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Surface Engineering in Nuclear Power
Wednesday, 7 December 2011
TWI Technology Centre (Yorkshire) Ltd,
Wallis Way, Catcliffe, Rotherham, S60 5TZ
There is a resurgence in interest in investing in new nuclear capability both locally in the UK and globally in recognition that nuclear power generation sources can deliver power on a reliable and consistent basis whilst, at the same time, avoiding the production of CO2 emissions. Indeed, a recent study by the Royal Academy of Engineering has concluded that these issues will ensure that some combination of Nuclear and Carbon Capture and Storage-equipped Fossil-Fuel generation will play a leading role in the future UK “energy mix”.
The opportunities for Surface Engineering or Particulate Engineering in nuclear power plant will be greatly influenced by health, safety and environmental issues, highlighting the view that enhancement of safety, rather than of power generation efficiency, will be the major driving force in the next round of new nuclear build. It is widely recognised that ensuring safety in all aspects of the Nuclear Power cycle is always going to be a critical issue in gaining public acceptance for new nuclear build, but, because of the recent Japanese earthquake and tsunami and its after-effects, the issue is in even greater focus.
In particular the replacement of cobalt is a major issue because of its half-life and the high gamma radiation produced by Co60 and its impact upon refit and maintenance schedules. Surface Engineering technologies are being evaluated for possible cobalt replacement in a number of areas. Surface Engineering solutions for the replacement of cobalt must take into account extended maintenance intervals and also the ability to repair some components at overhauls.
Waste management also carries major safety concerns and there will be opportunities for Surface Engineering in the handling, transportation and storage of nuclear waste. Management of irradiated fuel will initially involve storage in water-filled ponds. The current strategy is that much of the AGR will be stored in this way for many decades. The remainder of the AGR fuel and all of the Magnox fuel is scheduled to be reprocessed to recover uranium and plutonium as fissile material for new fuel. The waste arising from the reprocessing of UK fuels, after separation, the “high level” fission product waste will be immobilised in cement or glass matrices and placed in sealed containers for long-term storage.
This conference highlights the contribution of Surface Engineering in the nuclear power industry.
The event is jointly sponsored by The Thermal Spraying and Surface Engineering Association and the Materials Knowledge Transfer Network.
Click here for a Registration Form
Click here for Provisional Agenda
Click here for pdf version of the flyer
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