Project Overview

This project was to install two auxiliary shutdown cooling pumps in the back-up cooling loop of Unit 2 of the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station (DNGS). These pumps carry the primary heat transport heavy water for nuclear reactor core cooling when the primary cooling loop is out of service. The project was a first-of-a-kind (FOAK) for the Canadian nuclear industry and required extensive involvement of all major disciplines: mechanical/hydraulic, electrical, instrument and control, and civil engineering. The client viewed this as a high-risk project with extensive attention from the nuclear regulator.


How We Helped

The overall project had three (3) phases: Engineering, Procurement and Construction. For the engineering phase, we fulfilled plant-side design engineering and integration function. This involved creation of a 3-D model and 11 design ECs encompassing updates to over 500 plant documents across a number of disciplines, which included analyses/assessments from departments, such as Probabilistic Risk Assessment, Fire Protection, Stress Analysis, Nuclear Safety, Thermal Hydraulics, etc., to support the design basis of the modification. For procurement phases, we prepared technical specifications for nuclear Class 1 pressure boundary components and enabling electrical and I&C equipment. we interfaced with vendors through all phases to ensure the products met the client's requirements. For the construction phase, we worked alongside the construction team to ensure all engineering issues were addressed promptly.

We performed effective management of this project to ensure successful execution for Ontario Power Generation (OPG) for this first-of-a-kind evolution. Our Project Manager interfaced with a multidisciplinary design team which included analyses/assessments from departments, such as Probable Risk Assessment, Fire Protection, Stress Analysis, Nuclear Safety, Thermal Hydraulics, etc., to support the design basis of the modification. Our Project Manager and the team also interfaced with vendors through all phases to ensure the products met the client's requirements. For construction phase, we worked alongside the construction team to ensure all engineering issues were addressed promptly.

  • Prepared, maintained, and updated the Detailed Execution/Design Plan throughout the project
  • Completed COMS reviews in accordance with N-PROC-MP-0083
  • Prepared, reviewed and approved Engineering Drawings and Design Flow Diagrams
  • Prepared, verified, and approved the Detailed Commissioning Specifications in accordance with N-INS-00960-10000

We worked collaboratively with contract partners and OPG staff during weekly project meetings, involved key stakeholders to resolve emergent issues found in the field, and provided prompt action and design solutions to remedy the issues to minimize schedule and cost impact.

Detailed design, manufacturing, installation, commissioning and AFS was completed underbudget and with high quality. we played a pivotal role in bringing Unit 2 back into service.