Fabrication of Direction Turning Device for the Spent Fuel Cask Transfer Facility

Industry: Nuclear Energy

Region: Europe

Service: Build to Spec – Direction Turning Device for SFCTF

Overview

As part of the same European nuclear power plant project, CNIM Asia was responsible for fabricating the direction turning device for the Spent Fuel Cask Transfer Facility (SFCTF). This critical equipment enables the SFCTF to turn to different tracks within a limited footprint inside the nuclear plant, ensuring efficient and safe handling of spent fuel casks.

Challenge

The fabrication of the direction turning device required extreme precision and sophistication, involving:

• Steel Platform: Dimensions of 5.88m x 2.52m x 2.055m and weighing 55,000 kg.

• Load Capacity: Capable of supporting up to 210,000 kg.

• Cutting, Fitting, and Welding: High-precision cutting, fitting, and welding processes.

• Dimension Control: Ensuring strict adherence to dimensional tolerances.

• NDT Measurement: Rigorous non-destructive testing (100% VT, 100% MT, 100% UT).

• Machining: Advanced machining techniques to meet exact specifications.

• Standards Compliance: Meeting EN1090-1 EXC4 and UKCA EN1090-1 EXC4 standards.

The platform needed to be so precisely fabricated that it could be moved by a single person or driven by a handheld electric screwdriver, despite its substantial weight.

Solution

Advanced Fabrication Techniques

CNIM Asia utilized state-of-the-art fabrication techniques to ensure the highest level of precision and quality:

• Cutting and Fitting: Using advanced cutting and fitting technologies to achieve exact dimensions.

• Welding: Performing welding operations with precision to ensure structural integrity and compliance with stringent standards.

• Dimension Control: Implementing strict dimension control measures throughout the fabrication process.

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)

To ensure the reliability and safety of the platform, comprehensive NDT measurements were conducted:

• Visual Testing (VT): 100% visual inspection to detect surface defects.

• Magnetic Testing (MT): 100% magnetic particle testing to identify surface and near-surface discontinuities.

• Ultrasonic Testing (UT): 100% ultrasonic testing to detect internal flaws.

Machining and Precision

The final machining processes were carried out with extreme precision to meet the exact specifications. This included:

• Advanced Machining: Utilizing high-precision machining tools to achieve the required tolerances.

• Quality Assurance: Implementing rigorous quality checks to ensure the platform could be moved easily despite its weight.

Outcome

CNIM Asia successfully fabricated the direction turning device for the SFCTF, ensuring it met all specifications and quality standards. The sophisticated design and precise fabrication allow the 55-ton platform to be maneuvered by a single person or a handheld electric screwdriver, highlighting the exceptional quality and engineering expertise of CNIM Asia.

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