Research in Nuclear Power TechnologyClose collaboration with the French CEAAt the request of the GDF SUEZ Group, Laborelec is planning research in the field of nuclear power technology. Our experts will collaborate closely with the field experts of the French Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique (CEA), a renowned research centre for nuclear power.
In order to cope with the ever-growing demand for energy, GDF SUEZ
wants to use all possible sources, including nuclear power. The Group
wants to significantly expand its knowledge in nuclear power technology
and has asked Laborelec to define a set of research projects. CEA adds specialized expertise and equipmentA nuclear environment poses harsh conditions for conducting tests:
high temperatures, high pressures, and radioactivity. Specialized
equipment and expertise are crucial to perform research under such
conditions.
“When GDF SUEZ gave us this research assignment, we immediately
contacted our colleagues at the CEA,” explains Coralie Goffin. “This organization has an impressive track record in nuclear research. Moreover,
it can back up this expertise with dedicated laboratories and technical
means. This combination offers optimal conditions to perform the
tests we envision.” Detailed definition of the research projectsIn 2008, Laborelec experts met with CEA field experts on several occasions. During these meetings, they selected two research domains.
“Steam generator fouling is one of the areas we would like to investigate.
Limiting this type of contamination should greatly enhance a power plant’s useful life,” points out Goffin. This project will be done in collaboration with EdF. “Another interesting research domain is the optimization of the primary water treatment. The goal here is to limit the dosimetry and hence the impact on the equipment’s materials.”
“We have determined the necessary tasks for the next three years for
each of the selected research domains,” Goffin continues, “including
the deliverables, the objectives, and the budget. The steering committee
of the collaboration between GDF SUEZ and CEA will determine the
tasks we can start with.” |
