Speaker Interviews: Nuclear Ventilation 2017

Could you briefly explain your role and involvement in nuclear ventilation?

Clean Air Technologies Ltd have over 25 years of experience in designing and maintaining Contamination Controlled Environments, predominantly in the Pharmaceutical and Bio-Containment sector. More recently we have partnered with specialist manufacturers of HVAC components, many of which are designed specifically for the rigours of Nuclear applications. This has enabled us to transfer our engineering expertise to the comparable challenges which exist in the Nuclear sector. 

What is the number one challenge facing engineers working in nuclear ventilation in today’s current market?

We have been engaged in numerous nuclear projects over the last 3 years but we have found that these rarely progress to implementation. There also appears to be little appetite for innovation and embracing new technology with a preference for historical tried and tested solutions. We believe this could be a barrier to attracting young dynamic engineering professionals into the industry.

What is the most exciting development in this field at the moment, either within your organisation or in the industry in general? 

We are fortunate to represent innovative manufacturers who are able to develop new products to meet the unique challenges of emerging nuclear applications. For example, we have been involved in developing a gas tight 3hr fire damper for the ITER project, recleanable HEPA filter systems for nuclear decommissioning applications and are working with EDF to develop a universal fire damper for NPP extended life projects.

Where do you see the future of nuclear ventilation and containment going over the next 5 – 10 years?

We are encouraged by the stated commitment of the UK nuclear industry to promote innovation and we are optimistic that this may lead to increased opportunities for the nuclear industry to benefit from the advances in ventilation technology embraced by other industries

What topics are you most looking forward to discussing at this year’s conference?

The conference programme has a diverse range of topics. We are particularly looking forward to the ITER presentation.

Why is it important for engineers to join events like this?

To network with other nuclear industry specialists, sharing experience of challenges and solutions. This enables the industry to benefit from the broadest possible range of skill sets and expertise.

Could you briefly explain your role and involvement in nuclear ventilation?

I work in the Engineering directorate for the Sellafield site where I supply design and engineering support for the nuclear ventilation discipline. 

What is the number one challenge facing engineers working in nuclear ventilation in today’s current market?

Providing engineering solutions that are safe, fit for purpose in meeting extended design lives for plant located in aggressive coastal environments; but can meet the ever increasing requirement for cost reduction.

What is the most exciting development in this field at the moment, either within your organisation or in the industry in general? 

Through the National Nuclear Ventilation Forum sub-groups, we are, as Site Licence Companies, designers and manufacturers, having much increased dialogue to incorporate Learning From Experience and wider Industry expertise into our nuclear ventilation design and procurement specifications.
 
Where do you see the future of nuclear ventilation and containment going over the next 5 – 10 years?

Increased requirement for the design of ventilation systems for waste storage incorporating more energy efficient solutions.   New build (Power Station) nuclear ventilation designs, understandably, heavily influenced by design practices of the countries providing the funding for these Major Projects.

What topics are you most looking forward to discussing at this year’s conference?

Performance Testing and Qualification of Advanced Filter Designs

Why is it important for engineers to join events like this?

Continued and shared learning

Could you briefly explain your role and involvement in nuclear ventilation?

I am Chair of the US ASME nuclear ventilation code, teach a nuclear ventilation course at Harvard, and consult for a nuclear filter company 

What is the number one challenge facing engineers working in nuclear ventilation in today’s current market?

Keeping up with the criteria for filter systems.

What is the most exciting development in this field at the moment, either within your organisation or in the industry in general? 

New design of filters for unusual applications.
 
Where do you see the future of nuclear ventilation and containment going over the next 5 – 10 years?

More emphasis on decommissioning and decontamination needs

What topics are you most looking forward to discussing at this year’s conference?

Unique opportunities for one of a kind filters in the UK

Why is it important for engineers to join events like this?

Networking and keeping up with new industry developments, as well as information exchange.

Could you briefly explain your role and involvement in nuclear ventilation?

For the past ten years I have been an employee of Sellafield Ltd working on the Sellafield site for the specialist Ventilation Technical Support Group (VTSG). For the past 6 years I have been focused on supporting Sellafield’s critical Risk and Hazard reduction programme. My main role in supporting this is to lead the Commissioning of new ventilation systems on major projects.

What is the number one challenge facing engineers working in nuclear ventilation in today’s current market?

There is an ever growing necessity to incorporate energy savings and efficiencies into nuclear ventilation on historic sites like Sellafield. Although the primary goal of maintaining containment cannot be compromised, engineers must now substantiate new technologies that will enable old and new nuclear ventilation systems to provide energy efficient and sustainable containment.

What is the most exciting development in this field at the moment, either within your organisation or in the industry in general? 

