The nuclear option for power transmission
With the global shift to low carbon sources , nuclear power is very much back on the energy agenda . These complex , high value installations require equipment that attains the utmost quality standards to ensure reliable operation . This equipment often needs innovative power transmission solutions – a specialty of Altra Industrial Motion Corp .
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Back on the agenda As of 2021 , 439 nuclear reactors were operational worldwide1 , providing around 10 % of the world ’ s electricity2 . Until recently it was a sector in slow decline , but the global drive to reduce carbon emissions and ensure a diverse energy mix has spurred a multitude of new nuclear projects utilising the latest reactor technologies .
Furthermore , governments and operators are extending the design life of existing sites in response to increasingly volatile energy markets . Obsolete equipment at these facilities is now being replaced by new . Another factor is decommissioning . Once a plant reaches the end of its useful life , the recovery and storage of radioactive materials is labour intensive over the long-term .
This rejuvenation of the sector means demand for cranes , pumps and drives for nuclear applications is increasing . From construction to operation to decommissioning , nuclear projects require the very best power transmission products .
Pressures on suppliers Nuclear power generation is one of the most demanding industrial sectors to provide equipment for . Supplier accreditation , rigorous quality control , total traceability and extensive documentation are the minimum standards . Reliability and security of operations are paramount in all areas of the facility , especially in the handling of radioactive materials . Operators and contractors are looking for suppliers who can provide the ultimate in quality , redundancy and custom engineering capability .
The high upfront costs , long lead times , great complexity and tight schedules of nuclear projects put pressure on suppliers too . Consequently , contractors prefer suppliers who can provide turnkey solutions , local support from experienced personnel and excellent product availability . Failing to deliver equipment on time can delay the schedule and risk the project going over budget , so local responsiveness and capacity is key .
A nuclear family Leading brands of Altra Industrial Motion Corp . including Ameridrives , Bibby Turboflex , Formsprag Clutch , Nuttall Gear and Stromag are all proven suppliers of innovative power transmission solutions for the nuclear industry . Providing brakes , gearing , couplings , drives , power units and monitoring systems to new power stations , lifetime extension and decommissioning projects worldwide – these brands are experts in demanding nuclear applications . Altra products are utilised in reactor buildings , fuel storage and waste handling cranes , all types of pumps , cooling fans , generators and other rotating equipment . These brands are experienced in working closely with operators , contractors and OEMs to deliver specialised solutions .
For example , Nuttall provides speed increasers for Westinghouse pressurized water reactors , while Stromag installs EDF C3 approved
crane braking systems for use in advanced pressurised water reactor buildings . Formsprag was instrumental in the development of long-life Anti-Rotation Devices ( ARDs ) for reactor coolant pumps in pressure water reactors , while Ameridrives and Bibby regularly provide high performance couplings for cranes , generator sets and boiler feed pumps .
Familiar with the industry As established power transmission OEMs , each brand has the production capacity and stock availability to meet the supply demands of large-scale projects . Furthermore , each has the custom engineering capability to deliver assemblies and components to the required quality and redundancy standard .
This is evidenced by the familiarity of each brand with the requirements of the industry . Experience providing the correct quality documentation , traceability and product testing assures customers that power transmission equipment will perform as reliably in even the most demanding applications .
The nuclear option The global reach of Altra also ensures that brands offer localised support to nuclear facilities worldwide . This includes new power stations in Europe , lifetime plant extensions in the U . S . A and beyond . Altra ’ s single-supplier , localised approach helps to simplify procurement and expedite project schedules . Additionally , expert personnel are ready to respond to any on-site requirement .
With Altra ’ s engineering capability , industry experience and high service level throughout the product lifecycle , new power station , lifetime facility extension and decommissioning projects have comprehensive , turnkey power transmission support . This helps to ensure reliability across all
operations , improving return on investment ( ROI ) for these high value undertakings that represent the pinnacle of engineering .
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