CLIENT SPECIFICS

The penstock at Bens was put into service in 1959. To eliminate corrosion problems EDF has started important renovation works to extend the plant’s operating life span by 20 years. This requires a 7-month production shutdown without any major maintenance works.

PONTICELLI’S CHALLENGES

This worksite requires Ponticelli’s skills in site boiler works (access roads, sectioning, welding works) in steep work areas with poor access (helicopter transportation). Production of new components in our boiler works workshop in Echirolles (fabrication of expansion joints, penstock section fabrication)

INTERVENTIONS

• 900 mm shaft diameter
• 1,985 linear metres and 535 m drop height
• 4 expansion joints to be designed, produced and replaced
• 11 work stations dispersed along the linear
• About 50 helicopter trips for our equipment