When maintaining a nuclear power plant, every detail is essential
A long time in service: The commercial commissioning of the Beznau nuclear power plant took place in December 1969 after a construction period of four years. (Image: Axpo)
Thomas Schibler's working day is always framed around ongoing priorities: "I arrive in the morning and then look in our ERP system directly to find out which messages came in overnight," he explains. As Deputy Group Manager of Maintenance at the Beznau Nuclear Power Station (KKB), Thomas Schibler is part of a ten-person team whose task is to ensure the safe and optimal operation of the plant. The KKB is part of Axpo's power plant park and its two reactors generate a solid 6000 gigawatt hours of electricity per year — which is roughly twice the electricity consumption of the city of Zurich.
In order to fulfil their important task, Thomas Schibler and his employees take a close look at everything from pumps, compressors and ventilation to all mechanical components. "As soon as the orders for the current day have been created, we carry out maintenance," he explains. In addition to the daily tasks, Thomas Schibler also regularly performs recurring tasks. This also includes longer-term deviations that do not require immediate action.
The Beznau nuclear power plant generates twice the annual electricity demand of the city of Zurich every year. (Image: Unsplash)
Everything always in view
Experienced experts work at the KKB's control centre, where they monitor and test the systems around the clock. (Image: Axpo)
To ensure that it is always clear where maintenance is required in the Beznau nuclear power plant, operating personnel monitor the facility around the clock. Of course, this also involves the use of modern digital tools. If there is an unexpected need for the expertise of the maintenance team, the stand-by team are also on call during the night.
This aspect, coupled with the complex and comprehensive systems of the KKB, means that maintenance tasks are extremely varied, stresses Schibler. 19 years ago, the trained toolmaker applied for an open position in the power plant — and it took him years to get an overview of the complex plant. "Anyone starting with us will see something new every day for a long time," he explains.
Organisation is a must
When it came to renovating and enlarging the old workshop of the KKB, Axpo turned to Brütsch/Rüegger Tools. In addition to providing first-class tools, the storage of tools was also an important issue:
“In the audit departments, there are sometimes 40 to 50 additional people — tools must not be lying around everywhere.”
Professional foam inserts, which are made of ToolFoam, bring organisation to the workshop. These can be tailored to the individual needs of a company using the "ToolFoam Configurator". State-of-the-art CNC technology and specially trained employees ensure optimum quality.
Thanks to custom-made foam inserts, the organisation of tools is greatly simplified. (Image: BRT)
Alternatively, a company can also rely on a large selection of premium standard modules from leading manufacturers such as STAHLWILLE, KNIPEX, AMF and PB Swiss Tools, including Brütsch/Rüegger's own brands FUTURO and NERIOX. This option is ideal for users who need tried-and-tested quality and quick availability without the need for customisation. The foam inserts allow quick and clear access to over 30,000 tools and are delivered quickly and without fuss by Brütsch/Rüegger Tools. Thomas Schibler also appreciates this fact:
"The cooperation is always fast-paced and goal-oriented, so we always feel very well supported and advised."
Click on the image to use the practical configurator for your customised foam inserts.
Click on the image for more information on our standard modules.
Anyone who opens the tool drawer immediately knows which tools are available and how to store them. Disorder is dismissed!