Recently, the“a rotatable transfer device for items related to reactor containment buildings”developed by Beijing Raymond-CBE Nuclear Equipment Technology Institute Co, Ltd. (referred to as “Raymond-CBE”) has been granted a national utility model patent by the National Intellectual Property Administration.

The patent number is ZL202522041674.2. This patent relates to the field of tools specifically used in nuclear energy applications. It improves the lifting process for components in the nuclear island, significantly reducing the time required for lifting operations. This innovation also minimizes the time spent on critical maintenance tasks, lowers the radiation exposure for operators, and greatly enhances the efficiency of transferring items related to reactor containment buildings.

During the major repairs of AP and CAP series nuclear power plant units, opening and closing the reactor pressure vessels is a critical process. During this process, multiple equipment items need to be transported, such as devices for stretching split bolts. Due to the limitations of the IHP structure at the reactor top and the layout of the cantilever cranes, the area available for lifting equipment is very limited. Traditionally, only one piece of equipment can be transported at a time. With the high frequency of lifting operations and the long duration of each task, only one of the three cantilever cranes is available at any given time. As a result, the utilization rate of the cantilever cranes at the reactor top is extremely low. This means that workers have to spend more time in radiation-contaminated areas, resulting in increased exposure to radiation. In current engineering practices, equipment items like those used for stretching split bolts are placed directly on the steel surface of the reactor core during transportation. This can lead to damage to the steel surface of the reactor core and the equipment itself. Raymond-CBE has developed specialized transfer devices to address these issues. These devices allow for more efficient transportation of equipment, thereby reducing the time required for major repairs and minimizing the cumulative radiation exposure of workers.

This device features a multi-position rotation function. It allows for the simultaneous lifting of multiple components, such as split bolt tensioners, onto the lifting area at the top of the reactor core. This reduces the frequency and duration of lifting operations at the nuclear core. Additionally, the rotation function enables the sequential distribution of these components among three lifting devices at the top of the reactor core. This significantly improves equipment utilization, optimizes the lifting process, shortens critical maintenance times, and effectively reduces the radiation exposure for personnel.

Over the years, Raymond-CBE has always focused on breakthroughs in nuclear power industry technology. The successful acquisition of this innovative utility model patent is another strong evidence of the company’s commitment to solving real-world problems and maintaining technological innovation. This achievement clearly demonstrates Raymond-CBE’s strong research and development capabilities in the field of nuclear power equipment, as well as its sense of responsibility. In the future, the company will continue to focus on industry needs, helping to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the domestic nuclear power industry, and providing reliable domestic solutions for nuclear power operation and maintenance.