At our client’s site, large cylinders are used in the enrichment process of Uranium Hexafluoride (UF6). As part of the process, depleted materials known as ‘Tails’ need to be removed from the cylinders to prevent contamination.
This can be achieved via a washing process, however the cylinder’s shape, weight, limited interior access and risk of operator contamination present a number of mechanical handling obstacles.
SCX Special Projects was commissioned to design, engineer, build and install four Cylinder Wash Stations, along with the control systems to help operators oversee the washing process.
The wash stations comprise a lifting table with a surrounding platform to allow personnel access to the cylinders. SCX’s handling solution supports, secures and manipulates the cylinders, along with the high-pressure hoses required to perform the washing and hydrostatic testing processes.