High reliable automatic heat-exchange tube plugging process for stream generator(SG) is always critical to safe operation of nuclear power reactor. Compared with the pressurized water reactor(PWR)

the much higher pressure and temperature in heat-exchange tubes in SG of high temperature gas-cooled reactor(HTGR) brings new challenge to the present plugging processes. To solve this problem

the working principle

characteristics

advantages and disadvantages of the present tube plugging processes are firstly summarized based on the literature survey. Then

applicability of mechanical plugging processes and welding plugging processes on SG of HTGR is discussed

according to the service conditions and site conditions of the SG in HTGR

the challenges and improvement directions of the existing tube plugging process in high temperature gas cooled reactor are proposed.Finally

based on the development progress of tube plugging process and technical requirement of high temperature gas-cooled reactor

the development direction of automatic tube plugging technology is pointed out in terms of equipment requirement

operation reliability and long-term service performance of plug. It is attempted that the present review work can guide the development of automatic plugging techniques for SG in HTGR.