First large equipment tests approved at the encapsulation plant and final disposal facility

The most significant approved FAT concerned the canister’s friction stir welding equipment. The test was completed by Bond Technologies, Inc. in the United States. The FAT was approved in August.

In July, the tests for the deposition hole drill were approved in Germany. The device is manufactured by Herrenknecht AG.

The service manipulator for the handling cell was also approved in Germany in August.

This device, which will be used in the fuel handling cell of the encapsulation plant, is manufactured by Wälischmiller Engineering GmbH. The service manipulator is used for service as well as defect scenarios, as there may be highly radioactive fuel inside the handling cell at the same time.

This means that we have entered a new stage in the project and can start installing equipment

- It is a major milestone that equipment is being completed. This means that we have entered a new stage in the project and can start installing equipment, says Petteri Vuorio, Engineering Manager for Posiva.

Most of the main equipment, consisting of some twenty devices, will be installed inside the encapsulation plant that is currently reaching its rooftop height. Around five devices related to underground production will be used in the disposal facility; that is, below ground.

The first on-site installations at Olkiluoto will take place late this year. 2022 will be the busiest year for installations.

More than 300 metres of deposition tunnels already excavated

The excavation of the actual deposition tunnels, which started in May, is also well under way. Construction Manager Juha Riihimäki from Posiva says that more than 300 metres of the first deposition tunnels have already been excavated.

Text: Timo Sillanpää

Photos: Aerial Photo Lentokuva Vallas Oy, Skanska Oy