Maximizing the safety, performance and longevity of Canadian nuclear power plants is a key focus for Westinghouse Canada as we provide new and innovative solutions for our customers.
Westinghouse Canada recently completed a project for Ontario Power Generation (OPG), by implementing the Advanced Scale Conditioning Agent (ASCA) cleaning process in all 12 Pickering Unit 8 boilers. The successful execution supported extended Pickering operations at full power.
Exclusive to Westinghouse through a partnership with Dominion Engineering Inc. (DEI), ASCA is a “soft” chemical cleaning that offers the benefits of traditional chemical cleaning methods at a lower cost, reduced complexity and minimal impact on outage schedules. Notably, Westinghouse’s application is the first time such an approach has been executed in Canada and in a CANDU® reactor. It's also the only qualified ASCA process for CANDU as approved by CANDU Owners Group (COG).
ASCA: A Central Solution to Pickering Unit 8
In 2023, OPG's Pickering Unit 8 boilers required unique maintenance to remove water level oscillations and ensure full power operations.
The Westinghouse team successfully addressed this challenge through a comprehensive approach with pre-application process development and on site cleaning of 12 Pickering Unit 8 boilers. Pivotal to this solution was the utilization of DEI's patented ASCA process, which has been proven successful in over 60 applications at nuclear power plants across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Westinghouse’s Project Execution
In early 2023, the Canada team built upon the DEI process and designed and registered the pumping system specific to the operating plant’s standards, needs and requirements. Westinghouse Canada, alongside DEI, provided expert engineers and oversight of the ASCA application process throughout on site operation. Moreover, the Canada team supervised the initial setup, the technical setup and commissioning at the site, as well as supported equipment installation and demobilization upon project completion.
The ASCA process is typically completed in 18 to 24 months. However the team was able to fast track this project in nine months – without compromising safety – for OPG to meet its outage window. Effective collaboration between industry partners and supply chains ensured that the team met manufacturing and assembly timelines for this ambitious schedule. The collaboration included services for procurement, supplier partners, project management, manufacturing, engineering and field operations.
A key partnership with Promation, a Canadian automation manufacturer delivering custom equipment, allowed the project team to meet manufacturing and assembly timelines on the ASCA chemical injection skid. This collaborative approach leveraged Promation's existing manufacturing capability, qualified personnel and overall industry experience to bolster production speed while maintaining strict adherence to Canadian QA standards.
"Our team at Promation was excited to have the opportunity to play an important role in enabling the success of this project," said Darryl Spector, President, Promation. "This collaborative exercise demonstrated our strong nuclear safety culture, robust supply chain and the one-team approach of the Canadian nuclear industry."
An Unprecedented Process for CANDU
The ASCA Pickering U8 project paves the way as a blueprint for future CANDU ASCA projects, including at OPG’s Darlington Nuclear Station. Now, ASCA can be part of standard planned maintenance operations to optimize boiler performance and ensure durable operational efficiency and safety.
With the help of Westinghouse Canada’s skilled engineers who were invaluable in tackling the challenges faced at Pickering Unit, ASCA’s tailored solutions highlight Westinghouse’s commitment to excellence in nuclear engineering and project execution both in the Canadian region and on a global scale.
Ample Recognition for Delivering on Our Commitments
Upon completion, the ASCA project was recognized by OPG as well as Westinghouse’s Operating Plant Services (OPS) leadership for its significant multi-discipline efforts across the organization. The team worked persistently at an accelerated pace to manage risks and resolve challenges through robust and creative solutions.
“I am extremely proud of the entire project team for our outstanding success with the ASCA project, following seven months of tremendous effort,” said Stefan Surdu, OPG Project Portfolio Delivery. “This accomplishment supports extended Pickering B operations at capacity and continued carbon-free generation for Ontario.”
“We at Westinghouse are proud of the strong teamwork and collaboration with the OPG team to successfully deliver the ASCA project,” said Fabricia Piñeiro, Westinghouse Vice President for Canada Operating Plant Services. “The combined team collaborated and managed the technical and logistical challenges associated with a first-of-a-kind deployment to an outcome that met the needs of the plant. Westinghouse appreciates the opportunity and remains committed to utilizing our innovative solutions to deliver value to OPG and all our customers worldwide.”
A special congratulations to the multi-disciplinary ASCA team for stepping up to every challenge, building upon client confidence and ensuring successful project delivery. Although this was only the first implementation of ASCA, Westinghouse is setting its eyes on the future, striving to deliver more innovative solutions for the CANDU industry, in Canada and abroad.
