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MRD Nuclear | Nuclear Power Production, Research, Clean-Up, and Defense Tooling

NUCLEAR POWER PRODUCTION, RESEARCH, CLEAN-UP, AND DEFENSE TOOLING

Mechanical Research & Design, Inc., through their general products division, MRD Nuclear, has designed and manufactured Nuclear Industry Tooling for nearly 25 years, working with our clients in nuclear power production plants, government research facilities, defense, and re-processing sites to provide reliable, safe tooling in this critical field. We have many diverse products, including: reactor maintenance isolation tools, temporary outage equipment hatches, refueling isolation plugs, fuel handling tools, suction line isolation plugs, and specialty robotic remote installation tools.  Our products can be found in most plants in the United States, Canada, and in many other countries around the world. Our experienced design team is trusted by our clients to provide factory-validated standard products and application specific customized solutions in industry-leading rapid turnarounds. We work with nuclear process engineers and technicians to design the right solution the first time, supporting planned outages and unplanned emergencies. We also support tooling designed for underwater diver installations in nuclear settings and process power support systems. Our tooling collections include solutions for Boiling Water Reactors (BWR’s), Pressurized Water Reactors (PWR’s), and other experimental reactor design types, supporting process systems, and fuel storage sites.

 

Mechanical Research & Design, Inc. fabricates our products to adhere to the strict Foreign Material Exclusion (FME) requirements of the industry and our quality program meets the Counterfeit Fraudulent and Suspect Items (CFSI) requirements of the DOE. Our designs can meet the requirements of ASME® BPVC Section VIII, Section III, and ASME B31.1 upon request and are often required for our containment and isolation tooling. We vulcanize, mold, and assemble our SEALFAST® Elastomers, including our durable inflatable and mechanical seals, at our design and fabrication site, allowing us maximum flexibility in material compatibility and geometric sizing in our tools. We have customized blends and compounds specifically tailored for high radiation exposure, which can be used in moderator fluids or in contact with fuel, and also include specialty blends for use with elevated temperatures. Many of our products have been in service and field tested for decades.

Have Specific Requirements?

We specialize in custom solutions! Take a look at a few of our proven custom solutions or let us know your requirements. Our engineers and production staff are equipped to travel around the world at a moment’s notice to assist you with your needs!

Let's Talk!

Contact us today to discuss our rates or to book an appointment with one of our engineers. 

OUTAGE EQUIPMENT HATCHES (oeh)

Nuclear Outage Equipment Hatches, Drive Through Outage Equipment Hatch, Emergency Equipment Hatch, Nuclear OEH, Containment, Nuclear Tools, Nuclear Tooling | MRD Nuclear | Mechanical Research & Design, Inc., Manitowoc Wisconsin U.S.A.
Nuclear Outage Equipment Hatches, Drive Through Outage Equipment Hatch, Emergency Hatch, Nuclear OEH, Nuclear Containment, Nuclear Tools, Nuclear Tooling | MRD Nuclear | Mechanical Research & Design, Inc., Manitowoc Wisconsin U.S.A.

Mechanical Research & Design, Inc. is an industry leader in the supply of temporary outage equipment hatches (OEH) to supply quick and easy to install isolation barriers into the entrance tube of missile walls during outages in the event of reactor boiling. We have several custom designs, including: semi-permanent (can be removed with hand tools if needed) enclosures that fit between permanent hatches and missile doors, temporary barriers that can be installed by fork-lift during the outage if needed, customized drive through doors to aid in re-fueling and large pump replacement during outages, and other more permanent barriers that remain installed between outages.

REACTOR ISOLATION AND MAINTENANCE - STEAM LINE PLUGS, HOT LEG AND COLD LEG PLUGS, MODERATOR PLUGS

Moderator Plugs, Nuclear Reactor Isolation Tools, Main Steam Line Plug, MSLP, Nuclear Tools, Nuclear Tooling | MRD Nuclear | Mechanical Research & Design, Inc., Manitowoc Wisconsin U.S.A.
Nuclear Reactor Isolation Tools, Main Steam Line Plug, MSLP, Moderator Plugs, Nuclear Tools, Nuclear Tooling | MRD Nuclear | Mechanical Research & Design, Inc., Manitowoc Wisconsin U.S.A.

