Nuclear products and services

The Framatome Maintenance Division based at Lyon is described. Because of the radiation hazards in a nuclear reactor environment, maintenance has to be by robots and remotely-controlled machines, which have also to be compact to fit into confined areas. Pressurized water reactor components can be grouped into three categories - heavy-duty reactor cooling system components, steam generator tubes and mechanical devices. Their maintenance features are outlined. Speed of maintenance is important as most of the areas can only be reached during outages. Four service centres develop remotely controlled or automated tools, train personnel and overhaul contaminated tools for the PWRs. Framatome also carries out design studies and offers a range of backfitting services. (UK)