Lessons Learned: the Effect of Increased Production Rate on Operation and Maintenance of OPG's Western used Fuel Dry Storage Facility

Abstract

In 2010, the Western Used Fuel Dry Storage Facility (WUFDSF) located at Ontario Power Generation's (OPG) Western Waste Management Facility in Tiverton, ON, transferred, processed and stored a record-high number of Dry Storage Containers (DSC) from Bruce Power's nuclear generating stations.

The WUFDSF has been in operation since 2002. The facility transfers, processes, and stores the used fuel from the Bruce Power generating stations located in Tiverton, Ontario. As per a contractual agreement between OPG and Bruce Power, an annual DSC production and transfer schedule is agreed to between the two parties.

In 2010, an increased annual production rate of 130 DSC’s was agreed to between OPG and Bruce Power.

Throughout 2007, 2008 and 2009, several facility modifications had been completed in anticipation of the increased production rate. These modifications included:

• Installation and commissioning of a second set of welding consoles
• Addition of a second vacuum drying system
• Procurement of a second transfer vehicle
• Installation of a bulk gas system for welding cover gas

In 2010, the increased production rate of 130 DSC’s/year came into effect. Throughout 2010, significant lessons learned were gained related to the impact of such a high production rate on the operation and maintenance of the facility.

This paper presents the challenges and successes of that operation.

The facility successfully achieved its production target with no safety incidents. This high rate of production is planned to continue for several years at the facility. Some challenges continue and these are being assessed and incorporated into the facility’s business plan. In order to continue being successful, the facility must look to the future for opportunities for improvement and efficiencies to be gained.