Mechanical Research & Design, Inc. has provided reactor maintenance and isolation plugs for decades to many plants around the world, including MSLP Main Steam Line Plugs for boiling water reactors (BWR’s), Hot and Cold leg plugs for pressurized water reactors (PWR’S), and a wide assortment of other isolation plugs. Our tools are designed to work in most moderator fluids and are designed for seismic service when required. Mechanical Research and Design, Inc. plugs can be remotely installed underwater using most existing monorail systems from the refueling platform. Underwater installation allows wet transfer of the steam dryer, reducing risk for airborne and personnel contamination. While installed, the reactor nozzle plugs are fully testable to MSIV LLRT pressure requirements.
Steamline reactor nozzle plugs incorporate both passive and active seals. Reactor Nozzle Plugs (U.S. Patent 5402828).

PIPE PENETRATION ANNULAR SEALS

Annular Seal, Nuclear Wall Penetration Seal, Link Seal, Double Containment Pipe Seal, Nuclear Tools, Nuclear Tooling | MRD Nuclear | Mechanical Research & Design, Inc., Manitowoc Wisconsin U.S.A.
Nuclear Annular Seal, Nuclear Wall Penetration Seal, Link Seal, Double Containment Pipe Seal, Nuclear Tools, Nuclear Tooling | MRD Nuclear | Mechanical Research & Design, Inc., Manitowoc Wisconsin U.S.A.

Mechanical Research & Design, Inc. has several standard and custom Annular Seal designs that serve as leak-proof barriers in pipe wall penetrations and double containment pipe systems. Our tools can be fabricated to be split design to allow users to install them piece-by-piece over existing piping systems and flanges. SEALFAST® Annular Sealing Tools can also be designed for concentric, eccentric, coaxial, skewed, and limited access installations. We design with rugged, corrosion resistant materials and utilize our field-proven SEALFAST® Mechanical and Inflatable Seals. We specialize in highly corrosive and radioactive fluid containment and extended life products. Give us the measurements of your piping system and we will design the Annular Sealing Tool ideal for you in the shortest lead times you will find anywhere.

GENERAL PROCESS LINE PLUGS AND JOINT TESTERS

Nuclear Bungs, Isolation Plugs, Flange Adaptors, Nuclear Tools, Nuclear Tooling | MRD Nuclear | Mechanical Research & Design, Inc., Manitowoc Wisconsin U.S.A.
Nuclear Bungs, Nuclear Isolation Plugs and Flange Adaptors, Nuclear Tools, Nuclear Tooling | MRD Nuclear | Mechanical Research & Design, Inc., Manitowoc Wisconsin U.S.A.

Mechanical Research & Design, Inc. has an extensive line of nuclear process system Isolation and Test Tools, including Isolation and Test Plugs, Pipeline Joint Testers, Leak Repair Tools, Valve Repair Tools, Lifting and Handling Tools, and Filtration Tools. Our tools are used for verification during piping system assembly, for general pipeline and component maintenance, valve replacement isolation, and many more applications. The tools are often used for primary isolation in “hot” zones for extended installation periods. Products are designed and fabricated for industry required FME practices and our lead times are incredibly fast on most items, including custom solutions, to assist in your time-critical outage needs!

RE-FUELING HATCH REPLACEMENT PLUGS

Nuclear Refueling Pool Hatch Replacement Plugs, Cavity Floor Covers, Nuclear Containment, Nuclear Tools, Nuclear Tooling | MRD Nuclear | Mechanical Research & Design, Inc., Manitowoc Wisconsin U.S.A.
Nuclear Refueling Pool Hatch Replacement Plugs, Cavity Floor Covers, Nuclear Containment, Nuclear Tools, Nuclear Tooling | MRD Nuclear | Mechanical Research & Design, Inc., Manitowoc Wisconsin U.S.A.

