Nuclear Professionals Only – By Invitation!

Nuclear Professionals Only – By Invitation!

April 28th, 2017

As part of the NDA Supply Chain Wilde Analysis regularly support and attend nuclear sector events.  This month we attended the Nuclear Solutions Exhibition held at the hub of nuclear design in the UK – Birchwood Park in Warrington.

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When an event is advertised as “Free Admission – Free Refreshments” you have to wonder what the catch is but you realise it is a serious event when the sign on the door says “Nuclear Professionals Only – By Invitation!

Space in the marque was very much at a premium and equipment suppliers, design consultants and the major EPCs were pressed in tight together. Although in close physical proximity they were in some ways at separate events with separate aims.

Design in the nuclear sector, at least as far as the NDA/Sellafield side of the business is concerned, is dominated in the two Design Services Alliances:  Progressive (Babcock, Cavendish Nuclear, URS & Others) and AXIOM (AMEC Foster Wheeler, Assystem, Jacobs Group and Mott MacDonald). No surprise then that these companies were well represented, as were some of the larger design companies outside the DSAs such as James Fisher Nuclear and Nuvia. Wilde Analysis has good experience working with companies like these in the areas of engineering simulation, safety and reliability engineering.

The aim of the equipment suppliers and smaller design companies is to get noticed by the DSA companies and to get specified. The nuclear sector is historically very conservative and hard to break into, events like this are intended to open eyes and open doors. That Sellafield now permits UAVs (Drones) to be used on the site is a clear indication that times are changing.

The breadth of the Wilde Analysis offering meant we had something to talk about with almost everyone. Metal forging simulation for manufacturers, reliability consultancy for electronic systems designers, CFD for filter and valve manufacturers, advanced FEA for design consultants… quite the exercise in mental gymnastics going around the room.

And the refreshments… a £5 voucher to spend in the Garden Restaurant or Café in the Centre.   The best exhibition food I have had in over 20 years.   I hope the event runs again next year!

Chris Down, Business Development Manager

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