Traverses for handling of loads in nuclear facilities

Traverses or lifting beams are mechanical support systems used for stabilisation, fastening or connection. They are used as load bearing equipment when loads are attached to a crane. Traverses usually have a manual or automatic coupling system to the loads to be lifted. If necessary, emergency operating systems are also implemented.

Traverses are used in the reactor building, e.g. for handling the reactor lid, reactor internals (upper and lower core plate) or for handling of various waste containers.

Traverse components

The combined lifting traverse developed by Siempelkamp NIS lifts either the entire reactor internals or individual core plates, in each case without any alternations, which in turn saves time and costs to a considerable extent during outage inspections.

The combined lifting traverse is operated via a control panel, where all system statuses can be detected via signals.

Depending on the requirements, the combined lifting traverse can also be designed in a modular manner to allow its use in different power plants or units.

Scope of services

  • Concept, design and licensing planning

  • Basic and detail engineering including 3D planning

  • Design and manufacturing planning

  • Licensing support, i.e. support of external reviewers and authorities

  • Quality-assured manufacturing including material procurement in accordance with nuclear rules and regulations

  • Manufacturing of all individual components including all test steps by external reviewers, authorities and customers

  • Delivery and assembly

  • Commissioning and staff training

  • Static and dynamic load test

  • Quality assurance and final documentation

References

  • Combined lifting traverse for the Brokdorf nuclear power plant

  • Lifting device for the reactor pressure vessel lid of the Flamanville 3 nuclear power plant, France

  • Lifting device for the reactor pressure vessel internals of the Flamanville 3 nuclear power plant, France

  • Traverse for the main coolant pump in the nuclear power plant Biblis

  • Traverse for waste containers type “MOSAIK®” for the Neckarwestheim nuclear power plant

  • Traverse for waste containers type “CASTOR®”, incl. storage box for the Beznau nuclear power plant, Switzerland