Our Refueling Pool Hatch Replacement Plugs are used all around the U.S. as an effective alternative to existing hatchway replacement or repair. These cost-effective, redundant sealing isolation barriers, provide quick and easy installation, preventing leakage on aged, corroded pipe faces where existing hatch covers fail. Our corrosion resistant, lightweight Hatch Replacement Plugs are fabricated using radiation compatible metals, lubricants, and SEALFAST® Elastomers. MRD Hatch Plugs can come with our active sealing SEALFAST® Inflatable or Mechanical Seals, designed for particularly difficult to seal applications, so your product works the first time, every time!

FUEL HANDLING TOOLS

Nuclear Fuel Rod Handling Tool, Fuel Rod Lifting Tool, Nuclear Containment, Nuclear Tools, Nuclear Tooling | MRD Nuclear | Mechanical Research & Design, Inc., Manitowoc Wisconsin U.S.A.
Nuclear Fuel Rod Handling Tool, Fuel Rod Lifting Tool, Nuclear Containment, Nuclear Tools, Nuclear Tooling | MRD Nuclear | Mechanical Research & Design, Inc., Manitowoc Wisconsin U.S.A.

We provide field tested, reliable lifting and handling tools for fuel rods and other radioactive components and materials. Our SEALFAST® Mechanical and Inflatable Lifters provide non-marring, firm attachment to delicate and highly radioactive parts, providing full lift certification to several standards upon request. We can provide multiple levels of redundancy for safety critical lifts utilizing multiple SEALFAST® Inflatable or Mechanical Elastomers. MRD engineers will work with you to design a tool for irregularly shaped parts, limited access remote lifts, and hard to hold parts.

INLET & OUTLET SUCTION LINE PLUGS

Inlet and Outlet Suction Plugs, Nuclear Isolation Plugs, Suction Nozzle Plug, Recirculation Plug, Nuclear Tools, Nuclear Tooling | MRD Nuclear | Mechanical Research & Design, Inc., Manitowoc Wisconsin U.S.A.
Inlet and Outlet Suction Plugs, Nuclear Isolation Plugs, Suction Nozzle Plugs, Recirculation Plugs, Nuclear Tools, Nuclear Tooling | MRD Nuclear | Mechanical Research & Design, Inc., Manitowoc Wisconsin U.S.A.

Mechanical Research & Design, Inc. recirculation suction line plugs are field tested to provide fast installation and leak-free service to inlet and outlet nozzles. Designed to be light weight for high vacuum through 25 PSI utilization pressure, our tools can typically be installed in 10 minutes or less for reduced dosage. Equipped with SEALFAST® Mechanical or Inflatable seals for the most reliable nozzle isolations.

ROBOTIC AND REMOTE INSTALLATION ISOLATION AND TEST TOOLS

Nuclear Robotic Installed Plugs, Nuclear Remote Installed Tools, Nuclear Bungs, Nuclear Tooling | MRD Nuclear | Mechanical Research & Design, Inc., Manitowoc Wisconsin U.S.A.
Nuclear Robotic Installed Plugs, Nuclear Remote Installed Tools, Nuclear Bungs, Nuclear Tools, Nuclear Tooling | MRD Nuclear | Mechanical Research & Design, Inc., Manitowoc Wisconsin U.S.A.
As with most of our product lines, our tooling can be easily modified and adapted for remote installation requirements. Many of our standard isolation and test plugs as well as large isolation barriers can be adapted to robotic end effectors and manipulators to keep service technicians out of harm’s way. We work with robotics service contractors and ROV operators daily on complicated remote installations to ensure our tools interface and operate with minimal interaction. We can also assist in designing work plans and launching systems to simplify extended length installations without robotic methods, as well, to minimize costs and assist you in maximizing effective results.

