Control and Instrumentation Overlay for Nuclear Decommissioning
Omniflex enables safe remote monitoring as nuclear facilities transition to de-manned operation.
www.omniflex.com
Radiation monitoring specialist Omniflex has supported a major UK nuclear power station operator during a critical phase of its decommissioning programme, delivering a bespoke control and instrumentation (C&I) overlay that ensured continuous safety and security monitoring as buildings were progressively de-manned.
Maintaining safety while reducing site presence
During decommissioning, nuclear operators must continue to monitor radiological data, critical alarms and key plant instrumentation, even as legacy systems are removed and staffing levels reduced. In this case, the operator required a flexible, robust and cost-effective way to collect analogue and digital signals from multiple emptying buildings and consolidate them into a central, permanently manned monitoring location.
The challenge was compounded by fragmented communications infrastructure scheduled for removal, alongside the need to avoid disruption to an active nuclear site and minimise new civil works or re-cabling.
Bespoke C&I overlay for decommissioning environments
Omniflex designed and implemented a dedicated C&I overlay system that runs in parallel with the plant’s original control systems, allowing essential monitoring to continue independently of infrastructure being dismantled.
The solution was built around three core elements: signal aggregation, resilient communications and seamless SCADA integration. Remote terminal units (RTUs) from Omniflex’s Teleterm and Maxiflex ranges were deployed to gather data from radiation monitors, alarms and instrumentation across the site. These RTUs support multiple network types, including Ethernet, radio, wireless and Omniflex’s proprietary Conet technology.
“Using a dedicated C&I overlay allows critical signals to remain visible and reliable throughout the decommissioning process,” explains Gary Bradshaw, Director at Omniflex. “The data can be integrated into existing site SCADA systems or a new, bespoke SCADA installation at locations such as the gatehouse, giving operators a complete end-to-end monitoring solution.”
Reduced disruption, assured continuity
By leveraging Conet technology to reuse existing cabling, Omniflex significantly reduced installation time, labour requirements and overall project cost, while avoiding unnecessary disruption to the live site. The approach enabled the operator to safely de-man buildings without losing visibility of essential alarms and status information.
As a result, the client was able to keep its de-manning programme on schedule, avoid unplanned staffing costs, and manage the complexities of nuclear decommissioning with confidence and regulatory assurance.
www.omniflex.com
