Nuclear energy is back in demand as a low-carbon source of power, but this is raising big challenges for the supply chain.
The skills and equipment required to maintain older nuclear plants or extend their operational life are in short supply. New plant designs, such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), may bring benefits but an agreed design is yet to emerge. This makes it difficult for the supply chain to invest in developing critical equipment, such as flow control systems.
As a lifecycle partner to the nuclear sector for more than 60 years, Celeros Flow Technology is rising to these challenges.
Nuclear lifecycle extension
First, let's tackle the existing nuclear fleet. Some experts predict that existing nuclear facilities will need to operate for 60-80 years – double their original design life – to support the achievement of climate goals and the transition to clean energy. Lifecycle extension is a complex process and involves multiple factors, including:
- continued regulatory compliance;
- equipment obsolescence;
- skills retention; and
- supply chain resilience.
Strict standards and authorization processes for Long Term Operation (LTO) have been defined by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
In such a highly regulated industry, the documentary chain of supply for each piece of equipment is considerable. Validation of materials, processes, and consumables requires a recorded history to ensure integrity. The original equipment specification and full traceability of any subsequent changes, such as materials upgrades, are essential. Documentation is also fundamental to ongoing equipment safety and reliability, ensuring certifications are up-to-date and lowering the risk that sub-standard components can enter the supply chain.
Obsolescence is a key factor for LTO because the lifetime of a nuclear plant and the equipment on which it relies can be quite different. Where original parts are no longer available, replacements must be proven to perform the same task and to the same standards as the original certified product. This is a considerable undertaking for the operator and their supply chain.
Most nuclear operators have internal boards of obsolescence, which aim to predict component shortfalls and lack of availability as far as possible. A lifecycle partner must be able to work with them and provide transparency. Celeros FT has an advantage here. The synergies between our OEM and Aftermarket teams enable us to guarantee OEM replacement parts, secure a transparent materials supply chain, and offer the depth of knowledge from design to decommissioning that is so important in a full lifecycle partner.
New nuclear
The regulatory and cost complexities that govern existing nuclear installations will also influence new plant design. Decarbonizing the global energy supply requires an estimated 50 MW per year of new capacity, which cannot be achieved using large-scale nuclear power plants alone. This is prompting the development of new, more agile reactor designs, such as SMRs.
SMRs will typically produce up to 300 MW of electricity — roughly one-third of the output of conventional nuclear power reactors and offer the opportunity for:
- Modular construction, where components can be factory-built and transported to the site for assembly
- Reductions in capital costs and construction times
- More affordable low-carbon energy
However, a standardized design is some way off, so developing tailored critical flow control systems is often tough.
Celeros FT is rising to this challenge; ongoing investment in our four nuclear-accredited facilities, located in North America and Europe, ensures we have the research and development (R&D) capacity and skills necessary to deliver flow control solutions for new nuclear reactors. One recent example is a new test loop that can simulate operating conditions such as extreme temperatures and pressures so that we can test new flow control solutions through the whole operational cycle.
We are also fostering close partnerships with nuclear operators and developers to understand their requirements and work collaboratively to develop the flow control solutions they need. One example is our work with customer Ontario Power Generation, who plan to build four SMRs across Canada as part of an enhanced provincial focus on nuclear energy. Investment in our Burlington site makes us the first Ontario-based manufacturer of nuclear-qualified pumps. We are also finalizing a business case for a new nuclear valve production facility in Ontario. Our expertise and commitment have also been recognized by the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries and Ontario’s Nuclear Advantage.
Our specialist engineering knowledge and inhouse ASME-accredited facilities have already enabled us to perfect the CUP TWL™ pump for safety-critical operations. Rather than rely on an external power source, the TWL uses the steam produced as a byproduct of nuclear power generation to pump cooling water into the core should it overheat. The pump requires no external electrical supply, cooling water or oil system and provides an independent, robust, and reliable solution. Validation tests have proven that the TWL pump is the ideal choice for safety; it will perform reliably for extended periods, even when fully submerged, can withstand transients such as seismic events and water slugs in steam lines, and can run continuously without operator intervention.
Nuclear Lifecycle partner of choice
Working with a lifecycle partner who combines industry knowledge, OEM capabilities, and Aftermarket expertise in a virtuous circle of improvement is a major advantage for optimizing reliability and safety in existing and new nuclear installations. Celeros FT embodies this ethos by offering:
- Long-term commitment, with a business model that supports the longevity of service required for nuclear applications
- Knowledge of the regulatory framework and how to operate within it, including documentary procedures
- Expertise at technical and industry level that is constantly kept up to date and shared with customers
- Facilities and personnel that are fully accredited to undertake work that cannot be performed on-site.
Click here for more information about our products and services for the nuclear industry.
