EDITOR ’ S CHOICE SPECIALISED BRAKES
STROMAG
Fast reacting Stromag brakes ready for Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant
The construction of a nuclear power plant is a huge undertaking requiring a wide array of construction equipment – especially heavyduty cranes . ( Photo : Adobe stock – 192237200 )
A key component of the UK Government ’ s net zero emissions strategy , two new nuclear reactors at Hinkley Point C are currently under construction by EDF Energy . Stromag has supported the project by delivering specialised brakes for multiple cranes at the site , including those that will lift radioactive uranium fuel rods from the very heart of the reactors .
Located in Somerset in the South West of England , EDF is constructing two European Pressurised Reactors ( EPRs ) at Hinkley Point C . Once complete , the third generation advanced pressurised water reactors will provide clean energy to approximately six million homes .( 1 )
The construction of a nuclear power plant is a huge undertaking requiring a wide array of construction equipment – especially heavy-duty cranes . Multiple crane OEMs supplying the project have enlisted Stromag to provide specialised braking systems , each designed to offer the performance and reliability required for this strictly regulated application environment .
A NUCLEAR CRANE EXPERT
Stromag is a global manufacturer of high-performance braking systems for cranes and hoists . A leading brand of Altra Industrial Motion Corp ., the business has a proven track record in supplying braking systems for nuclear applications .
Michel Donnay , Plant Director of Stromag ’ s French facility in La Guerche Sur L Aubois , expands : “ Our braking technologies are proven in nuclear facilities across Europe and Asia . We are very familiar with projects that involve the construction of this new generation of EPRs . Therefore , crane OEMs have approached us to provide brakes to support construction of the machinery and pumping stations at Hinkley Point C . However , the primary challenge was to specify multiple braking systems for the nuclear fuel transfer systems - the most critical cranes in the entire facility .”
LIFTING THE REACTOR ’ S HEART
Nuclear reactors rely on uranium fuel rods , inserted into the core , to generate heat via nuclear fission . However , like any fuel , the rods eventually become depleted and require replacement . This is carried out by a fuel transfer system inside the reactor building .
The system is comprised of heavy-duty cranes that lift out spent fuel rods from the reactor when it is offline . These rods are lowered into a separate cooling pond . Then , new fuel rods are inserted into the core and fission can restart . Lifting heavy , radioactive uranium fuel rods is an incredibly dangerous process , with power transmission components installed on the cranes required to offer incredibly high levels of reliability and redundancy .
20 PECM Issue 55