Huge slabs lowered into place by Big Carl
The world’s largest crane Big Carl lifted huge slabs each weighing 547-tonnes into position on Nuclear Island Unit 1. The precast structures were lowered onto six temporary structures before Praeter Engineering’s hydraulic jacks nudged them into their final positions. The precast slabs represent the first major pieces of the base structure for the reactor up to a level of +1.5m. They will support more of the internal structures as they take shape within the building.
Gearing up for electrical installation in Unit 1
The MEH (Mechanical, Electrical and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning)) team is making great progress ahead of the first installation in Unit 1’s Conventional Island. This installation will take place 11m below ground level and will cover the electrical packages, including the erection of cable trays totalling 750m, and 50 electrical supports. The work has been made possible thanks to extensive co-ordination and teamwork across MEH, Bylor, and the Conventional Island programme.
Pump houses start to take shape
Work is going well on construction of the pump houses in Unit 1 and 2. The first section of the upper raft slab has been poured in Unit 1. The walls also continue to rise from the raft, with some now more than 20m high.
HPC’s first reactor operators begin extensive training
The first cohort of HPC reactor operators has begun an extensive training programme. Following the installation of a main control room simulator, all of the reactor operators will be able to train using a replica of what will be the site’s main control room. The first group of eight reactor operators was welcomed to Cannington Court by Stuart Crooks, HPC Managing Director. Currently, two groups have been recruited after being whittled down from more than 500 applicants to just 16 people.
Taken from The Point June 2021
