Innovative Spray-in-Place Liner System Revolutionizes Nuclear Plant Maintenance

Innovative Spray-in-Place Liner System Revolutionizes Nuclear Plant Maintenance
by Robert Schreiber
Berlin, Germany (SPX) Nov 21, 2023

Framatome, a leader in nuclear energy solutions, recently announced a significant breakthrough in nuclear plant maintenance technology. The company has successfully completed a two-year test program for what is being hailed as the industry's first spray-in-place liner system designed for rehabilitating buried piping. This development marks a pivotal moment in addressing the long-standing challenge of aging and degradation in nuclear plant infrastructure.

Buried pipes and underground components are critical to nuclear power plant operations, varying in size from a few inches to an impressive 11 feet in diameter. However, as these components age, they pose significant challenges due to their location, making repairs and inspections not only costly but also complex. Framatome's innovative spray-in-place liner system emerges as a beacon of hope in this scenario, offering a safe and efficient solution to these problems.

Craig Ranson, the senior vice president of Framatome's Installed Base business unit in North America, emphasized the impact of this innovation. "At Framatome, we are vigilant in delivering innovations that help our customers improve plant performance, achieve outage performance goals, and secure the plants' long-term operations," he stated. Ranson also highlighted the cost and time efficiency of this turnkey lining process, noting its potential to address buried piping aging challenges and extend the lifespan of nuclear plants.

The cornerstone of this technology is its engineered structural spray-in-place liner system, which is applied using advanced robotics. By employing a robotic crawler, Framatome's system can evenly spray a fast-curing liner onto the interior of a pipe, effectively rehabilitating it and establishing a new pressure boundary. This method is particularly advantageous as it eliminates the need for excavation, thereby minimizing safety risks and reducing the duration of plant outages.

Extensive testing and engineering evaluations of this system were carried out at Framatome's Qualification and Testing Center in Virginia, United States. These evaluations were crucial in validating the structural integrity and reliability of the liner system for use in safety-related applications within nuclear power plants. The successful completion of these tests is not just a testament to the technical feasibility of the solution but also underscores its readiness for long-term plant operations and license renewals.

Framatome's introduction of its spray-in-place liner system marks a major advancement in nuclear plant maintenance. This innovative and practical solution addresses the crucial problem of aging buried piping, establishing a new industry standard. The technology not only enhances nuclear plant performance and safety but also supports the wider objective of sustainable and reliable energy production.