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Specialty Mechanical Segmentation Systems

Click here to download a video demonstration of Siempelkamp Nuclear Services' Segmentation Systems
(Note: This file is approximately 145MB)

Siempelkamp Nuclear Services' design and build capability of specialty segmentation and handling tooling for use on decommissioning projects originated out of the need to segment massive activated components associated with the ANL Building 311 60-inch Cyclotron. No suitable methods or technology existed that was capable of segmenting activated solid steel components with dimensions in excess of 60 inches in diameter and 28 inches high. For this project, ours engineers designed, assembled, tested, and operated the first-generation Reciprocating Machine Tool (RMT) successfully used to segment the cyclotron yoke and pole assemblies into manageable size pieces.

From our success on this initial project, we continued to expand our capabilities in designing and building specialty mechanical segmentation and handling equipment to decommission contaminated and/or activated equipment. Our engineering

staff has continued to grow and our engineers to date have designed custom mechanical cutting systems used for segmentation and handling of radiologically activated or contaminated equipment on two cyclotron decommissioning projects and four reactor internal segmentation and removal projects.

Now with several projects successfully completed, we have developed a base of capability and experience that allows us to design, deliver and operate the best in class tooling to support our decommissioning projects. Why do we think we are the best choice for designing and building specialty tooling for decommissioning projects? Many of our engineers and planners have gone to sites and worked in containment with our tooling systems. Our engineers understand the special requirements of operations in a radiological environment.

Our operations personnel don't like surprises when a tool arrives on site. We design and build our tools with consideration to where and how it will be used. Further, we perform thorough mockup testing on each tooling system we build. Each tool is tested in conditions that simulate those anticipated during actual operations. Siempelkamp Nuclear Services is based in a facility that includes 5,000 square feet of office space for our engineers, planners, and operations personnel and a 10,000 square feet shop area where we assemble and perform mockup testing of all of our equipment.

Existing Tooling:

	Circumferential-Hydraulically Operated Rotating Cutting Equipment (C-HORCE) - for circumferential cuts on large cylindrical components
	Hydraulically Operated Rotating Cutting Equipment (HORCE) - rotary milling tool designed to perform vertical and horizontal cuts on metal, flat surface components
	38-inch Diameter Linear Cutting Tool (38i) - used to perform vertical cuts on the outer walls of cylinders or vessels, capable of cutting through up to 5 inches of 304 stainless steel in a single pass
	Bolt Shearing Tool (BeaST) - for disassembly of components by shearing processes
	Reciprocating Machine Tool (RMT) - a multipurpose guillotine-type saw for vertical and horizontal cuts through large components including cylindrical, rectangular, grid, and irregular shaped components
	Bolt Milling Tool (BMT) - for milling out bolts for disassembly of components

Please see the Projects page for project overviews detailing mechanical segmentation experience and capabilities.