The new VTT hot cells

The new hot cell facilities being constructed as a part of the VTT Centre for Nuclear Safety are aimed at the mechanical testing and microstructural characterization of beta- and gamma-emitting materials of nuclear power plant structures. The design includes a suite of six hot cells on the main floor, located above a utility cell in the basement, as well as a shielded glove-box/warm cell. The main floor hot cells are arranged in two rows with a closed access space between the rows, from which the interiors of individual cells can be accessed. Internal containments are a key design feature of the cells. A shielded, enclosed facility connects the two upstairs cell rows, and features a lift to transport test specimens from the basement utility cell to the connection cell with the primary purpose of conveniently transporting specimens between the basement and the two upstairs cell rows in a shielded manner