Innovations
Publié le 07 May 2026Visit to the Saint-Alban Nuclear Power Plant (CNPE)
7-cycle outage of the 1LHP diesel engine at the Saint-Alban Nuclear Power Plant (CNPE): rigour, coordination, and collective excellence. Three weeks before the start of the outage, Nord Motors was already on site, carefully preparing the operations.
Solid preparation and useful innovations.
In collaboration with its engineering department, Nord Motors designed and developed two specific tools to optimize the operations:
- A handling device designed to facilitate the removal of a rooftop fan motor
- A calibration test bench used to check the 16 replaced injectors
In addition, storage containers were prepared, spare parts management was organized, and technical documentation was thoroughly reviewed… everything was planned to ensure an efficient start-up.
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Exemplary collaboration in the service of safety
“The initial discussions with Nord Motors were immediately very positive. Their preparation and responsiveness were highly appreciated. The management team also shared valuable technical knowledge with us, which was extremely beneficial on this project located on the critical path of the outage,” emphasizes the EDF Project Manager.
“The collaboration with the EDF Project Manager, his colleagues, the planners, supervision teams, and logistics staff was excellent. Their responsiveness made it possible to efficiently manage unforeseen events, hold points, and scaffold availability. We also implemented a colored sticker system to identify sensitive phases and reinforce vigilance.”
A motor thoroughly inspected.
Scope of work:
- Draining of the HT/LT water and oil circuits,
- Replacement of the injectors,
- Standard exchange of pumps and motors,
- Complete diesel engine inspections and management of unexpected issues occurring during the outage, alongside the requalification process.
Initially organized on a two-shift system (2×8), six days a week, the project quickly evolved into a 7-day daytime schedule, reflecting stronger coordination and increased efficiency.
Objective achieved despite unforeseen events
Despite several unexpected issues at the end of the outage — including the replacement of one injector, two injection pumps, and the fuel pump — the mechanical maintenance operations have now been successfully completed, and the diesel engine was requalified without reservations and within the required deadline (ECU31).
Congratulations to all the teams at the Saint-Alban Nuclear Power Plant (CNPE) and at Nord Motors.
This 7-cycle outage perfectly illustrates what makes our professions strong:
- Rigour, anticipation, adaptability, and above all, the strength of teamwork.
- A big congratulations to all the teams involved for their commitment and professionalism.
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