Hinckley Point C – the new UK nuclear station – has been under construction by EDF since 2016, and is currently scheduled to come onstream sometime around 2030. The polar crane that will sit over the reactor was installed in 2024 by Big Carl, the Sarens SGC- 250, known as the largest land crane in the world. The polar crane was made by APCO technologies of Switzerland, weighing in at 750t, and after completion its function will be removal and replacement of the reactor head as well as refuelling.
But nuclear demands other, smaller lifting gear as well – and they may be needed in emergencies. CORE Nuclear Solutions of Lillyhall in Cumbria has developed a belowthe- hook cutting machine to be deployed on hoists within nuclear reactors.
They are based on Holmatro shears, which have been used for cutting pipelines in the field (for example, at old petrol stations) and by fire and rescue services globally for over half a century; CORE Nuclear Solutions has adapted the design to make hoist deployable shears specifically designed for the nuclear sector.
The CORE shear is based on field proven rescue equipment. It is hydraulically powered for high cutting forces and reliability in testing environments. It has a maximum opening of 190mm and a large cutting force with an inbuilt slewing ring that allows for cutting at any angle. A stainless-steel enclosure protects the hydraulic control system; the hydraulic connectors can be plugged in by manipulators rather than by hand, meaning that operatives do not need to enter hazardous areas.
At the work face, the control panel is mounted on a trolley to give portability and quick deployment, and needs only a 110VAC (16A) socket to begin work.
