Institution news
Q: Could you briefly explain your role and involvement in nuclear ventilation?
GL (Graham Lyons): 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.
Q: What is the number one challenge facing engineers working in nuclear ventilation in today’s current market?
GL: Ever more reliance is placed on nuclear HVAC plant to maintain suitable environmental conditions for both plant and personnel. This reliance translates to increased demand for 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.
Q: What is the most exciting development in this field at the moment, either within your organisation or in the industry in general?
GL: 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.
Q: Where do you see the future of nuclear ventilation and containment going over the next 5 – 10 years?
GL: 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.
Q: What topics are you most looking forward to discussing at this year’s conference?
GL: My topic of choice is associated with delivering a pragmatic HVAC design which provides the best compromise between safety, reliability and practicability.
Q: Why is it important for engineers to join events like this?
GL: 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.
Want to hear more?
The Nuclear Ventilation 2017 conference will be taking place on 28-29 November 2017 at the Manchester United Football Ground, Manchester.
Attendees will learn about standards and solutions to challenges in key areas such as operational plants, decommissioning and containment, both for current projects and nuclear new builds.
All those involved with the design, operation and maintenance of nuclear HVAC systems, as well safety, risk and compliance professionals, are strongly recommended to attend and benefit from this year’s conference.