Get it Together: Here’s How to Consolidate Handling and Inspection in Your Facility

In the demanding environment of a nuclear reactor, efficiency isn’t just about speeding up processes, it’s about ensuring that every operation is conducted with the utmost precision and safety. The less time and effort required for handling processes, the smoother and safer the overall operation can run. That’s where Preferred Engineering’s Self-Contained Fuel Inspection Work Cell comes in. It revolutionizes the way nuclear plants manage fuel inspection and handling activities.

The Self-Contained Fuel Inspection Work Cell is a comprehensive solution that brings together multiple handling and inspection activities into a single, streamlined work cell. Custom-designed and built around a typical OEM stand used on the refuel floor in many nuclear plants, this work cell is engineered to enhance both efficiency and safety, two critical factors in nuclear operations.

One of the most significant safety features of the Fuel Inspection Work Cell is its integrated grapple lift channel. Unlike traditional setups that require an overhead crane to handle fuel, this innovative system eliminates the need for such equipment, thus removing the inherent safety risks associated with connecting the fuel to the crane. This is a critical improvement, as working with overhead cranes can introduce various hazards, including the risk of dropped loads, collisions, and the potential for human error during the complex task of aligning and securing fuel assemblies.

The Fuel Inspection Work Cell addresses another common safety concern: the need to work off of the three-sided fuel stand. Traditionally, workers had to maneuver around these stands, which posed significant risks including potential falls or accidental contact with sensitive equipment. By eliminating the necessity to work off these stands, the work cell reduces these risks, creating a safer environment for operators.

The consolidated design of the work cell also allows for substantial safety benefits by reducing the size of the fuel inspection crew. With fewer personnel required for the operation, the chances of accidents and mishaps decrease. The work cell eliminates the need for a channel lift rope that extends to the roof of the building, a feature that often conflicted with crane operations and required additional personnel like rope-tuggers and ceiling hoist operators. By removing these elements, the Fuel Inspection Work Cell not only simplifies the process but also significantly cuts down on potential safety hazards.

Preferred Engineering’s Self-Contained Fuel Inspection Work Cell is a game-changer for nuclear plant operations. It offers a balance of efficiency and safety, providing a comprehensive solution that streamlines fuel handling and inspection processes while mitigating risks. By integrating multiple activities into one secure and efficient work cell, nuclear plants can operate with greater confidence, knowing that their safety protocols are enhanced and their operations optimized.

Interested? Contact Us to learn how the Fuel Inspection Work Cell can consolidate handling and inspection at your plant.

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