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U.S. Department of Energy
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Constructability -- from Qinshan to the ACR

Journal Article · · Nuclear Plant Journal
OSTI ID:820959

Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) has recognized the importance of constructability for many years, and it is applying its principals to CANDU projects with increasing success. The CANDU 6 Nuclear Power Plant has been constructed eleven times in the last 25 years. However, the last two units completed on the Qinshan project in China have employed some very innovative construction methods that have not been used on the previous units. In order to make nuclear power generation more competitive, shorter construction schedules and reduced project cost and risks are essential objectives. The application of constructability principles is a major contributor to achieving these objectives. The success of Qinshan has increased the confidence in the new construction methods, which are being implemented on the ACR (Advanced CANDU Reactor) successfully. An ACR construction strategy that utilizes advanced construction techniques has been developed by AECL. The strategy includes paralleling of activities by using extensive modularization and the vertical installation of equipment and modules into the reactor building using a VHL (Very Heavy Lift) crane. This strategy allows short schedules to be met with a minimum risk to the project.

Research Organization:
Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, Chalk River, Ontario (CA)
Sponsoring Organization:
Atomic Energy of Canada, Limited (US)
OSTI ID:
820959
Journal Information:
Nuclear Plant Journal, Journal Name: Nuclear Plant Journal Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 21; ISSN 0892-2055
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English