CCI - Control Components Inc.

Press Release - ECCS Strainer

CCI completes installation of advanced ECCS Strainer at a nuclear facility located in Seneca, SC, owned and operated by a North Carolina-based utility

In response to NRC Generic Letter 2004-02 regarding maintaining adequate long-term core cooling, the NC based utility contracted CCI in April of 2005 to design, fabricate, test and install advanced ECCS Sump Screens at their Seneca, SC nuclear facility This action was taken to mitigate concerns for strainer blockage and resultant adverse effect on head loss.

The nuclear facility is a three unit PWR and their response to the Generic Letter committed implementation of advanced strainers to be complete for all three units by December 2007. After lengthy evaluation of various strainer designs, CCI’s “Pocket Cassette” technology was selected for its superior suction surface area to space consumption ratio, flexible design features for accommodating obstructions and ease of installation. From release of order to completion of the first Unit, CCI performed design work, extensive validation flow testing, fabrication and installation within a short six month period.

CCI Engineering in Winterthur , Switzerland developed a unique configuration to optimize the available sump space by providing for the maximum achievable screen surface area. The design requirements included a maximum head loss of 0.1 feet across the strainer following postulated build-up of insulation debris on the strainer face. CCI’s exclusive “Pocket Cassette” design satisfied this c hal lenging requirement. CCI followed the delivery of new Strainers by providing on-site Project Management and Technical Oversight to assure proper installation and adherence to a tight schedule. Shaw’s Stone & Webster provided plant modification engineering and downstream effects analysis in close support of the aggressive schedule. Regulator review and comment for CCI’s test procedures and hardware installation have been positive.

CCI has installed advanced Pocket Cassette Strainers in commercial nuclear power plants around the world. Since this contract award, eleven additional U.S. nuclear units have specified CCI Strainers and Services to date for resolution of GL 2004-02. CCI remains committed to the success of commercial nuclear power and providing innovative solutions for improved performance and response for emerging issues.

Company Background

CCI – Control Components Inc. is the world's leading manufacturer of severe service control valves, actuation, silencers and resistors for coal, oil, gas, and nuclear power plants; the oil and gas-producing and hydrocarbon industries; and pulp and paper plants worldwide. With headquarters in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, and offices worldwide, CCI also operates major design and manufacturing facilities in Switzerland, Sweden, Austria; China, Japan, India, and South Korea. Website: www.ccivalve.com. Information e-mail: info@ccivalve.com.