Fuel handling in nuclear power plants

REEL has more than 30 years experience in the supply and operation of equipment for nuclear power plants.

REEL plays a major role in the supply of critical handling, lifting and storage equipment for nuclear reactors. This equipment is classified as ‘important to safety’ and is closely linked to the operability and availability of reactors, requiring maintenance, modernization and spare parts monitoring operations throughout the service life of each reactor.

Fuel Handling Station equipment (PMC)

REEL has signed contracts for 80 Loading Machines, either already operational or under construction, which are critical for fuel loading and unloading operations involving the reactor cores during unit outages.

 This equipment meets the latest requirements in terms of nuclear safety, reliant on the latest technologies in terms of:

• Control,
• Instrumentation
• And underwater vision systems

 Our expertise as a designer and manufacturer, with the support of our maintenance teams, has allowed REEL to be involved in the largest of modernization operations.

References:

• EDF plants: 900MW units, 1300MW units, from N4 to EPR
• CPR 1000 in China
• EPR Finland, Taishan

Related to the Loading Machine, and within the scope of fuel handling, REEL supplies the following equipment:

• Gantry crane (or mast crane on the EPR)
• Lowering device, designed to insert and inspect fuel in the pool
• Transfer device with a motorized valve and rack & pinion or push chain-driven (EPR) translation system
• Sipping test system (on-line, on the Loading Machine or in cells in the cooling pool)
• Pool lighting (fixed or floating).
• Specific tools for the handling of new or used fuel, as well as control rods.

REEL supplies all the fuel handling equipment and integrated systems required for safe, efficient loading and unloading operations. This can be supplemented with additional handling or storage equipment used for fuel logistics in PWR or BWR type reactors.