EQUALLE and the University of Bristol have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in order to work together on seismic qualification of equipment. Under this partnership, Bristol would be the first point of call for EQUALLE's partners and suppliers to undertake seismic qualification of equipment going onto Nuclear power plants in the UK.
Qualifying nuclear equipment is often underestimated, notwithstanding the complex calculation, analysis, stringent physical testing competencies and technologies it involves. Since 1988, the Earthquake and Geotechnical Engineering Research Group, in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Bristol, has been heavily involved with UK civil nuclear stakeholders.
Already working with EDF Energy, substantial activities have been taking place to support the case for the UK Nuclear Plants life extension. The so-called "shaking table" has been heavily used to understand the behavior of the AGR core reactors during seismic activities.
Now, with new projects such as Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C, the ambition of this mutual cooperation is to contribute to nuclear safety in the years to come whilst reducing risks, costs and securing project schedules.
The development of a long-term relationship between EQUALLE and the University of Bristol will aim to foster research activities and create added value to each other's offerings and activities.
Thomas Epron, VP Global sales, Framatome's Installed Base Business Unit, announces: "This new partnership in equipment qualification with Bristol University is an additional step to build a comprehensive offer to the UK nuclear industry, and to contribute to the success of our customers' projects by providing customized, local, efficient and cost effective solutions".
Jacques Pommeraud, Executive Vice President Bureau Veritas France-Africa declares: "This signature is a big step forward in our presence in the UK. The already broad range of Equipment Qualification expertise of the alliance EQUALLE is reinforced in the very specific domain of seismic analysis. This is a real strength to support our nuclear clients providing qualified equipment to nuclear projects".
Andy Ward, Doosan Babcock Director Asset Management, states "The addition of the University of Bristol to the EQUALLE alliance will provide extended seismic analysis capabilities to the extensive equipment qualification skills and experience of the other partners. This addition will strengthen the equipment qualification offering that EQUALLE can provide to the UK Nuclear new build programme."
Dr Adam Crewe, Reader in Earthquake Engineering and laboratory leader states: "This alliance will help Bristol expand its seismic qualification services for the UK nuclear industry and is very timely as we are currently investing in two new shaking tables to increase the range of seismic qualification tests we offer."
Prof Ian Bond, University of Bristol's Dean of Engineering states: "This is a great example of how the research we do in the Faculty of Engineering here at Bristol has major impact on industrial applications and the future of infrastructure design in the UK and across the world. This partnership with EQUALLE highlights how academia and industry can work closely together to provide a unique offering".
