The new year has kicked off dynamically for F4E’s Remote Handling Project Team and their potential suppliers. On 15 January, F4E and ITER International Organization welcomed 20 representatives from companies of three selected competing consortia for Europe’s contribution to ITER’s Cask and Plug Remote Handling System. The participants received an overview of the different steps involved in the competitive dialogue process. The importance attached to the technical study, called business case, which seeks to measure the skills and competences of the consortia was highlighted.
How did F4E narrow down the list to three competing consortia? Following a call for expressions of interest that was launched in 2014, gathering various candidate bidders from across Europe, a pre-selection process of the candidates was carried out and concluded around mid-December 2014, which led to the list of the three competing consortia.
ITER’s Cask and Plug Remote Handling System (CPRHS) is devoted to the confinement and transportation of the machine’s in-vessel components, and related remote handling equipment, between the Tokamak building and the Hot Cell building, where they are repaired, tested or disposed. The technologies underpinning this system need to encompass a variety of high-tech skills and comply with the nuclear safety requirements. Mastering high accuracy of mechanical transfer devices and a proven track record in prototyping and the development of bespoke systems are essential. Expertise in radiation tolerance systems, control systems for remote operations, remote handling and navigation operations are indispensable.
Carlo Damiani, F4E’s Remote Handling Project Team Manager, explained that “the event was very much appreciated by all companies because they got a better understanding of the complexity of the system and the value that we attach to a well prepared business case upon which they will be evaluated”. Click here to see the list of the competing consortia.
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