Stainless steel screw jacks chosen for nuclear waste plant

Built in 2007, the Dounreay Cementation Plant (DCP) has recently gained an extension in the form of an Import/Export Facility, with Drum Posting Equipment (DPE) acting as a gateway. The Import/Export Facility is a waste transfer building connected to the DCP within the Fuel Cycle Area, and is designed to increase the capacity for storing waste from the decommissioning programme on the nuclear site at Dounreay in Caithness, Scotland.

All waste drums being transferred into or out of the store have to pass through the the DPE. These drums are filled with radioactive contaminated waste, so the entire operation needs to be carried out by remote methods to prevent human exposure. With this in mind, the build project of the DPE involved high-tolerance fabrication and machining, as well as the erection of an 8.5m high mock-up structure in which the DPE could be erected and commissioned. It was trialled and tested with consistent repeat operations, and it was essential that only minimal maintenance was required during testing. The DPE has now been in operation at the Dounreay Cementation Plant for over two years without incident or problems.

Power Jacks was awarded the contract by JGC Engineering to provide stainless steel screw jacks for the manufacture, works assembly and commissioning of the Drum Posting Equipment. The glovebox and the internals of the DPE have to be manufactured from stainless steel, as the the material will not rust; this is essential for maintaining cleanliness within the glovebox and permitting a successful clean/decontamination process at the end of its working life. The screw jacks installed in the DPE are key components, as they drive the drum transfer table through the DPE.

Stainless steel screw jacks

JGC Engineering ensured reliable high-quality products were used in the application. The product supplied by Power Jacks was deemed to be the best available due to the mechanical nature of the operation offering high reliability and control, while also providing a low maintenance option. The screw jacks used were stainless steel E-Series translating machine screw jacks type CE1810-1805-1 connected in series by a stainless steel drive shaft and geared couplings (see photo above and click to view a bigger image).

The bespoke products/systems produced by JGC Engineering utilise external products when a particular project application dictates. Power Jacks' competitive costs and simple access to product data, together with a long working relationship spanning over 15 years, contributed to Power Jacks' products being selected for the project. Robbie Campbell of JGC Engineering says: "I felt that Power Jacks provided us with a high level of service on this project. From initial enquiry through to completion of the project, Power Jacks always provided efficient and professional support, offering advice and assistance when required. The screw jacks supplied have met all our expected design requirements and contributed to the successful completion and commissioning of the overall project."

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