16 jun 2020

Remote testing to deliver critical panel ahead of schedule

Cavendish Nuclear has used remote testing to overcome challenges posed by covid-19 in order to deliver a critical electrical panel ahead of schedule and on-budget, as part of the outage programme at EDF’s Hunterston B power station.

The project was already working to a tight timescale before the nationwide covid-19 lockdown and social distancing measures were implemented. Despite the changes, through careful management of the new risks and work constraints Cavendish Nuclear and its suppliers were able to proceed with the build and deliver ahead of the contract milestone date.

In order to ensure social distancing and protect our personnel, a novel approach was taken to conduct the witnessed Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) remotely instead of in-person with the customer present. This was achieved using a number of cameras that provided a live feed from the factory floor to the customer’s engineers in Scotland.

The remote FAT proved itself beyond expectations and its success has paved the way for other panel builds being witnessed using this approach.

David Queen, EDF Investment Delivery Project Manager said, “I would like to thank Cavendish Nuclear and their supplier for working through the technical challenges of undertaking the successful FAT. Please convey our thanks to the Cavendish Nuclear team and their supplier for their hard work in building the panel and undertaking the FAT in challenging times and with a successful outcome.”