Nuclear Plants Place Orders With Biach For RPV Stud Tensioning Equipment Upgrades
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Biach Industries, Inc., of Cranford, New Jersey, has announced it has received
an order from the FPL Energy for a new RPV stud tensioning system for use on the
Duane Arnold Nuclear Energy Center reactor head. The contract calls for 5 of
Biach's QD-H style RPV stud tensioners which use the turn-of-the-switch latching
means of stud engagement to the current stud's helical thread form. Included in the
design is Biach's EMS (elongation monitoring system) which provides instantaneous
elongation status feedback from the tensioner to the central pump operator. This
feature eliminates the uncertainty of inconsistent or inadequate nut seating which
leads to the need to perform trim passes if readings are outside of the required
range. The QD-H includes full hydraulic operation including low pressure hydraulic
piston return, Biach's LCD communication system which provides distinct written
instructions to the tensioner operators to assure error free operation.
The order includes Biach's EPN (electro-hydraulic) pumping system to
pressurize the set of individual tensioners and four test block assemblies (simulated
short RPV studs) for pre-outage testing and training of crews.
Duane Arnold becomes the 26th site to utilize Biach's Quick Disconnect
stud tensioner design approach and 13th site to upgrade to the QD-H version.
FPL Energy also placed an order for its Duane Arnold Energy Center for Biach's
RPV Nut Rack (for storing and transporting RPV stud nuts). Duane Arnold becomes
the 5th U.S. BWR site to purchase Biach's RPV nut rack.
Biach RPV Nut Rack for Duane Arnold
NERGY NORTHWEST ordered Biach's EPN pumping system and upgrades for
its older, Biach thread on style RPV stud tensioners at the Columbia Nuclear Plant
which include the LCD communication system, hydraulic return conversion and
electronic limit switches. In addition, Biach is supplying 4 test block assemblies and a spare RPV stud tensioner.
Biach Industries, Inc. has designed and manufactured such systems since 1955.
Its designs are used in over 90% of the US nuclear plants and in many
overseas. Biach also provides Tech Support for maintenance of its systems and
outage support for vessel head disassembly and re-assembly during refueling
outages.
For further information, contact Richard A. Hill, President at 908-276-
3110 or by email: rhill@biach.com or visit Biach's website: www.biach.com.
