BFR - Special machine for decommissioning

ECA has been awarded by AREVA NP a contract to supply the remote-controlled machine for the removal of the remaining fuel elements (977 rods) from the Dounreay Fast Reactor (located in Scotland).

This machine, fitted on the rotating cover of the reactor core, includes three lifting units and a carrousel of tools enabling the operator to select, to position and to operate about fifteen tools specifically design and supply by AREVA NP to carry out the removal of the fuel elements. One of the key features of the system is related to the assistance provided to the operator by the supervision and control system in the aim to simplify the remote-controlled tasks and to provide a high level of safety of the decommissioning operations.