Fuel Handling System of Indian 500 MWe PHWR - Evolutionandlnnovations

Abstract

India has gained rich experience in design, manufacture, testing, operation and maintenance of Fuel Handling System of CANDU type PHWRs. When design and layout of the first 500 MWe PHWR was being evolved, it has been possible for us to introduce many special and innovative features in the Fuel Handling System which are friendly for O&M personnel. Some of these are: Simple, robust and modular mechanisms for ease of maintenance. Shorter turn-around time for refuelling a channel by introduction of a transit equipment between Fuelling Machine (FM) -Head and light water equipment. Optimised layout to transport spent fuel in straight and short path and also to facilitate direct wheeling out of FM Head from Reactor Building to Service Building. Provision to operate the FM Head even when Primary Heat Transport (PHT) System is open for maintenance. Control-console engineered for caving out refuelling operations in the sitting position. Dedicated calibration and maintenance facility to facilitate quick replacement of FM Head as a single unit. The above special features have been described in this paper.