Haigh Engineering have, in recent months, completed a successful trial of their Pipeliner Series 300 macerator at a decommissioned nuclear power plant which resulted in the purchase of the equipment.
Removing contaminated remnant compacted sludge, Ultra High Pressure (UHP) waste and miscellaneous orphans from the floor of the Cartridge Cooling Pond (CCP) is one of the key challenges faced in the CCP. This had to be achieved remotely in order to reduce operator exposure to the contamination.
Demonstrating the effectiveness of the macerator/cone separator and determining operating limits was the key objective of the trial. Gathering valuable data in this method of collection and removal of sludge and arisings which could then be used to evaluate macerator performance, specify pumps, instrumentation and skid design for deployment into the CCP, was the principle aim.
The trial provided information on the expected level of removal of waste achievable and will inform the production of operating instructions and waste management plans for active decommissioning.
The Haigh Pipeliner Series 300 macerator with a 6mm cutting shearplate was determined as the most suitable equipment for the trial. Performing well in each system test, it was recommended that this model be implemented.
After the success of the equipment in achieving the goals that were set out the pipeliner and pump were purchased and implemented to decommission the CCP.
Jason Powell of Haigh, says of the project, "The outcome of the trial was the installation of our Pipeliner Series 300 macerator. We worked closely with the customer to determine the requirements and desired outcomes that such a trial should achieve and are pleased to report that following our recommendations, the macerator has been sucussfully installed and achieving the required results."
