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01/09/2010
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Engineers at the Chapelcross nuclear power station are reporting reduced manual handling risks for staff since moving to electric-operated tugs for moving large, heavy nuclear flasks, ready for decommissioning.
 They also say that the tugs are providing a cost effective solution to moving the flasks around in very confined spaces.
Stephen Bennie, fuel route systems support engineer at Chapelcross, says that the pedestrian tugs, which were bought last year, are currently being used in two reactor chambers to pull the flasks from the reactors to flask handling bays.
He explains that this involves guiding the integrated flasks and bogies along a track in the secure area to a holding bay, where the lids have to be torqued up for maximum security during shipping to Sellafield.
The problem, he says, is the sheer lack of space to manoeuvre the 50 tonne flask and bogie to be able to secure the lid in place.
"Prior to investing in the MasterMover MT20 tugs we knew we needed some kind of electric-operated handling system," says Bennie. "We did consider motorising the bogie system, but decided that the cost and time to design, manufacture and install this type of system was prohibitive.
"We couldn't use a forklift or locomotive in the flask-handling bay as this must remain as a radioactive contamination controlled area. Until the lid has been torqued and seal pressure tested, a locomotive can't transport the assembly from the building."
Hence the MasterTug MT20/1500, which can pull, push and steer wheeled loads up to 15,000 kg – ample for guiding the flask and bogie along the rails.
For main decommissioning contractor Magnox North, MasterMover removed its tiller arm and devised a coupling system between the MT20 and the flask bogie, which enables the machine to be connected and disconnected easily and safely.
Now, in operation, a single Magnox North operator 'pulls' the flask and bogie along the rails, to the flask holding area, with the tug either on the front or side. "With such tight spaces to work in, the compactness of the MT20 and its ability to move heavy loads around within these confined areas, were decisive factors," states Bennie.
And he adds: "The braking on the MT20 means that the risk of an operator being accidentally crushed against a door while pulling the flask is now eliminated."
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Author
Brian Tinham
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