Enerpac SPMT for Sizewell B spent nuclear fuel dry storage
5 December 2017 by Sotiris KanarisEnerpac Heavy Lifting Technology has supplied Holtec International, a diversified energy technology company, with the SPMT600 hauling transporter to move spent nuclear fuel to EDF Energy’s new dry store at the Sizewell B nuclear facility in the UK.
Spent nuclear fuel is sealed in Holtec-supplied double wall, multi-purpose canisters (MPCs) and placed within Hi-Storm casks. These provide multiple barriers against threats and accidents of all kinds. The Sizewell B dry fuel store will enable safe, onsite storage of a lifetime’s spent fuel. With this facility, the power station can continue to generate electricity until at least 2035, and potentially for a further 20 years beyond that, subject to life extension.
The Enerpac SPMT600 hauling transporter transfers the casks from the generating facility to the dry store. Its slim design and low height make it suitable for operation in confined spaces. The SPMT provides 360° steering, as well as steer in crab mode. The steering angle of all wheel sets can be adjusted precisely, allowing the hauling transporter to make any desired movement.
The Holtec cask hauler comprises five trailers and two hydraulic power packs and, for safety reasons, is limited to a maximum speed of 0.8m/s. Wheel propulsion is by hydraulic drive motors; all wheels have individual drive motors, providing maximum traction. With three-axles per trailer, steering is by slewing drive.
The flexibility of the SPMT600’s modular configuration allows the end-user to use the hauling transporter for a range of tasks at Sizewell B. In total, one trailer can support 60t of load. The SPMT is controlled using the wireless Intelli-Drive remote controller. The versatile SPMT is also designed and used to transfer the massive Sizewell B cask lifting transporter.
