Nuclear facility outage schedules are tight with critical safety components. But sometimes you have to seal openings that are irregular in shape or size. This is where Preferred Engineering’s Custom Covers can provide an outstanding solution in both PWR and BWR facilities. Customized solutions are often the most effective way to address outage challenges because every generating station […]
New Nuclear Technology means New Maintenance and Outage Support
The nuclear industry is quickly evolving with new nuclear technologies coming online. This is driven by two major factors: a worldwide push for sustainability and a growing concern with energy stability. In the US, in particular, the public and industry’s energy stability concerns are caused by an aging infrastructure and increased energy demand from AI and data centers. […]
Cavity Lift
During refueling outages, it isn’t always feasible or safe, to use a cavity ladder to transport personnel and material from the refuel floor to the cavity floor. That’s why Preferred Engineering designed a temporary Cavity Lift designed to transport up to 1000lbs in situations where a crane isn’t ideal and a ladder may not be the best option. […]
PE Saves the Day with the Right Equipment at the Right Time
A customer’s sister site recently discovered the power of being prepared with the right equipment at the right time… As this plant was going back online after an outage, early in the power-up phase they detected a leak in a weld. The welder needed to go back down to fix it. Usually, this fix requires several days to […]
Turning Outage Issues into Custom Equipment Success Stories
Every outage in a nuclear facility brings its own set of challenges. Whether it’s accessing hard-to-reach components, safety in high-dose areas, or time on critical path, facilities need partners who understand the stakes and can deliver effective, efficient, and compliant solutions. That’s where Preferred Engineering (PE) comes in. PE specializes in designing and manufacturing custom-engineered equipment to meet […]
The Right Shielding Solution Enhances ALARA and Operator Safety During Fuel Transfers
Effective shielding protects workers and reduces radiation exposure during fuel movement in nuclear power plants. Preferred Engineering’s Fuel Transfer Canal Shield, also known as the Cattlechute, is specifically designed to support ALARA principles by minimizing exposure while maintaining efficiency during fuel transfers. Safer Fuel Transfers As fuel bundles are transferred through the fuel slot, radiation levels can increase […]
PE’s Fuel Transfer Tube Closure System Sets a New Standard for Refuel FloorSafety
When safety is critical and efficiency runs a close second, your team needs innovativemaintenance solutions that cover all the bases. The Fuel Transfer Tube Closure System(FTTCS) from Preferred Engineering is a breakthrough in safety for your PWR refuelingoutage. This patented solution was designed with the input of site RP and ALARA teamsresulting in a system that not only […]
Supporting Safe and Efficient ISI Inspections
One of the most essential tools in maintaining nuclear safety is the In-Service Inspection, or ISI, performed routinely during refueling outages. These inspections ensure that critical systems and components inside the reactor remain in safe, operable condition. They are required by regulatory bodies such as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and follow ASME standards. The goal of these […]
Strong documentation streamlines the Loop Plug installation process
During last Fall’s outage season, Preferred Engineering assisted with the installation ofa set of brand-new Hot/Cold Leg Loop Plugs. The process went smoothly thanks to anoutstanding product as well as excellent cooperation and planning with our customer todevelop and document a streamlined approach. While loop plugs may not require frequent installation, their role in nozzle isolation forPressurized Water […]
Custom Auxiliary Bridges Just Make Sense
Power stations have a variety of refueling and maintenance functions and the space available to accomplish them varies widely across facilities. That’s why custom solutions are the only way to go when designing auxiliary bridges that enable those refueling and maintenance tasks to happen. Custom-engineered bridge solutions not only consider the dimensions of your facility but also the […]