Duke Energy Brunswick Nuclear Plant, HP Upper Shell Rotation

Ardurra provided specialized engineering support for Duke Energy's Brunswick Nuclear Plant Unit 2 high-pressure turbine outage, successfully designing critical infrastructure for the innovative HP shell rotator project. The groundbreaking system enabled safe and efficient rotation of the 80-ton HP turbine upper shell using advanced equipment, freeing bridge cranes to focus on other critical outage activities.

Working collaboratively with Laron, Inc. and Duke Energy personnel from project inception, Ardurra delivered design services for floor matting systems while conducting finite element analysis of the existing turbine deck to ensure structural adequacy for the specialized equipment loads. The team participated in design review meetings and witnessed ASME load testing to validate system performance and safety.

Key Project Highlights:

• Designed a specialized floor matting system supporting 80-ton HP turbine upper shell rotation equipment during a critical outage

• Conducted finite element analysis of the existing turbine deck, ensuring structural adequacy for innovative rotator system loads

• Collaborated with Laron, Inc. on rotator component design through comprehensive design review meetings and coordination

• Witnessed ASME load testing validating system performance and safety compliance for nuclear facility operations

• Provided on-site engineering support during Unit 2 outage, ensuring successful HP shell rotation operations

• Enabled efficient outage operations by freeing bridge cranes for other critical maintenance activities through innovative equipment design

• Supported nuclear plant safety through rigorous engineering analysis and comprehensive testing protocols

The rotator implementation demonstrated innovative engineering solutions for nuclear facility maintenance operations. Ardurra's comprehensive analysis and on-site support ensured safe, efficient turbine maintenance while minimizing outage duration and maximizing operational efficiency for this critical energy infrastructure.