DIVER-INSTALLED PLUGS AND EQUIPMENT

Diver Installed Intake Plugs, Nuclear Tooling | Nuclear Tools | Mechanical Research & Design, Inc., Manitowoc Wisconsin U.S.A.
Diver Installed Intake Plugs, Diver Installed Nuclear Tools, Nuclear Tooling | MRD Nuclear | Mechanical Research & Design, Inc., Manitowoc Wisconsin U.S.A.

Mechanical Research & Design, Inc. works with divers, underwater technicians, and ROV operators to develop solutions for underwater isolations and repairs for work in reactors, fuel pools, and water intake systems. We provide isolation and test plugs specifically made for the limitations of underwater maintenance and service. Many of our diver-installed products are designed with remote-access lifting aids for divers and integral neutral buoyancy to make products relatively weightless underwater. We design water intake plugs for valve repair and replacement, re-circulating pipeline plugs for pipeline and valve replacement, as well as other process pipeline plugs, joint testers, and annular sealing tools.

WARHEAD HANDLING & DISARMAMENT TOOLS

Nuclear Warhead Handling Tool, Nuclear Tools, Nuclear Tooling | MRD Nuclear | Mechanical Research & Design, Inc., Manitowoc Wisconsin U.S.A.
Nuclear Warhead Handling Tool, Nuclear Tools, Nuclear Tooling | MRD Nuclear | Mechanical Research & Design, Inc., Manitowoc Wisconsin U.S.A.

In addition to the Nuclear Power Industry, Mechanical Research & Design, Inc. assists Defense Contractors in the assembly and disarmament of munitions and warheads. These customized products rely on our SEALFAST® Mechanical and Inflatable Seals to safety assemble, disassemble, and transport warhead components, including radioactive components, in a safe manner. Users can control tool contact pressures and still maintain rigid gripping of critical parts without marring the surfaces. We also have designs to maximize human factors in lifting and re-positioning these sensitive components. Primarily based upon our general lifting and handling tools, these products can feature multiple redundant grippers or seals to ensure even, level loading, whilst increasing factors of safety and redundancy.

CONTAINMENT BULKHEADS

Nuclear Containment Bulkhead, Nuclear Containment Hatch, Nuclear Tooling | Nuclear Tools | Mechanical Research & Design, Inc., Manitowoc Wisconsin U.S.A.
Nuclear Containment Bulkhead, Hatch, Nuclear Tools, Nuclear Tooling | MRD Nuclear | Mechanical Research & Design, Inc., Manitowoc Wisconsin U.S.A.

Mechanical Research & Design, Inc. designs and fabricates a wide assortment of nuclear containment structures, isolation barriers, bulkheads, covers, and hatches. Containment barriers can be designed and fabricated to ASME® Section III, Div. III upon request, designed for seismic and fatigue life, and factory tested for functional use and design pressure at our state-of-the-art Lab. We have fabricated and tested structures to over 20′ in diameter and work in a full range of design pressures from high vacuum to over 5000 PSI.

MRD Nuclear | Nuclear Power Production, Research, Clean-Up, and Defense Tooling

WHY CHOOSE MECHANICAL RESEARCH & DESIGN, INC. NUCLEAR ISOLATION AND TEST TOOLING?

Mechanical Research & Design, Inc. Nuclear Tooling combines innovative design with decades of shop and field validated solutions. Our engineers will work with you to understand your problem, from basic design parameters through installation limitations. Let us bring our wealth of experience to the table and help you today!

• See our other Isolation and Test Tools here. 
• Interested in our Underwater Construction Products?
• See our Annular Sealing Products. 

Intake Pump Isolation Tool, Nuclear Tooling | Nuclear Tools | Mechanical Research & Design, Inc., Manitowoc Wisconsin U.S.A.
CUSTOM INTAKE WATER PUMP ISOLATION TOOL