Inside the project

Koeberg Nuclear Power Station: Cooling water intake basin

Site data collection, feasibility studies, licensing reports, in addition to the detailed design of the breakwaters, pump house structures and the cooling water outfall.

PRDW were appointed by ESKOM during the initial site data collection programme and investigation of alternative intake and outfall options phase of the project during the early 1970’s. The directors of the firm have had a long standing involvement with the marine aspects of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station since then.

PRDW have been involved in the site data collection, feasibility studies, licensing reports, in addition to the detailed design of the breakwaters, pump house structures and the cooling water outfall. Work included physical model and mathematical model studies. 

The involvement presently continues with ongoing monitoring and operational advice. The cooling water intake basin is designed to function as a stilling basin in which sediment is deposited, enabling sediment free water to be abstracted for power station cooling.

The basin requires maintenance dredging from time to time. A study of the long term strategy and the possibility of a permanent sand pumping facility, with significant long term cost savings for the power station, was undertaken. Jet pump dredging equipment was designed to carry out minor dredging work in house to increase the period between maintenance dredging campaigns.

Work has also been undertaken to develop a system to prevent jelly fish from fouling the intakes.

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Scope

Investigations, Design, Construction Supervision and Post Construction Monitoring

Location

South Africa, Melkbosstrand

Owner

Eskom

Client

Eskom

Year

Ongoing since 1973