Improvement in oil seal performance of Gas Compressor in HTTR

Oyama, Sunao*; Hamamoto, Shimpei  ; Kaneshiro, Noriyuki*; Nemoto, Takahiro; Sekita, Kenji; Isozaki, Minoru; Emori, Koichi; Ito, Yoshiteru*; Yamamoto, Hideo*; Ota, Yukimaru; Mizushima, Toshihiko

High-Temperature engineering Test Reactor (HTTR) built by Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) has commonly used reciprocating compressor to extract helium gas and discharge helium gas into primary/secondary coolant helium loop from helium purification system. Rod-seal structure of the compressor is complicated from a prevention coolant leak standpoint. Because of frequently leakage of seal oil in operation, Rod seal structure isn't as reliable as it should be sustainable in the stable condition during long term operation. As a result of investigations, leakage's root is found in that seal were used in a range beyond limit sliding properties of seal material. Therefore a lip of the seal was worn and transformed itself and was not able to sustain a seal function. Endurance test using materials testing facility and verification test using a actual equipment on candidate materials suggest that a seal of fluorine contained resin mixed graphite is potentially feasible material of seal.