BHR Group, the experts in fluid engineering, has secured a major contract with Magnox to deploy a DIAJET waterjetting system to depressurise sludge canisters in the storage vaults at their Berkeley Site.
As part of the Magnox waste projects programme, Berkeley Site will be retrieving and packaging intermediate level waste (ILW) held in the Active Waste Vaults into approved waste packages that can be stored on site prior to long term disposal at a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF).
The Sludge Can Processing and Retrievals project involves the safe retrieval of metal canisters containing radioactive sludge, produced during routine operations of the nuclear site during electricity generation, handling and transferring sludge as ILW for onward processing and management of the canisters as low level waste. As a result of the storage process, the canisters have the potential to be pressurised with gases produced during storage. Magnox will need to prove that they are depressurised within the vault, prior to retrieval.
A waterjet cutting solution was proposed as the safest and most appropriate depressurisation method, which has been subject to extensive trials both off and on the site. Now into the third phase of the project, BHR Group will design, build, test, set to work and inactively commission DIAJET waterjetting equipment to safely depressurise the sludge cans within Vault 3, to permit retrieval and onward processing.
The Sludge Can Processing and Retrievals project involves the safe retrieval of metal canisters containing radioactive sludge, produced during routine operations of the nuclear site during electricity generation, handling and transferring sludge as ILW for onward processing and management of the canisters as low level waste. As a result of the storage process, the canisters have the potential to be pressurised with gases produced during storage. Magnox will need to prove that they are depressurised within the vault, prior to retrieval. A waterjet cutting solution was proposed as the safest and most appropriate depressurisation method, which has been subject to extensive trials both off and on the site. Now into the third phase of the project, BHR Group will design, build, test, set to work and inactively commission DIAJET waterjetting equipment to safely depressurise the sludge cans within Vault 3, to permit retrieval and onward processing.BHR Group leads the world in the design and manufacture of advanced waterjet cutting and decontamination solutions, creating equipment that employs its DIAJET suspension slurry technology. This unique technology delivers an abrasive-water slurry along a single hose.
As a result the engine/pump, water and slurry modules can be remote from each other and/or from the cutting/cleaning nozzle. The cutting/cleaning operation at the nozzle can be up to 1000m from the pumping and slurry modules with little reduction in cutting performance. This is a distinct advantage over entrainment waterjet systems when the operator and equipment need to be located well away from any potential hazard or where human access for cutting/cleaning is restricted.
Jo Adams, Magnox Project Manager said:
“This contract marks an important step in our decommissioning journey here at Berkeley. We chose BHR Group as they were able to work with us to create the ideal solution for us using their waterjetting equipment. The BHR team took time to understand the complexities and challenges we face, this collaborative approach has resulted in an innovative solution that fully meets our criteria.”BHR Group’s CEO David Winter said:“We’re delighted to continue our relationship with the Magnox Berkeley team. BHR Group is committed to driving innovation in the nuclear industry by tailoring our products and services to meet the varied challenges it faces. This project is a great example of how we work collaboratively with our clients and partners to adapt our waterjetting solution to provide the best result possible.”
For more information on BHR’s proprietary water jetting solution, please visit the website: Water jetting.
About BHR Group
BHR Group has led the field of fluid engineering for over 70 years. Specialists in understanding how fluids behave, how they interact with each other and how they react with their surroundings, we take a problem solving approach to design, develop, validate and optimise processes for the benefit of our clients.
Our clients work with us because we have expertise to solve complex fluids engineering problems. Our open, collaborative approach ensures there are no surprises, and that we always deliver on time and to budget. Established in 1947, and privately owned since 1989, we are based in Cranfield, Bedfordshire, UK.
Media contact:
Kate Goldberg
BHR Group
+44 (0)330 119 2095
Kgoldberg@bhrgroup.com