Davis Besse Vessel Head Replacement
Many aging nuclear power generation facilities have required the replacement of the vessel head. This requirement takes special attention to developing a practical and efficient program for the removal and replacement of these hazardous components. Ensuring a time efficient program is developed is essential due to the financial impacts of reactor downtime.
Dr. Watkins was a Lead Engineer for the Davis Besse Nuclear Power Plant reactor vessel head replacement project. The project required a unique hydro-cutting technique to cut through a 3.5 ft thick concrete wall without disturbance to the existing structure. Field assignment as resident engineer included assessment of existing structures and buried utilities for load drop and construction loads.
