Transforming Nuclear Fuel Management with Intelligent Automation
In an era where clean, reliable energy is more critical than ever, nuclear operators are under increasing pressure to optimize performance, reduce operational risk, and streamline complex workflows. Studsvik Scandpower, the leading independent provider of state-of-the-art nuclear fuel management software and world-class engineering services, is helping utilities meet these challenges head-on.
At the center of this innovation is MARLA, an advanced solution designed to simplify and optimize shuffle design, pool management, cask loading, and nuclear material tracking.
One Tool for All Your Fuel Management Needs
MARLA is an easy-to-use, highly automated platform that enables operations teams to plan and execute critical fuel movement activities with speed and confidence. By replacing unsupported legacy tools and manual processes, MARLA delivers a fully integrated approach to fuel management.
With MARLA, teams can:
Plan fuel shuffles quickly
Manage spent fuel pools with the click of a button
Design dry cask loading campaigns with ease
Dramatically reduce planning time and outage costs
Reduce reliance on engineering resources for administrative tasks
Minimize human performance errors through configuration control
The result is a streamlined workflow that improves both efficiency and operational reliability.
Point. Click. Done.
Built on a modern, flexible architecture, MARLA delivers a highly intuitive user experience. Its point-and-click graphics and drag-and-drop functionality enable operators to quickly define, modify, and execute fuel movement plans.
This approach not only accelerates planning but also simplifies training for new personnel—allowing teams to get up to speed faster while maintaining precision and control.
Core shuffling and SDM Calculations in MARLA
Spent fuel pool and cask loading overview interfaces in MARLA
Advanced Capabilities for Complex Operations
MARLA integrates powerful analytical tools to address the full range of nuclear fuel management challenges including:
Shuffle Planning Optimization
Advanced algorithms minimize bridge motion while maximizing safety margins
Rapid calculations reduce planning time from overnight to hours
Automated shutdown margin calculations at every step
Flexible support for both in-core shuffles and full core off-loads
Maintenance Work Planning
Automated core staging for outage and maintenance activities
Interactive planning tools for inspection, replacement, and in-vessel work
Streamlined coordination of complex operational tasks
Spent Fuel Pool Management
Automatic compliance with rack restrictions and storage requirements
Flexible pool configuration and zone management
Built-in adherence to regulatory guidelines, including NRC B.5.b
Automated move tracking and operator-ready move sheets
Dry Cask Campaign Planning
Intelligent selection of assemblies for storage
Integrated cask library and long-term loading strategies
Assurance of compliance with heat load limits and future storage needs
Real-Time Monitoring and Smarter Decision-Making
MARLA goes beyond planning to deliver real-time visibility into fuel operations. Its surveillance mode tracks and timestamps every movement, providing accurate, up-to-date configuration control of nuclear material across the site.
The platform also supports time-to-boil analysis, calculating decay heat for every fuel assembly on demand. This enables operators to evaluate different scenarios and make informed decisions during core alterations with greater confidence.
Driving Efficiency, Safety, and Cost Savings
By unifying planning, analytics, and execution into a single platform, MARLA empowers nuclear operators to:
Reduce outage durations and associated costs
Improve safety margins and regulatory compliance
Increase operational transparency and control
Optimize resource utilization across engineering and operations teams
A Trusted Partner for the Future of Clean Energy
Studsvik Scandpower combines advanced software innovation with deep nuclear engineering expertise to help utilities navigate the increasing complexity of fuel management. With responsive customer support, robust technical resources, and an engaged user community, Studsvik ensures long-term success for its partners.
As the energy industry continues to evolve, solutions like MARLA demonstrate how digital transformation can unlock safer, more efficient, and more sustainable nuclear operations—supporting clean energy now and into the future.
Learn more at www.studsvik.com