Immobilising spring hanger assemblies for safe decommissioning

Nuclear Restoration Services Ltd (NRS) is decommissioning former Magnox nuclear power stations, where ducting in pressurised circuits was supported by spring hangers to absorb vibration and thermal movement. Larger, pre-compressed versions – constant load spring hangers – remain in use across sites, with around 1,000 still supporting essential ducting. These contain significant stored energy, posing a risk of high-speed projectile failure if released.

During decommissioning, NRS must safely remove all spring hangers while maintaining alternative structural support to prevent ducting movement and ensure stability of suspended systems throughout the lengthy decommissioning process.

CHALLENGE AIMS

NRS is seeking solutions that will support and immobilise structures that are currently supported by spring hangers.

During decommissioning, NRS will need to remove all spring hangers, including those providing essential structural support. During this removal process, it is essential to provide alternative support for the structures that are currently suspended from spring hangers to maintain their structural integrity. These structures will need to remain in situ for a number of years whilst decommissioning operations are undertaken.

Ideally, any solutions to this challenge would be applied remotely, although this is not essential. Where solutions cannot be applied remotely, the use of specialist rope access or other means that avoid the need for scaffolding structures for access are preferred.

Ideally, solutions would be deployed in tandem with the protection methods described in the Current Practice section. Where this is not the case, solutions should also provide a means to prevent the ejection of spring hanger components in the event of tie-rod failure or spring-shatter/collapse.

NRS has an immediate focus on the hardest-to-reach assemblies at Hinckley Point A, but that particular scenario is not the limit of application for successful solutions to this challenge.

FIND OUT MORE

Please download the challenge statement for full details of this opportunity.

You can watch a webinar and Q&A session with the challenge owners for more information and details of how to apply.

The deadline for applications for this challenge is 3pm (GMT) on Tuesday 18th November 2025.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR THIS CHALLENGE

In the webinar, the following question was raised:

Can you provide an upper bound or a range of quantitative data for the following components:

1. Spring force
2. Spring weight
3. Spring dimensions
4. Duct weight

NRS have provided a drawing of the largest type of spring hanger assembly within the NRS fleet. The weight of this assembly is approximately 500kg and it supports a duct that weighs approximately 60 tonnes. See the diagram here.

ASSESSMENT OF APPLICATIONS

Applications are reviewed against set criteria by a panel of challenge owners, prospective end‐users from our partner organisations, and Game Changers project staff. Brief summary feedback will be provided if your project is not awarded feasibility funding.

Application forms and posters will be assessed consistently and transparently using the following criteria:

1. How well does the application align with the challenge aims?
2. Is the proposed solution credible from the perspective of deployment?
3. What potential does the proposed solution have to transform practice in your area?
4. Do you feel the applicant is well placed to deliver a feasibility project?
5. Would the solution proposed in the application benefit from feasibility funding?
6. Does the application meet the scope of the challenge?