Nuclear sites like Sellafield are transitioning from a site focused upon reprocessing to a site focused on the delivery of decommissioning and hazard reduction. In terms of nuclear ventilation this is an exciting development as there will be necessity to reassess the requirements for nuclear ventilation and containment in buildings which enter the post operational phase. In addition this, the transition provides a window of opportunity for Ventilation Engineers to look at innovative ways of utilising both permanent and temporary ventilation to help safely deliver the decommissioning requirements.

Where do you see the future of nuclear ventilation and containment going over the next 5 – 10 years?

I cannot see the fundamental safety principles of nuclear ventilation and containment changing over the next 5 – 10 years, for example filtration criteria and required containment velocities etc. However on sites like Sellafield I believe we will see more and more pioneering temporary nuclear ventilation systems being used to help deliver the hazard reduction/decommissioning programmes.

What topics are you most looking forward to discussing at this year’s conference?

As part of my ongoing development I am currently heavily involved in expanding my knowledge of HEPA filtration, both in terms of technical knowledge and the commercial side of things. I am therefore particularly looking forward to the presentation on ‘Performance testing and qualification of advanced filter designs’.

Why is it important for engineers to join events like this?

For me Engineers within specialist fields of expertise like nuclear ventilation cannot simply look solely at implementing engineering solutions. They must be a fully rounded engineer that is aware of all aspects including; regulation, current research, design, commercial, supply etc. events like this provide an invaluable insight into numerous aspects. In addition to this, it is very easy when working on high security, high risk facilities like Sellafield to stick to proven engineering solutions used on site, however it is crucial that Engineers are aware of best practice across the nuclear industry.

Could you briefly explain your role and involvement in nuclear ventilation?

I am an Engineering Manager and intelligent customer interested in nuclear ventilation of the UK’s proposed geological disposal facility. Ventilation of the facility will be one of the most important considerations. I have recently managed work to look at the nuclear ventilation design for the geological disposal facility.

What is the number one challenge facing engineers working in nuclear ventilation in today’s current market?

As nuclear ventilation is a relatively small sector, suitably resourcing projects is an issue that the whole nuclear industry faces, particularly with many experienced individuals getting closer to retirement.

What is the most exciting development in this field at the moment, either within your organisation or in the industry in general? 

In the nuclear industry I find the most exciting prospect is the revival of new build with the first projects now pushing ahead. This will hopefully have a positive effect on developing skills of engineers throughout the UK.
 
Where do you see the future of nuclear ventilation and containment going over the next 5 – 10 years?

I would like to see the national nuclear ventilation forum to continue leading the way on developing common approaches across the industry. Education of younger engineers in the field could help resolve issues with loss of knowledge through retirement. Perhaps IMechE can help with offering some specific training in nuclear ventilation?

What topics are you most looking forward to discussing at this year’s conference?

I am looking forward to hearing people’s views of our plans for the ventilation of the geological disposal facility.

Why is it important for engineers to join events like this?

I find it very useful to see what challenges face other engineers in the industry and hear about other projects. It also gives some opportunity to debate common issues and discuss strategies to resolve these in the future.

Could you briefly explain your role and involvement in nuclear ventilation?

I work for EDF Energy plc within the Hinkley Point C Project. I am the Balance of Nuclear Island Team Lead within Design Authority and provides technical oversight of the design for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems serving the nuclear safety related plant. 

What is the number one challenge facing engineers working in nuclear ventilation in today’s current market?

Ever more reliance is placed on nuclear HVAC plant to maintain suitable environmental conditions for both plant and personnel. This reliance translates to increased reliability of HVAC systems, pushing requirements beyond what is normally accepted on a commercial risk basis. There is not a fully developed UK, European or Global Supply Chain capable of providing nuclear safety class HVAC plant and equipment to meet the needs of a resurgent, nuclear power based industry. The number one challenge for engineers operating in today’s industry is to be able to deliver solutions that are pragmatic, observing the “as low as reasonably practicable” principle.

What is the most exciting development in this field at the moment, either within your organisation or in the industry in general? 

The most exciting development in this field is the resurgent UK nuclear power industry. The development of the Hinkley Point C project within the UK has brought together UK, French and Chinese Engineers to share all their experience in building the UK’s first nuclear power plant in 30 years.

Where do you see the future of nuclear ventilation and containment going over the next 5 – 10 years?

We will continue to de-commission our civil nuclear and process industries which will provide challenges and opportunities in the HVAC industry. I foresee smaller “packaged” nuclear power plants being licenced which will need the support of more professional, trained engineers. I believe the nuclear Supply Chain will develop to meet all these opportunities and place ever more reliance on professional, nuclear HVAC engineers.
 
What topics are you most looking forward to discussing at this year’s conference?

My topic of choice is associated with delivering a pragmatic HVAC design which provides the best compromise between safety, reliability and practicability.

Why is it important for engineers to join events like this?

The knowledge base within the nuclear HVAC industry has gone into steep decline since the mid-eighties. This event presents two days of case studies for all engineers, young and old; to benefit from other people’s experiences. It is also a great networking opportunity and develops a strong fellowship bond between the engineering community.