Efficient Spent Fuel Management
In operating nuclear plants, the yearly discharge of used fuel is essential to maintain optimal reactor core operation. To manage this process effectively, the excess used fuel is transferred into approved canisters for interim storage. This becomes particularly crucial during plant decommissioning when the spent fuel pool needs to be emptied for ongoing decommissioning activities. Westinghouse, with its qualified personnel and state-of-the-art tooling, offers comprehensive services for executing multiple activities during canister processing. These activities include welding, ancillary equipment and crane operations, fuel handling, and nondestructive examination services.
Complete Turnkey Solutions
Westinghouse excels in providing utilities with end-to-end services for transferring commercial spent nuclear fuel (SNF) from spent fuel pools to dry cask storage systems. This can involve managing entire canister loading and transfer campaigns, as well as niche services like fuel-handling operations and canister-closure welding. By outsourcing these services to Westinghouse, utilities can streamline the process, reduce costs, and avoid the need for additional manpower and training for in-house canister loading.
Integrated Interim Storage Expertise
With a wealth of experience in fuel design, handling, waste management, and plant design, Westinghouse is well-equipped to handle all aspects of spent fuel handling, nuclear waste treatment, engineering, and management. The company boasts extensive capabilities in developing, designing, and constructing facilities and equipment for spent fuel handling, as well as intermediate wet or dry storage. This integrated approach ensures a holistic solution for efficient spent nuclear fuel management.
Terminator™ Canister Welding System
To further enhance its support for the nuclear industry, Westinghouse has developed the innovative Terminator™ Canister Welding System. This cutting-edge system features a multi-axis manipulator with two separate arms mounted on a rotational base. Capable of continuous 360-degree rotation without the need to rewind welding cables, each arm offers independent operation and radial travel of 10 inches. The system is adaptable to various spent fuel canister types on the market and employs either a cold or hot-wire welding approach based on time-to-boil considerations.
Comprehensive Service Offerings
In addition to the Terminator™ Canister Welding System, Westinghouse provides a range of additional resources and services for spent nuclear fuel dry storage. These include temporary cooling systems, dry cask storage, and Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation (ISFSI) services. By offering a comprehensive suite of solutions, Westinghouse ensures that utilities have access to the latest technologies and expertise for efficient and secure handling of spent nuclear fuel.