As part of its proactive 2025 winterization campaign, UCOR’s ORNL Nuclear Operations team has successfully installed innovative monitoring lights on new piping at the 2600 Process Waste Facility. This upgrade is a crucial step in safeguarding the facility’s operations, particularly for its Liquid and Gaseous Waste Operations.
“The new red heat trace lights serve as a positive indication that the entire piping segment has functioning electrical heat trace whenever the temperature drops below 40 degrees,” explained 2600 Facility Manager Sam Plowman. This visual confirmation provides immediate assurance that the system is operating as intended, significantly reducing the risk of cold-weather related issues.
The 2600 Process Waste Facility boasts three main storage tanks and thousands of feet of piping. These tanks have recently undergone a significant upgrade, being replaced with durable stainless steel, and now feature essential heat tracing and insulation. These enhancements are designed to prevent the stored water from freezing, even in the coldest conditions.
Currently, 24 separate piping segments are equipped with these new lights, strategically placed at the end of each heat trace circuit. The team plans to install additional lights as remaining pipe replacements are completed, further expanding the facility’s winterization capabilities.
The successful implementation of this vital project was a collaborative effort. Special thanks are extended to Marty Cusick, Kourtney Davis, Kevin Maddocks, and Amanda Walls for their dedication and hard work in making this critical upgrade possible.
Photo: A piping segment at 2600 with the new heat trace lights.
