USA fleet member Salem recently had seven new main power transformers (MPTs) arrive. Three are being prepped for installation during this fall’s Unit 2 refueling outage while three will be installed during the Unit 2 refueling outage next spring. An additional MPT will remain as a spare.

In preparation for installation during the Salem S2R21 refueling outage in October, personnel from Atlantic Transformer Inc. and Matrix assembled the first four transformers and then focused on the process of oil filling and testing. Assembly of the last three transformers then began taking place.

Vacuum trucks have been removing the stone inside the transformer bays. During the stone removal the team identified that the existing conduits have extensive corrosion to the point that they need to be replaced, including the penetrations. On September 28, the project team began to install 14 new penetrations per transformer.

Workers also started laying down steel along the travel path to protect underground commodities. In fact, 14 tractor trailer loads of steel are required to cover the ground area.

In early October one of the new transformers was placed on a Goldhofer (a comprehensive trailer for the transportation of very heavy construction machines and equipment) and staged near the communication building. The transformer is being staged so the project has more real estate in the assembly area for trailer storage and preparations to move the existing transformers back into this area to remove the coolers. The existing transformers will eventually be relocated to the transformer storage area outside the protected area. Once at this location the transformers will be dismantled for scrap value.

Approximately one week before the outage the road way in front of the transformers will be closed to normal foot and vehicular traffic due to the amount of work activities being performed. Once the new transformers are installed and heavy equipment has been cleared in the area the road way will reopen. This will be well communicated beforehand, along with an alternate travel route.

The rigging plan for the installation of the transformers has been completed and is in the process of being reviewed by the Salem rigging committee and station leadership.

Project lead Bob Gallaher (green shirt) is briefing the Salem senior leadership team on what to expect leading up to and during the outage.