NAMRC: nuclear innovation for low-carbon energy
NAMRC: nuclear innovation for low-carbon energy
The United Kingdom is firmly committed to a low-carbon energy future, relying on renewable energy and nuclear power. The government is encouraging industry investment in nuclear research. This has led to the establishment of the NAMRC (Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre) in Sheffield, the UK’s hub for nuclear innovation.
Next Curie - NAMRC
Tangible improvements in the design of nuclear facilities
In 2009, the UK government gave the go-ahead for the launch of the NAMRC. This centre is characterised by the pooling of knowledge, a high level of expertise and extensive practical experience in nuclear technologies. It has a team of over 40 engineers and operators.
Rather than long-term fundamental research, the NAMRC focuses on applied research. To contribute to concrete and rapid improvements in the design of nuclear facilities, the centre concentrates on production processes, welding techniques and component inspection tools.
This involves large-scale research and innovation. The centre, equipped with state-of-the-art machinery (at a cost of £31 million), is housed in a building covering more than 5,000 m², enabling the testing of large-scale components.
Production : quality and speed
To help ensure the competitiveness of manufacturers of nuclear plant components, NAMRC engineers use innovative techniques. Through simulation and automation, production times can be significantly reduced without compromising on quality or safety.
A drilling system offering extreme precision
Drilling is one of the manufacturing processes that the NAMRC is seeking to optimise. A multifunctional, high-tech drilling system is capable of drilling holes ranging from 5 to 200 mm in diameter, to a depth of up to 8 metres! This unique machine is used to create precise and efficient control systems for control rods in nuclear reactors.
Laser welding: a tremendous time-saver
The NAMRC is home to one of the most powerful diode lasers in the world. This laser is currently being tested for the application of protective coatings to reactor vessels. This protective coating (sometimes referred to as ‘cladding’) covers the walls of all reactors to protect them from corrosion.
This versatile machine is capable of applying protective coatings made from various materials at a rate of 10 kg/h. If the tests are successful, the duration of the process will be reduced from several weeks to just a few hours…
Pooled expertise
Thanks to the pooling of expertise, research at the NAMRC is active in a range of fields. The centre is working on projects to build conventional nuclear power stations, as well as on the design of SMRs (Small Modular Reactors). All this expertise in nuclear technologies is also being put to good use in research and development relating to nuclear waste treatment, fusion, fuel production, and so on.
Nuclear facilities are complex systems, comprising numerous large components, the manufacture of which requires very strict standards of quality and precision. Hence the value of cutting-edge research that also benefits other industrial sectors.
A unique synergy between academic expertise and industry
Although the NAMRC was founded by the Universities of Sheffield and Manchester, it also works closely with the entire UK and European nuclear industry. Any company wishing to draw on the centre’s combined expertise can become a member.
More than 100 companies already use the NAMRC’s services. Both major players in the international nuclear sector and SMEs, whether British or otherwise, can have their tests carried out in Sheffield.