HPC Radioactive Source Store Engineered Containment

Case Study 075

JFN successfully delivered a secure on- cabinets were designed as a modular site radioactive source store to EDF at construction allowing on-site assembly, Hinkley Point C (HPC). The store will be once the store was set in position on its used to safely house a number of Special foundations. Form sealed radioactive sources, which To remove the need for a separate office are used for non-destructive testing, building, JFN incorporated a lead-shielded critical to the completion of construction steel partition wall between the storage works at HPC. areas and the Administration office to protect the office occupants, and keep EDF was engaged with JFN’s sister company exposures As Low As Reasonably High Technology Sources Limited (HTSL), for Practicable. The wall behind the cabinets is the provision of sealed radioactive sources. also fitted with lead shielding to reduce the During discussions, a requirement for a radiation levels to the exterior of the building secure on-site radioactive source store to and satisfy client dose constraints. safely house the sources was realised. The building is connected to an electrical The store facilitates the safest means of supply via a six way consumer unit supplying centrally controlling the large number of 230V socket outlets, air conditioning, internal radioactive sources, while reducing onerous LED lighting, emergency lighting, alarm permit processes saving time and money system, smoke and fire detection and an during operations on site. JFN was engaged addressable manual call point. Exterior for the design, procurement, construction and lighting of the building is provided by four 50W delivery of the source store to HPC site. LED flood lights with a passive infrared sensor Overview of the Radioactive Source Store (PIR) detection function. Calling on proven experience in modular and Safe and Secure Storage containerised systems in order to reduce the Through consultation with JFN’s strategic overall footprint of the store, JFN’s concept radiation protection partner, Aurora Health design was based on a 40ft high-roof storage Physics Services Ltd, shielding design studies container, modified to provide secure shielded were conducted using Monte Carlo radiation storage for up to 64 radioactive sources and transport code. This determined the most office space. efficient and ergonomic method of storing the A reinforced floor accommodates the weight sealed radioactive sources. Aurora provided of four storage cabinets, each containing 16 radiation protection advice throughout the individual, lead-shielded lockable cubicles. project and carried out a Critical Examination Due to the weight of the shielding, the of the Source Store prior to handover.

For more information on how JFN can add value to your nuclear operations visit: www.jfnl.co.uk or contact one of our specialist consultants at: [email protected] or +44 (0) 1772 622200 James Fisher Nuclear Ltd is registered in Scotland No: SC204768 North Meadows, Oldmeldrum, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, AB51 0GQ. James Fisher Nuclear Ltd is a subsidiary of James Fisher and Sons plc

The source store consists of two separate storage to allow workers of the night shift to only open drawers areas. The main storage area houses Sentinel 880 during their working hours or shift patterns. projectors, with the second to the end of the building for storage of Cobalt Sentinel Sentry projectors. A hydraulic double scissor lift table is used when placing As forklift truck access was required due to the 240Kg and removing projectors from the upper storage mass of the Cobalt 60 source containers, separate compartments. JFN’s design also included a access utilised the existing container double-doors. maintenance table, constructed from 50mm thick steel (vertical sections) with a 30mm thick steel horizontal Both storage areas are designated as a ‘Radiation work surface. This area is crucial to minimise Controlled Areas’ and are only accessible to persons unnecessary radiation exposure outside the facility while under strict management arrangements. a radiography container is subject to a pre-use Each source is stored in a radiography source container inspection and cleaning prior to storage. Our scope also within one of the custom modular storage cubicles. JFN included the provision of operating, installation and care worked with Nuclear Shields on the design and and maintenance manuals. manufacture for the bespoke radioactive source storage A turn-key solution for sealed radioactive source cabinets. With a draw and locker arrangement, each storage cabinet provides individual lockable storage with 25mm JFN has established a working agreement with our thick lead shielding for each source. strategic partners to offer an integrated engineering The cabinets, together with a computer terminal and solution incorporating project management, source programmable radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags provision, design, manufacture, radiation protection provide numbered, individual, lockable, computer advice and shielding assessment. JFN’s agreement with controlled storage for each source. Operators can be HTSL, Aurora Health Physics Services and Nuclear assigned access to specific storage compartments Shields provides a full-solution partnership for between specified working hours, allowing full radioactive source storage and shielded facility design, traceability of the sources and their containers at any offering increased flexibility and lower execution risk time. Multiple access time configurations can be made reducing costs and maximising value for money.

Front of cabinet Monte Carlo dose rate Source Store Layout plot with sources inside