The operation for cutting and transportation of 30-ton single piece from the reinforced concrete structure of the Field Suppression Breaker was successfully completed on 6 December. This structure has supported the whole shaft line of the first turbo-generator. That is why the concrete was of extremely high strength and fortified reinforcement.
For first time in real conditions the diamond wire cutting technology has been applied. The test cutting was conducted on 13 November. The cutting of the first 60-cm thick concrete element from the structure took about 3 weeks. “This was a very precise operation – as planning, synergy in the teamwork and performance”, commented Plamen Petkov, Chief Engineer, after the placement of the cut concrete structure at the temporary storage site in the Turbine Hall.
The diamond wire cutting machine is the most efficient way for removal of large concrete structures. The advantage of this technology is that there is no limit for the depth of cutting. The work is performed with great accuracy and the result is elements with smaller sizes that do not need costly treatment. This unique for Bulgaria equipment was delivered in March. It was provided by the KIDSF grant for supporting the decommissioning activities for the shutdown units.
