creating alloys with a very low cobalt content, which are very hard and highly resistant to both wear and corrosion, especially at high temperatures:

• nickel-based alloys (<150 ppm),
• high performance steels (<300 ppm).

The reactor parts are subject to extremely high stresses, such as temperatures approaching 800°C/1,475°F, the risk of corrosion linked to the humidity and gases, and must therefore overcome multiple challenges:

• resilience and resistance to cracks spreading for several hours,
• optimization of fuel consumption.

Our aim: ensure our customers’ success
Thanks to its innovative materials and its forging expertise, Aubert & Duval plays a role in the technical improvements to its products, particularly in terms of weight reduction, energy yield, thermal resistance and solidity. The company is committed to the long-term success of its customers while promoting the circular economy and supplying the most important global engine manufacturers.

Our offer

• Low and high pressure compressor discs
• Turbine and compressor cones and shafts
• Low pressure turbine discs