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Magnox Berkeley – ILW Import/Export Nuclear Cranes

The ongoing decommissioning of the Magnox estate is one of the largest nuclear remediation efforts worldwide. At the Berkeley Magnox power station, the fuel element debris (FED) facility handles packages of intermediate level waste (ILW). The older commercial cranes were deemed no longer fit-for-purpose, so SCX delivered a new mechanical handling solution, with semi-automated operation, to satisfy Berkeley’s enhanced safety case.

The Challenge

Magnox Berkeley required a high-integrity handling solution for its Intermediate Level Waste (ILW) import/export facility. The solution needed to collect empty Ductile Cast Iron Containers (DCICs), deliver them into the facility, then return active containers to a transfer car for onward processing.

It was important that the solution satisfied a demanding safety case, including multiple and diverse layers of safety, load arrest and load recovery. It also needed to deliver semi-automated, remote operation to minimise any potential operator exposure.

The Solution

Supplied via Cavendish Nuclear Limited, SCX designed, built, tested and installed two identical 32-tonne nuclear cranes. Each crane has a twin-hoist lifting solution, a bespoke motorised rotating grapple, plus two MotoSuiveur MS3 load arrest devices, one per hoist.

Our mechanical and electrical engineers have significant expertise and specific familiarity with safety case-driven nuclear handling solutions. This helps to keep costs under control and offers much greater assurance on programme delivery schedules.

Technical Details

Explore more specialist handling solutions from SCX