VolkerInfra - Chapelcross Power Station
Chapelcross nuclear power station is a decommissioned and partly demolished power station near Annan in Dumfries and Galloway in southwest Scotland, which was in operation from 1959 to 2004. It was the sister plant to the Calder Hall plant in Cumbria, England; both were commissioned and originally operated by the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority. The primary purpose of both plants was to produce weapons-grade plutonium for the UK's nuclear weapons programme, but they also generated electrical power for the National Grid. During additional works involving an upgrade to the plants national grid connection during 2020 I completed temporary works design for timber excavation support , allowing HV cable joints to be installed.
A timber Jointbay design was selected and commissioned by VolkerInfra. The high voltage cable installation had a high risk of impressed currents due to the close proximity of live assets, thus the design provided a safer alternative to existing propriety excavation suppose systems.
The installation required various stages and hold points to avoid hazards, to better communicate the installation process i produced a Sketchup animation which accompanied a design drawing (below), calculations, risk assessments and further control documentation/permits.
