Imagineering was called upon to solve a problem between two industries. A highly specialized spring manufacturer needed to supply their customer in the nuclear energy industry with a spring that was free of impurities. In collaborating with both of these clients, we developed a precision cleaning and passivation process for the stainless steel alloy springs. Since contamination was a prime issue, we developed a “white room” dedicated to the cleaning, passivation, and inspection of the springs.

The chemical de-scaling cleaning process removed all manufacturing residue that comes from forming, grinding, and heat treating the springs. The chemical passivation process formed a chromium-oxide layer on the surface of the stainless steel. The cleaning and passivation processes protect the springs from premature failure and corrosion. After thorough inspections, which included copper sulfate testing and visual inspection using magnification, the springs were then assembled into the nuclear fuel rod assemblies.

To learn more about this unique precision cleaning and passivation project, please see the table below or contact us for additional information.

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Highlights of this Precision Cleaning and Passivation of Custom Springs Project

Product Description

Precision Cleaning and Passivation of Springs used in Nuclear Fuel Application

Capabilities Applied/Processes
  • Processing performed in a dedicated “White-Room” environment
  • Precision Cleaning Chemical De-Scaling
  • Chemical Passivation process
  • Inspections performed in dedicated laboratory environment

 

Imagineering’s team designed and installed a dedicated “White-Room” for precision cleaning, passivation and inspection of custom springs used in Nuclear Fuel applications.

 

Through a collaborative effort with a highly-specialized spring manufacturer and a global Nuclear Energy prime end user, Imagineering was able to develop a highly controlled cleaning and passivation process to ensure that all contaminants resulting from forming, grinding and heat treatment are properly removed prior to assembly of these critical components into nuclear fuel rod assemblies.

Material of part

Stainless Steel alloys

Materials of Coating

n/a – Precision cleaning and passivation process

Benefits of Cleaning Process

Remove metallic and organic impurities from the surface of the part
Facilitate the formation of a desirable chromium-oxide layer on the surface of the stainless steel in a controlled environment

In process testing/inspection performed

Copper sulfate testing, visual inspection using magnification

Industry for Use

Nuclear

Standards Met

AMS 2700, AMS QQ-P-35, ASTM A967, ASTM A380

AMS 2700, AMS QQ-P-35, ASTM A967, ASTM A380

Passivation