Dungeness A Boiler Removal & Decommissioning Strategy
Project Overview
PDL supported Cyclife EDF as part of a major decommissioning study at Dungeness A nuclear power station. The project focused on the assessment of eight redundant boilers, each weighing approximately 750 tonnes and measuring 23 metres in length and 7.5 metres in diameter. PDL was tasked with investigating the safest and most effective approaches for removal, transportation, storage and eventual disposal or recycling of these significant nuclear assets.
Our Solution
Our engineers deployed a comprehensive suite of simulation tools, including ANSYS Mechanical for structural analysis and ANSYS Fluent for thermal-fluid interaction. We developed a detailed 3D model of the component, applying realistic boundary conditions and material properties. Key aspects of our solution included:
Material Characterization : Incorporating advanced material models to accurately represent behavior under irradiation and high temperatures
Topology Optimization : Identifying optimal material distribution to reduce weight while maintaining structural integrity.
Thermal-Structural Coupling : Simulating the interaction between temperature fields and structural deformation.
Fatigue Life Prediction : Performing high-cycle and low-cycle fatigue analysis to predict component lifespan.
PDL delivered a comprehensive engineering basis for the selection and planning of future boiler removal activities. The study provided confidence in the feasibility of the proposed lifting, transport and storage arrangements while identifying key risks and mitigation measures. The resulting assessments supported safe, efficient and technically substantiated decommissioning strategies for one of the site's largest remaining assets.
Client: Cyclife EDF
Sector: Nuclear
Service Provided: FEA, Optioneering, Transport & Storage Studies, CAD, Design Assurance
Challenge: Removal, transportation and storage of 750-tonne redundant boilers
Outcome: Technically substantiated decommissioning and removal strategies supporting future project delivery
