Complete shielded line and associated mechanical equipment

In the context of the turnkey construction of EDF’s LIDEC laboratory at Chinon NPP, where samples from the nuclear fleet undergo expert analysis, Cegelec CEM was responsible, within its consortium, for the shielded line and all the associated mechanical and handling equipment, as part of a global multi-disciplinary approach covering design to commissioning on site:

• Line comprising 15 shielded cells: stainless steel liners, windows, remote-controlled handling systems and their shielded and alpha windows, motorised airlocks, lifting units and storage
• New concept for the pneumatic transfer of material samples between cells, using switching (three switching stations, 220 m of piping, and a dose rate counting and selection station)
• Handling cranes, including two 20-tonne CST cranes and in-cell lifting units
• Instrumentation and control systems for all this equipment

Cegelec CEM also designed the radiological protection system using the MCNP5 and MICROSHIELD8.01 codes (doors, airlocks, penetrations, etc.)

Remote handling

For this project, Cegelec CEM researched and implemented solutions for transferring contaminated and/or irradiated materials, as well as suitable gripping and remote handling solutions.

Cegelec CEM also developed a set of remote-controlled tools for use in cells for cutting and for handling test specimen containers in the cell well.