Nickel

The project

The project involved the construction of a replacement nuclear ventilation system for the service block in Grafenrheinfeld nuclear power station. As part of the decommissioning operations for the nuclear power station (which ceased operating in 2015), it was necessary to create replacement systems which would allow existing systems to be dismantled. The replacement system is designed to operate for 10-15 years and was erected as a modular container-type build on the roof of the service block. The Jacob pipework used for this purpose will carry conditioned supply and exhaust air with a temperature of 22-24°C.

The unique aspect

The particular challenge that this project posed was constructing a ventilation system to meet the special nuclear power requirements set out in DIN 25496. One key aspect involved the “Nekal tightness” (or gas tightness) of the ventilation system to prevent carryover contamination by the potentially active exhaust air.

These enhanced tightness requirements for the ventilation duct were able to be tested in advance with the Jacob company by conducting field tests at the factory on a sample length of pipe. Jacob was also able to deliver the comprehensive documentation to accompany the production process (a compilation of preliminary test documents, material certificates and factory acceptance tests). Another reason why Nickel approached Jacob was the flexibility that the company offered in adapting its production processes, including for special press-formed parts.