Cyclife France has received a used steam generator from the French Navy in Toulon at its CENTRACO site (Centre de Traitement et de Conditionnement des déchets radioactifs) in Codolet, Gard in the South of France. This very large component, about 4 m high and representing more than 40 tonnes of metal waste, is treated by the CENTRACO facility's melting process.

This operation is being carried out under the supervision of the CEA, which is responsible for the recovery of nuclear waste from the nuclear boilers on board nuclear propulsion ships.

 

Photo report of the arrival and unloading of the steam generator

About fifteen people were mobilised to receive the contaminated steam generator and unload it in the installation's premises.

 
Entrance of the oversized convoy on the CENTRACO site Convoy parked, ready to unload container
Unloading of the container, handling of the bell by the mobile crane Steam generator mounted on the mobile electric trolley, mechanised handling and lifting
Steam generator carried by the mobile crane, mechanised handling and lifting Radiological control of the steam generator

 

This large-scale project is entrusted to Cyclife France

Cyclife France stands out for its unique facility in France for the treatment of very-low to medium level short-lived radioactive waste, as well as for its expertise and know-how in providing innovative, global and customised solutions.

As with this large-scale project, for which the Cyclife France teams produced specifications for the manufacture of a customised container and a motorised low-bed trolley, designed by partners.

 

Treatment of the steam generator of the French Navy

The steam generator is processed by CENTRACO's melting unit, which specialises in the processing of metal, ferrous and non-ferrous scrap in crates.

Cyclife France receives a used steam generator from the French Navy to be treated

This large component is first cut in a special workshop in a dedicated workshop in the plant and then cut to size for the induction furnace.
 
The components are melted at 1,600°C in the furnace and reduced by 90% of their volume at the end of the operations. The molten contents are then tipped into a ladle and emptied into ingot moulds.

 

The packages that are then sent to ANDRA (National Agency for Radioactive Waste Management) for final storage are called "ingots".

Photo Credits: ©Adeline Justamon et ©Cyclife France