NUCLEAR
Nuclear power, a regulated sector.
Wattohm is involved at 2 levels in the Basic Nuclear Installations cycle. The work undertaken during unit shutdowns exposes workers to the same pollutants as traditional industry (cutting concrete, sawing, removing insulation, sandblasting enclosures, etc.), with potential exposure to contaminants. The regulations set maximum individual and collective threshold values (RTR).
At the end of the cycle, the INBs (Basic Nuclear Installations) are dismantled in accordance with the regulatory processes… Wattohm works in partnership with Tier I contractors to capture and treat the dust, fumes, radio-iodes and gases emitted during dismantling operations. For example, plasma cutting of metal components generates a lot of fumes that are harmful to operators and their environment. Core drilling and concrete sawing generate fine silica and asbestos dust, as well as larger, potentially contaminated blocks, which need to be vacuumed, trapped and stored in sealed drums.
Our mission is to protect operator and their environment from conventional and potentially contaminated pollutants, in compliance with the rules of the trade and the directives of the various authorities, such as the Directorate of Labour (DIRECCTE) or the Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN).
When the handling and manipulation of waste generates a risk of exposure for operators, Wattohm designs and offers ventilated suction tables and suction devices coupled with suction and filtration units.
Our solutions, from operation to dismantling.
Adapted to worksites in general, they are appropriate to the specific constraints of confined environments:
- Standard or consumable-free pre-filters, spark arrestors, filters of different efficiencies, depressurisation units, latest filtration levels (THE), automatic cleaning pre-filters, etc. There are many solutions to meet the needs of your nuclear projects.
- Depressurisation of airlocks, with continuous monitoring of depressurisation using appropriate instrumentation.
- Local operation of our equipment or remote man/machine interface, to keep operators away from pollutant sources and reduce individual and collective dosimetry.
- Change filter media and receive dust using a ‘Bag In/Bag Out’ procedure.
All our equipment complies with standard (CE) and special (FME, ATEX, ALARA, etc.) requirements.
Nuclear power, a job for experts.
We design, manufacture and install fixed and mobile ventilation, filtration and dust removal equipment in accordance with the recommendations of the INRS and the ASN, and in compliance with the specifications of our customers.
Nuclear facilities must comply with the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Acceptable) principle. In this context, 3D digital simulation tools can be used to determine the appropriate air velocities and flow rates before the prototyping phase, and to ensure that the results are compliant as soon as the installations are delivered to the factory.
Our know-how and experience enable us to carry out a relevant technical and economic study of each project, and to support our customers and partners in drawing up or applying specifications. Our systems take account of site constraints, cramped conditions and handling, as well as the ergonomics of workstations, while respecting operators and their movements.
Wattohm has a team dedicated to nuclear applications. Our experts are trained in the habits, customs and language of the sector. We also train our partners in the field in ventilation techniques for confined environments.