Nuclear reactor components and systems must operate in a wet environment. To have confidence that new tooling systems will operate as expected, they should be tested and verified in a submerged environment. Potential problems can be quickly identified and systems modified before the tooling ever enters your nuclear facility.
ATS has extensive experience designing, developing, testing, and delivering automation solutions for nuclear refurbishment, decommissioning, and new reactor projects. Our North American design and submerged system testing facility features multiple pools to accommodate the testing of small and large equipment underwater. Our integrated approach provides greater flexibility for real-time system modifications and hands-on training without impacting project schedules or budgets.
The Challenges We Address with Submerged System Testing
Understanding the obstacles that hold equipment manufacturers and system integrators back.
Specialized Testing Infrastructure
Finding the right partner with large, deep water pools for testing of full-sized automation or cutting equipment.
Integrated Build and Test Environments
Building and testing of automated systems within the same facility to minimize shipping.
Safe Equipment Access
Accessing and modifying equipment safely while performing submerged testing.
Operational Readiness
Training employees on how to install and operate equipment underwater.
Our Solution
ATS’s submerged system testing facility is unique in the industry. Our large, deep water pools use modular construction and can be built around the equipment. Water is pumped into the pool, simulating the actual environment, and later drained into a secondary tank. With fast water draw-down times, our design team can easily access the dry pool and make system modifications onsite without requiring cranes to move large, complex equipment. This improves overall worker safety and streamlines the testing process.
Simultaneously Test Multiple Systems
Accommodate multiple projects using a choice of underwater pools and sizes.
Simulated Production Environment
Create high fidelity mockup testing environments.
Onsite Automation & Nuclear Expertise
Leading experts in nuclear and automation onsite to optimize tooling and processes.
Hands-On Training
Comprehensive training of equipment in submerged environment replicating real life operating conditions.
Our Facility
Two Large Modular Pools
18ft (4.5m) deep in height x 28ft (8.5m) in diameter
Two Small, Recessed Pools
4ft (1.2m) deep in height x 8 ft (2.4m) in diameter.
Observation & Equipment Control Mezzanine
3-level mezzanine for multiple viewing opportunities.
90,000 sq. ft. Facility
Space for manufacturing, testing, and a training center.
Key Benefits
The advantages of partnering with ATS extend beyond access to specialized submerged testing facilities, enabling teams to validate system performance, reduce development risk, and prepare equipment and operators for real-world underwater conditions before deployment.
Verify Underwater
Perform testing before tooling goes into the field.
Speed Development Times
Build and test in one facility.
Optimize Design
Make real-time modifications during testing.
Stay On Budget
Avoid the expense of shipping equipment to secondary facilities.
Streamline System Operation
Workforce training ensures a prepared team to install and maintain equipment.
Improved Safety
Improved Safety
“We pride ourselves on being A Generation Ahead by Design… One of those needs is decommissioning, which requires the best people, planning, processes and equipment. We chose ATS to assist us because of their demonstrated nuclear industry expertise and technology, and their ability to develop a low-risk, innovative and modular solution.”
PK Chaudhary,
Holtec’s Senior Vice President of Operations.
Ready to Validate Your Underwater System?
Work with a partner equipped to validate, refine, and prepare underwater automation systems before field deployment.