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For further details about the Pressure Systems in Nuclear New Build, please visit the event website.
Please briefly explain your role, involvement and experience with regards to pressure systems in a nuclear/new build context
Dan Hill (DH): I work for Sellafield Ltd who are a subsidiary of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. I lead a team of Piping and Vessel Engineers in a central department at Sellafield. My team provides the company with in-house subject matter expertise in pressure systems design. We support ongoing operations at Sellafield, remediation, decommissioning of legacy plants, as well as the design and manufacture of new build major projects, which are part of a programme of work designed to make the site safer, quicker.
What is the top challenge facing your industry at present?
DH: Recruitment and retention of skilled engineers. Knowledge management and training of the next generation is a hot topic and is getting ever more important as some of the most experienced people in the industry prepare for retirement.
How would you say your industry has evolved over the past two years?
DH: The next generation of Nuclear plants have become an increasingly important part of our energy security plans in the UK however at Sellafield, this has affected us differently. This year we have finished our nuclear fuel reprocessing mission and our operations are now focused on post-operational clean out and decommissioning. For Nuclear to be considered favourably by the public, we need to demonstrate that Nuclear waste can be handled and stored safely and efficiently. In this regard, Sellafield is playing a key role in the future of the Nuclear industry.
What developments are going on in your industry that may have an impact on the development of future pressure systems?
DH: Opportunities presented by new technologies such as additive manufacturing, virtual reality, and phased array ultrasonic inspection techniques are starting to be investigated and applied to our plants and projects. Each of these technologies has the potential to increase value for money, as well as improve quality and safety of our pressure systems. However, adopting new technology in a heavily regulated industry isn’t without its challenges.
What will you be presenting at the Pressure Systems in Nuclear New Build 2023 seminar and how will this benefit participants?
DH: I will share some of the challenges we encounter at Sellafield as we approach the end of the operating life of our legacy plants. I will also introduce some of the new build ‘major projects’ which support our wider decommissioning mission, and the engineering challenges facing them.
Which other speakers and presentations are you looking forward to hearing at the forthcoming seminar?
DH: I’m interested in the expectations of the regulator (ONR) as well as the advancements in new pressure vessel technology presented by Rolls Royce, and the manufacture of reactors by Sheffield Forge Masters.
Why is it important for engineers and industry to come together at this event and share best practice?
DH: The pursuit, capture and dissemination of knowledge gained by experience is a powerful tool that can enhance the safety of the pressure systems we are employed to design, operate, maintain, and decommission. As such, we have an ethical responsibility to come together as a wider industry and share best practice and learning at events like this.
The Pressure System in Nuclear New Build seminar will take place on 21 March 2023.
With nuclear power plant now considered a key element of the UK's energy mix to meet Net Zero requirements, their associated pressure systems will also be under greater duress.
Join this seminar to hear technical insights and lessons learned from operators, suppliers and regulators that will enable engineers to realise improved pressure system reliability, performance, inspections and much more.
For further details and to book your place, please visit the event website.