TITLE:

EXPERIENCE IN BENELUX NUCLEAR PLANTS IN THE HANDLING AND LOADING IN CASKS OF IRRADIATED FUEL.

AUTHORS:

J.P. Lahaye (*), P. Debiève (*), L. Luccardi (**)
(*) Transnubel, S.A.
(**) LT Business Consultants, s.r.l.

This paper describes the experience acquired in the Tihange and Doel power plants assisting the plant operator in the performance of all operations of loading, unloading and storage of spent fuel.

The paper will cover aspect such as work planning, personnel qualification, procedure preparation, validation and testing.

At Tihange and Doel experience of fuel transfer and loading in casks has been made using both wet condition (NTL 3M) and with dry casks for either transport and/or storage (TN 24, TN 12/2, TN 13/2, TN 17/2 and LK 100). The authors will also present the experience which will be made at Tihange in August 2000, with the new TN 17T transfer and transportation cask.

Details will also be presented of the utilization of "multipurpose" modules and equipment such as, orifice tools, skirts, and handling tools used for irradiated fuel handling and transfer at Tihange, Doel and Borseelee.