Hinkley Point C: Reactor Cavity Access
Inside one of the most demanding environments on the Hinkley Point C new build, Palmers engineered a bespoke suspended access scaffold and a bi-directional liner-handling track so Framatome could install the reactor pressure vessel liner sections safely and on programme.
Sector context
Palmers was engaged to deliver a bespoke access and temporary-works solution within the reactor cavity, one of the most technically demanding environments on the Hinkley Point C new build. The work enabled Framatome to install the liner sections that form part of the Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV) housing system, safely and on programme.
The challenge
The reactor cavity presented a confined, complex geometry: a square scaffold had to be built inside a circular structure, with safe working platforms around 10 metres below operating level, all while interfacing with existing access.
- Constructing a square scaffold arrangement within a circular reactor-cavity geometry while maintaining structural integrity and safe access.
- Providing safe working platforms approximately 10 metres below operating level while accommodating liner installation in a confined structure.
- Interfacing with existing access arrangements, including the scaffold previously erected for Tissot's works above the cavity, within a restricted environment.
The Palmers solution
Palmers designed and constructed a suspended access scaffold within the circular reactor cavity, then engineered out the lift with a bespoke bi-directional track system developed alongside site stakeholders during planning.
- The suspended access scaffold gave safe access to the cavity walls for Framatome's liner-installation activities.
- A bespoke bi-directional track system eliminated the need for traditional A-frame arrangements and significantly reduced reliance on the spider crane.
- Once lowered into the cavity, liner sections could be manually manoeuvred into their final positions with greater control and precision.
- Load management and temporary-works design were developed with site stakeholders to reduce lifting requirements and improve installation efficiency.
The outcome
By replacing A-frame lifting with a manual bi-directional track, Palmers gave Framatome precise, repeatable control over liner placement, cutting spider-crane dependency and de-risking the confined-space lift. The works were completed safely, on schedule and to the high standards expected on a nuclear new-build project, leaving a repeatable, engineered method for future confined-space liner works.
From the site team.
Through early engagement and continuous communication with Framatome, Palmers engineered an innovation that reduced crane dependency and contributed to programme certainty.
Palmers