EDF Edvance (a subsidiary of EDF and Framatome) has awarded GDES the design, manufacturing, and delivery of a mobile technological device for the injection of highly borated water into the REA system (Water and Boron Supply System) of Third Generation reactors of the EPR type (European Pressurized Water Reactor).
This project stems from several studies previously conducted by GDES for EDF, focused on the solubility of boric acid in water and on the design of a high-capacity dissolution mixer prototype (Borilain project). It originated in 2021 alongside the design and manufacturing project of the Mobile Borating Units (UMB) for EDF’s Nuclear Rapid Action Force (FARN). The REABORE project, delivered in December 2024, will be installed and commissioned at the Flamanville 3 EPR plant in early 2025, and includes training for plant personnel to ensure correct operation.
REABORE: Next-generation mobile and compact technology
The device, called REABORE, was designed to meet the specific requirements of Edvance. Its advanced technology enables the controlled injection of ABTE (boron enriched to 96% in Boron-10 isotope) into the REA system pools. Thanks to its mobile and compact architecture, the system can accurately carry out isotopic re-enrichment operations, including:
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The collection and management of ABTE powder.
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Its transfer to the dosing area in the fuel building (BK).
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The preparation and injection of the solution into the REA system.
Operated via semi-automatic commands, the device is designed for regular use throughout the operational cycle or under specific conditions according to chemical requirements.
This is the second innovation and technological development project that GDES has carried out for EDF, following the UMB project, aiming to provide technological solutions to the borating needs of its systems and plants—a suite of solutions that will soon expand with the recently awarded DPMB. This is yet another project that strengthens our position in France as a technology provider capable of designing and operating critical equipment for nuclear power plant operation and nuclear safety, in addition to offering decontamination and surface treatment services as part of our broad portfolio for the French nuclear industry.
With this project, GDES reaffirms its commitment to technological innovation and operational excellence in service of the nuclear sector, actively contributing to the safety and sustainability of nuclear facilities.