Nuclear Ventilation 2019...60 seconds with Tom Stanley, EDF Energy

Ahead of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ Nuclear Ventilation 2019 conference, we caught up with our speaker Tom Stanley, HVAC Engineer, EDF Energy, who will be providing attendees with an update on Sizewell B Dry Fuel Storage Ventilation Processes and will be contributing to the discussions of how to achieve effective and compliant filtration for nuclear sites.

Q: Please provide us with a brief overview of your current role and involvement in nuclear ventilation:

Tom Stanley (TS): I am HVAC Engineer at EDF Energy Nuclear Generation which operates 8 nuclear power stations in the UK. My work involves providing HVAC expertise to the power stations on nuclear ventilation design and operation; working on company, national and international standards, and training.

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

TS: Ageing; the power stations and plant are old and there are obsolescence issues with equipment. Also the personnel who designed and built the power stations are retired or close to retiring; the skills need to be passed on to keep the existing sites going and to build the new facilities.

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

TS: The new power stations being built.

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

TS: Expanding; new power stations and modification to existing power stations ads they move towards decommissioning, also construction of waste storage facilities.

Q: What interesting topics are you covering in your presentation this year?

TS: The ventilation of buildings connected with dry storage of spent nuclear fuel.

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

TS: Developments in HEPA filters, decommissioning and new power stations.

Q: Why is it important for engineers to join the Nuclear Ventilation 2019?

TS: To learn about nuclear ventilation and the opportunities and challenges of the coming years. The challenges bring significant, long term, highly technical career opportunities for engineers.

Nuclear Ventilation 2019 takes place on 26-27 November 2019 in Manchester. 

Taking place every two years, this is the only event of its kind in the UK to stay abreast of the latest developments, standards, codes and projects in nuclear ventilation – for operational plants, decommissioning and containment.

Learn from regulators, site owners and contractors, including the

• Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR)
• Dounreay Site Restoration Limited (DSRL)
• National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL)
• Magnox, Sellafield
• EDF Energy

and other thought leaders in the nuclear industry.