EDF Saint-Alban plant, located in Saint-Maurice-l’Exil, France, collaborated with NPO Europe to address a few opportunities for shielding the steam generators during sludge lancing operations. Saint-Alban wanted to reduce shielding installation and removal time from the benchmark of 5.5 hours, reduce total project dose from 476 mRem (4,760 μSv), and remove the physical clutter of shielding/scaffolding as much as possible to provide a better work environment. With NPO’s custom fit magnetic lead wool blankets, Saint-Alban was able to improve in every area of focus. They experienced an overall 60% estimated dose savings and eliminated the need for scaffolding installation all together. Below is a table detailing the dose reductions as well as pictures of the before and after with NPO blankets.
| Standard Package Benchmark | 1/2 Standard and 1/2 NPO Package – Dose | 1/2 Standard and 1/2 NPO Package – Reduction | |
| Sludge Lancing | 406 mRem (4,060 μSv) | 290 mRem (2,900 μSv) | 29% |
| Installation | 70 mRem (700 μSv) | 39 mRem (390 μSv) | 44% |
| Standard Package Benchmark | Full NPO Package – Dose | Full NPO Package – Reduction | |
| Sludge Lancing | 406 mRem (4,060 μSv) | 180 mRem (1,800 μSv) | 56% |
| Installation | 70 mRem (700 μSv) | 8 mRem (80 μSv) | 89% |
