HUBTEX lift and mast extension system for CASTOR casks
Handling of CASTOR MTR3 casks at the Ahaus site
Maximum cask weight: 20 tonnes
Handling of CASTOR casks
Lift height of up to 265 inches
HUBTEX, in collaboration with AMAS, developed a Transport and Stacking Vehicle (TSF), with HUBTEX responsible for the development of the lift and mast extension system. In view of the stringent safety requirements involved in handling radioactive materials, a wide range of safety measures was implemented. These include measuring systems for the continuous monitoring of functions and operating conditions.
Ahaus interim storage facility
Storage of radioactive nuclear fuel
The Ahaus interim storage facility is a storage hall used for the temporary storage of spent fuel assemblies from German nuclear power plants, which continue to emit both high- and low-level radiation. The facility measures 214 yards in length, 42 yards in width and 22 yards in height, and is licensed to store a total of 3,960 tonnes of nuclear fuel.
Features
The mono lift mast has an overall height of 265 inches and a vertical lift of 148 inches driven by a trapezoidal lead screw with several electric drive units and frequency converters. It also features a horizontal mast extension of 102 inches operated by a rack-and-pinion system. Monitoring systems are integrated to supervise functions and operating conditions.
The cask, with a maximum weight of 200 tonnes, is picked up via two lateral lifting lugs, which allow side adjustment of 8 inches. The lugs are mounted in a pendulum arrangement and have a range of +/- 2°. In addition, a separate sideshift with an adjustment range of +/- 4 inches is provided, together with a horizontal rotating unit with a rotation range of +/- 2 inches. To reduce cask sway, a pendulum limit is used for the horizontal mast adjustment. Sensors monitor the functions and operating conditions of the system.
The TSF can only be operated via radio remote control. This remote control allows switching between stacking mode for positioning the casks and travel mode for moving the casks.