During nuclear refueling outages, it is important to move quickly and safely, but also to protect vital equipment while doing maintenance tasks. In boiling water reactors (BWRs), the reactor pressure vessel (RPV) flange is one component that can be damaged during maintenance but doing so can lead to additional maintenance and costly setbacks.

Preferred Engineering’s Lightweight Disposable Flange Protectors offer a simple and effective solution to this challenge.

Lightweight Protection, Easier Handling

Designed to fit over RPV studs, Preferred Engineering’s Disposable Flange Protectors help prevent accidental damage to the flange surface during outage activities.

They are manufactured from hard coat anodized aluminum or ultra-high-molecular-weight (UHMW) plastic and weigh less than 15 pounds. This lightweight design allows personnel to manually handle the equipment into and out of the reactor cavity, simplifying installation and removal, and helping crews work efficiently.

Supporting ALARA and Outage Efficiency

The flange protectors support ALARA initiatives by eliminating the need for post-outage decontamination thanks to their economical, single-use design. Additionally, their integrated Foreign Material Exclusion (FME) retention points enable secure handling.

Practical Solutions for Nuclear Maintenance

Sometimes, the simplest innovations can make a big difference in outage performance. For more than four decades, Preferred Engineering has developed innovative specialty equipment designed to address the unique challenges of nuclear power plant operations.

Reach out to learn more about Preferred Engineering’s Disposable Flange Protectors and how they can support your next refueling outage.