ECS Engineering Services has demonstrated its expertise in fabrications for the nuclear sector by winning a contract to produce 50 shielded overpacks for intermediate waste storage on behalf of Magnox Ltd. The overpacks will support the ongoing decommissioning of Chapelcross Power Station in Scotland.
“We are delighted to be awarded this contract by Magnox. With our Fit4Nuclear status and state-of-the-art fabrications department, we have supported numerous nuclear decommissioning projects throughout the UK with bespoke solutions. Contributing towards the safe and secure recovery of waste at Chapelcross is something we are very proud of,” says Steve Crapper, Precontracts Director at ECS.
Magnox, along with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, has been responsible for the decommissioning of Chapelcross since its shutdown in 2004. The mild steel plate shielded overpacks will enable the clean-up of cooling ponds at the site. Waste stored in zeolite skips will be recovered and moved into the 1.5 m x 1.2 m x 1.2 m overpacks while underwater. Once drained and sealed, the overpacks will be placed within concrete boxes for safe storage.
Allen Richardson, Project Delivery Manager at Magnox Chapelcross, said: “The contract to supply these overpacks and furniture is part of a critical path project at Chapelcross, enabling Magnox to safely remove some of the legacy Intermediate Level Waste skips from the cartridge cooling ponds. It is great to collaborate with ECS and other sub-contractors on this project allowing us to utilise their expertise and manufacturing capability for the benefit of the nuclear industry.”
ECS is a leading turnkey provider of electromechanical services for the nuclear, water and infrastructure sectors. Delivering large-scale projects nationwide for local authorities, government institutions and private companies, the business has also proven the expertise of its EXC4 accredited fabrications department by supporting the nuclear industry. Recent fabrications include duct cradles, a custom tank and pump skid for dust suppression, an access platform for the installation of thermocouples and stillage pallets.
“We have already completed and delivered a number of overpacks to specification, the first of which was thoroughly inspected and tested by Magnox,” Steve adds. “All have undergone non-destructive testing (NDT) to prove quality. Our experience on other nuclear projects means we can provide the required lifetime quality records (LTQRs) and full traceability – all paramount for nuclear applications.”
Image 1: Images 1 & 2: ECS wins Magnox contract for Chapelcross decommissioning shielded overpacks
Image 2: Images 1 & 2: ECS wins Magnox contract for Chapelcross decommissioning shielded overpacks
Image 3: Images 3 & 4: ECS created 3D designs of waste containment boxes
Image 4: Images 3 & 4: ECS created 3D designs of waste containment boxes
About ECS Engineering Services
ECS Engineering Services has over 30 years experience in delivering high quality, reliable and cost effective engineering solutions, specialising in bespoke design and construction of water, energy and environmental processing and management projects.
In conjunction with key supply partners, ECS has the expertise and capacity to design and install a wide range of water control engineering projects. With in-house fabrication services, which have CE Marking approval to EXC4, well equipped and highly skilled engineers can also complete structural steelwork, bespoke fabrication work and access metalwork to the highest standard.
With a complete range of site services available, ECS offers a full turnkey project managed service for mechanical and electrical installations including managing civils contractors and supplying pipework, control and automation work to ensure that every installation is installed and commissioned to the highest standard. Existing clients include the majority of the UK Water Utility companies, Government Agencies and Internal Drainage Boards.
