The polar crane, suspended from the domed ceiling of the containment building, was an essential tool for handling reactor components. Seen here from the control room level, the crane’s 25-tonne working load was intentionally deregulated by 20% to account for the nature of handling radioactive materials.
Mounted on a circular track, the crane provided full coverage of the reactor top plate and surrounding infrastructure. It was primarily used for fuel loading and unloading, as well as maintenance of reactor components.
This system ensured precise, controlled movement, reducing strain on critical structures while maintaining the highest safety standards.