The manufacture of equipment destined for use in the nuclear sector involves challenging fabrication issues in a wide range of materials. Applications range from the manufacture of the fuel elements and associated equipment to the decommissioning of aged plant and safe disposal of nuclear waste. In all these areas welding must be of the highest possible standard producing welded joints that are proven to be satisfactory for service.
The decommissioning of plant often involves unique activities for the first and only time whilst radioactive waste disposal, particularly if it is high level, requires remote handling and total exclusion from the biosphere by encapsulation and shielding. The latter is often achieved by sealing the waste material in metallic canisters specially chosen to survive very long term storage (up to 100,000 years) in deep geological depositories.
TWI has a unique global experience in this field and has produced many innovations specifically for applications in this sector.
TWI is totally independent and frequently provides peer review services in support of submissions to regulatory bodies. Inspection services are also available and structural integrity can be determined by modelling, metallurgy or experimental programmes.
TWI investigates and promotes a wide range of other joining processes. Projects utilising a number of the above technology areas can be carried out.
Contact: power@twi.co.uk
