The commencement of the execution phase marks the joint venture’s (JV) successful delivery of the definition phase (2012-2016) of the project, which included the construction of a full-scale reactor mock-up facility to simulate key elements of the refurbishment work and the testing of specialized tooling and to help prepare a comprehensive estimate and schedule for the project.
A $35-million reactor vault mock-up and re-tube and feeder replacement (RFR) was completed as part of the preliminary phase of the refurbishment project. Led by SNC Lavalin Nuclear (SLN) and Aecon Nuclear, the mock-up helped to train the team for feeder and fuel channel replacements to be undertaken as part of the overall refurbishment project.
The execution phase of the project will involve the replacement of main reactor components using tools and methods that were developed and tested during the Project’s definition phase, carried out by the JV.
Each of the four Darlington Candu reactors will be taken out of service sequentially for approximately three years to allow for the replacement of fuel channels, feeder pipes, calandria tubes and end fittings. The overall project is scheduled for 112 months.
