Pressure Tube and Calandria Tube Volume Reduction for Large Scale CANDU Retube

Abstract

After 25 to 30 years of operation, CANDU® power plants may undergo refurbishment in order to keep them running reliably for 60 years. One aspect of refurbishment is the replacement of the pressure tubes and calandria tubes in the reactor. The volume reduction press, developed by AECL, is one of the most important and novel tools used during retube. The press crushes and shears both pressure tubes and calandria tubes to dramatically reduce their waste volume. The first generation tools have now been proven in the field.