Operating an onsite used fuel transportation program

Large custom-built industrial transporters (lift and place) have been in operation at Ontario Power Generation (OPG) for over 21 years for onsite transport of used nuclear fuel in dry storage containers (DSC). The operational experience reported here spans four generations of transporter design and all aspects of vehicle life cycle: concept, design, construction, commissioning, operation, maintenance, refurbishment and decommissioning. There have been no major vehicle accidents or breakdowns that significantly affected transportation availability and processing rates of DSC's, partially due to excellent onsite service supports and close proximity of the transporter original equipment manufacturer (OEM) from all three Waste sites. The first DSC transporter was placed in service at Pickering Nuclear Generating Station (PNGS) in 1996. Since that time an expanded fleet has evolved operating at the Pickering, Darlington and Western Waste Management sites. Over time, obsolescence, design and build deficiencies of the second and third generations have resulted in diversification and refurbishment strategies being executed for the second and third generation fleet. The first generation vehicle has been retired, decommissioned and disposal is complete. Challenges in recent years have revolved around obsolescence of the transporter components and completion of modification projects; teething problems with new equipment; and physical maintenance and safety assessments of the approved transport routes. Although industrial use of large transport equipment also has obsolescence and regulatory issues, the unique configuration control, safety and public visibility constraints of the nuclear business result in additional complexities for safe and effective management of the transporter fleet