Supplying bearings for valves used in nuclear power plants is very different from supplying bearings for general industrial applications; manufacturing bearings for nuclear valves requires strict adherence to ASME NQA-1 standards.
The challenge is demonstrating that every bearing meets stringent quality, traceability, and regulatory requirements.
Auburn Bearing & Manufacturing can provide the required verification and documentation when those requirements are clearly specified on the purchase order at the time of order.
Maintaining Complete Material Traceability
We make sure every component is traceable from raw material to finished bearing.
Typical documentation includes:
- Material Test Reports (MTRs)
- Heat numbers
- Manufacturing travelers
- Manufacturing travelers
- Inspection records
- Calibration records
- Operator identification
- Lot control
Using Nuclear-Acceptable Materials
Depending on the application, materials may include:
- 440C stainless steel
- 316 stainless steel
- Nitronic alloys
- Inconel
- Stellite
- Specialty high-temperature alloys
Demonstrating Manufacturing Capability
Auburn Bearing & Manufacturing can consistently produce bearings with:
- Tight dimensional tolerances
- Surface finish control
- Low runout
- Controlled hardness
- Cleanliness
- Documented inspection
Performing Required Testing
Depending on the valve application, testing by Auburn Bearing & Manufacturing may include:
- Dimensional inspection
- Hardness verification
- Material chemistry
- Load testing
- Fatigue testing
- Cleanliness verification
- Non-destructive examination (NDE)
Preparing Nuclear Documentation Packages
A typical shipment from Auburn Bearing & Manufacturing may include:
- Certificate of Conformance
- Material certifications
- Inspection reports
- Dimensional reports
- Heat treatment certifications
- Traceability records
- Calibration certificates
- Packaging records
Even if your application isn’t nuclear, it may still require specialized manufacturing controls, testing, traceability, or documentation.
Call Auburn Bearing & Manufacturing at (315) 986-7600, or reach out to us at: Sales@AuburnBearing.com with your requirements.