ohjainputki

Ohjainputki is a Finnish technical term meaning “guide tube” or “control tube.” It designates a cylindrical conduit that serves to guide, protect, or house a moving element or to channel control media such as cables, control rods, fluids, or pneumatic lines. The term reflects the dual role of guiding a component and providing a protective passage.

In practice, ohjainputki is used across several engineering disciplines. In nuclear engineering, it commonly refers to the channel through which a reactor’s control rods are inserted and guided into the core. These tubes must withstand high temperatures, radiation, and mechanical wear while maintaining precise alignment. Outside nuclear contexts, an ohjainputki can act as a protective conduit for electrical cables or as a guide for hydraulic or pneumatic actuators, sensors, or other control lines, often forming part of an automation or downhole system.

Design and manufacturing considerations include material choice, dimensional tolerances, and surface finish to minimize wear and ensure reliable guidance. Common materials are corrosion-resistant metals such as stainless steel or special alloys; non-metallic options may be used in non-nuclear applications. Tubes may be seamless or welded, and ends are fitted with connectors, seals, or flanges as required. In critical applications, the assembly is designed for easy inspection and maintenance, with attention paid to alignment, support structures, and protection against leaks or contamination.

The term is primarily used in Finnish technical literature, and in English contexts it is often translated as “guide tube” or “control tube.”