AMCS anti-collision systems go nuclear

10 April 2018

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AMCS technologies are to equip the cranes building the Hinkley Point C nuclear plant.

Hinkley Point C, with two nuclear reactors, is one of the new generation of nuclear plants being built in the United Kingdom. AMCS technologies has signed with the consortium Bouygues Travaux Publics and Laing O’Rourke to equip the construction site cranes with its anti-collision systems.

This out of the ordinary project comprises around fifty luffing and saddle jib tower cranes; about thirty of them are travelling. They will be equipped with the latest generation DCS 61-S anti-collision and zoning systems. AMCS technologies will also equip part of this project with additional safety products such as cameras and night aviation lights.

The construction of the buildings to house the two Hinkley Point EPR (European Pressurised Reactor) reactors in Somerset represents a complex job site with significant technical challenges. AMCS technologies DCS 61-S systems will allow for the management, in real time, of many areas of interference between the construction site’s cranes. The aim is to ensure the safety of up to 3,500 workers (during peak periods) working day and night, seven days a week.

The DCS 61-S calculates, in real time and in 3D, the distances between each component of the cranes as well as movement speeds. The system will allow control over equipped mechanisms to ensure complete immobilisation of cranes at a pre-set distance from a particular obstacle. AMCS technologies will offer job site supervisors the ability to manage, in real time, the operation of the on-site devices from positions outside the site:  only an internet connection is required. AMCS’s SUP 61 3D site monitoring system gathers and records all information relating to the position of cranes fitted with the DCS 61-S system.

The technology takes into account the particular characteristics of each brand and type of crane and adapts to suit the specific configuration of the site.