Case Study
Assay Handling System
Project:
Assay Handling System
Client: Canberra UK (CUK)
History: Canberra UK engaged Cyclife Aquila Nuclear to design, manufacture, and deliver a drum assay plant. This plant incorporates instrumentation for assaying waste removed during the decommissioning of the Dounreay power station. The project required a comprehensive electrical and mechanical design to meet the functional requirements of the assay system.
Silchester Control Systems provided EC&I (Electrical, Control, and Instrumentation) services.
Solution
Cyclife Aquila Nuclear provided a detailed solution encompassing the design and implementation of the electrical control system for the assay handling equipment. The solution included the following key components and EC&I (Electrical, Control, and Instrumentation) aspects:
Electrical System Overview:
- The system comprised three control panels: Main Control Panel (MCP), Local Control Panel 1 (LCP1), and Local Control Panel 2 (LCP2).
- A single 400V 50Hz, 3-phase neutral supply rated at 25A powered the system.
Main Control Panel (MCP):
- Located outside the assay cell, the MCP provided isolation and distribution of power, control for drives, marshalling for the CUK control system, and safety circuits.
- Included components such as ABB inverters, soft starters, and safety relays.
Local Control Panels (LCP1 and LCP2):
- LCP1, located on the mezzanine floor, handled marshalling of field cables, manual controls for hoist and drum rotation, and the weighing system.
- LCP2, located on the ground floor, managed marshalling of field cables around the attenuator area and manual controls for the attenuator.
Hoist Controls:
- Integrated with a Kone Crane hoist unit, providing manual and automated control options.
- Utilised an encoder for height measurement and safety features like ultimate high limit switches.
Drum Rotation Controls:
- Controlled by an SEW 3-phase AC motor with a soft start drive for smooth operation.
- Included an incremental encoder for rotational displacement monitoring.
Attenuator Controls:
- Driven by a three-phase AC motor with a variable speed drive for flexibility.
- Equipped with limit switches and an incremental encoder for position feedback.
Weighing System:
- Comprised a Titan 95 dual bridge load cell and a 920i Controller, providing accurate weight measurements and fault recognition.
Safety Circuits:
- Two safety circuits: Emergency stop circuit and Upper containment safety circuit, ensuring safe operation of the system.
Installation and Interfacing:
- Detailed installation procedures for EMC compliance and interfacing with the Canberra control system.
- Included connection to inverters, encoder cabling, and comprehensive I/O lists for seamless integration.
Results
The implementation of the electrical control system by Silchester Control Systems on behalf of Cyclife Aquila Nuclear successfully met the functional requirements of the assay system. The solution provided robust and reliable control, ensuring safe and efficient operation during the decommissioning process at Dounreay power station. The integration of advanced EC&I aspects facilitated precise control and monitoring, contributing to the overall success of the project.
Silchester Control Systems
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