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For further details about this year's event, please visit the event website.
Please could you briefly explain your role, involvement, and experience with regards to Nuclear Ventilation and the IMechE’s 11th Nuclear Ventilation Conference?
Matthew McDermott (MM): I am a Senior Nuclear Ventilation Engineer and have worked for Sellafield Ltd for the last 21 years. I have worked on a number of projects over the years covering all aspects from decommissioning to new build projects. I have largely focussed on new build major projects which include a contaminated casualty facility, an above ground long term storage facility, a maintenance facility, and a process plant which deals with encapsulation of historic waste. I am currently the HVAC Lead on the SPRS Retreatment Plant (SRP). I am a member of the NNVF and have presented at 3 IMechE Nuclear Ventilation Seminars previously.
What, in your experience, has been the biggest roadblock for utilising innovative technologies in your sector?
MM: The biggest blocker to innovative technology within the nuclear ventilation sector is the ability to demonstrate the technology can meet the requirements of the Safety Case.
What key topics are you excited to discuss at this year's conference?
MM: I am going to discuss Building Regulations Part L and the application to buildings on a Nuclear licenced site.
What would you say are the technologies or applications to watch for the future?
MM: Heat pumps and other emerging technologies are going to play a huge part in reducing our carbon footprint in the future. I am keen to watch how this plays out and the requirements on infrastructure required to achieve net zero targets.
Who else are you most interested in hearing from on the programme?
MM: I am keen to listen to the presentations on the “Specification of fire resisting ductwork” and the “Nuclear Containment Ventilation role in Fire Boundary Integrity” as these are currently issues being experienced on my current project.
Why is it important for engineers to join this conference?
MM: It is important for engineers to join this conference to broaden their knowledge and to meet colleagues within the industry who can provide a wealth of knowledge across a number of different subject areas.
The Nuclear Ventilation 2023 conference will take place on 14-15 November 2023 in Manchester.
Taking place every two years and now in its 11th successive iteration, this two-day conference is the only event of its kind that enables power industry professionals and engineering practitioners from all sectors of the nuclear community to stay abreast of developments in nuclear ventilation within the UK.
For further details about this year's event, please visit the event website.