Holtec recovers tilted fuel assembly at Palisades with purpose-built device
The NRC approved a license amendment authorizing the method; Holtec engineered, manufactured and delivered the device in two weeks.
Key facts
- Assembly lifted from reactor vessel, sealed in a canister and moved to the spent fuel pool
- NRC approved Holtec's license amendment request for the recovery methodology
- Device designed in Camden, New Jersey; manufactured in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Fuel loading, required testing, inspections and operational readiness remain before restart
Holtec International recovered a tilted fuel assembly at its Palisades nuclear power plant using a purpose-built Fuel Movement Device, the company said on October 21. The device was designed, engineered, manufactured and delivered in two weeks. Holtec said the recovery was completed without error.
The device lifted the assembly from its position in the reactor vessel and placed it into a custom-engineered fuel transfer canister. The canister lid was installed and secured in the reactor cavity before the canister was transferred to the plant's spent fuel pool, where the recovered assembly is now stored.
Engineering design was carried out in Camden, New Jersey, and the equipment was manufactured in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Palisades personnel managed the licensing process, preparations, training and execution of the recovery.
The NRC approved a license amendment request Holtec submitted authorizing the recovery methodology.
With the recovery complete, the plant is continuing fuel loading, required testing, inspections and operational readiness activities. Holtec said Palisades will resume operations when all required work is complete and all applicable federal requirements and industry standards are met.
