Nuclear Decommissioning

Client Requirement

As part of the decommissioning of the Hunterston A site, the client required the treatment and safe discharge of active effluents from the cartridge cooling pond.

Costain subcontracted us to provide mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation services to enable the effective treatment and discharge of these effluents.

Our Solution

We were responsible for the installation and shielding of five plant modules critical to the effluent treatment process. To ensure a seamless installation, the modules were inspected and pre-checked before transport, expediting the on-site process. The largest module, weighing 33 tonnes, required the use of 750- and 200-tonne cranes for safe lifting and positioning. 

Once on-site, we fabricated and installed thick, overlapping steel shielding plates in situ to encase all the modules. This provided the necessary protection while adhering to strict safety standards. The pipework connecting the process pale pond to the modules was fabricated and installed across the existing pipe bridge. Additionally, cable support systems were fabricated and installed to enable the seamless interlinking of all five modules. 

To improve efficiency, process skids were pre-manufactured off-site at our workshop. We also completed the interconnection of electrical, instrumentation, and mechanical services on-site, allowing for the rapid reintegration of the modules into the system. 

We worked closely with Costain’s construction management team to ensure the on-site installation was as efficient as possible, minimising the time personnel spent in radiologically controlled areas. With a flexible and skilled labour force, we provided the necessary expertise and resources at key project phases to meet the project schedule. 

Our comprehensive solution enabled the safe decommissioning of the Hunterston A site, ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards while supporting the client’s objectives.