28.11.2023
Nuclear power: mechanical engineering at the heart of energy sovereignty
Alongside electrical engineering and ventilation, mechanical engineering is at the heart of the revival of the nuclear industry. On the occasion of the WNE show, Equans announces the launch of Mecanuc, a new brand dedicated to these strategic trades, to meet the technological challenge and guarantee our energy sovereignty.
Pascal Rauner, President of Mecanuc, explains.
In what way is mechanical engineering a key business in the nuclear industry?
Without networks, there can be no operational installations. In fact, mechanical engineering is the sum total of expertise essential to the smooth running of facilities. Mechanical engineering brings together all the piping activities required to design, install and operate the various networks needed to keep nuclear facilities running.
The networks required for plant operation include steam networks, cooling water piping, dry columns for fire protection systems, demineralized water piping and helium circuits. Other circuits for compressed air supply guarantee operation and maintenance, while ensuring the safety of the installations. To support operators during operation and maintenance, breathing air is obviously essential, as are drainage systems for condensation and contaminated water. To organize the proper distribution of all these elements, extensive piping networks must be designed, perfectly integrated into the plant design and coordinated with other networks.
But the mechanics don't stop with these complex networks. It also involves the installation of large, heavy components. The installation of rotating machines or dryer units, for example, in confined areas requires dedicated lifting equipment, or the installation of temporary frameworks.
What mechanical developments are specific to nuclear power?
Naturally, all our mechanical needs are specific to the nuclear industry. Traceability is therefore the watchword for all our projects. In the event of the slightest alert or failure, it is imperative to be able to immediately trace the entire chain, right back to the manufacturer, via the installer. This traceability enables us to anticipate difficulties and guarantee the nuclear safety of our installations. Developments in technology, and digital innovation in particular, mean that 3D or 4D models can now be designed, with the addition of operational planning. Real decision-making
decision-support tools, these solutions help optimize coordination in the field and meet deadlines more effectively.
Mechanical engineering also includes related services, such as setting up logistics bases to facilitate the flow of supplies to installation zones. As part of the ITER project, we designed a base to manage requests and their delivery to the site. Some nuclear components are sensitive and require an environment adapted to their protection and preservation. Here again, innovation is invaluable. On the ITER site, this service, fundamentally necessary for the success of the project, has been implemented to the full satisfaction of users and the end customer, while complying with nuclear requirements.
How can we meet the immense technical and human challenges of nuclear power?
The strong revival of the sector requires us to adapt our methods to the new context. We need to adopt a project management approach with a global vision. We need to be proactive, with an understanding of the entire chain, in order to take into account safety, security and quality requirements, coordination, schedule management... Projects are multiplying, not only in France, but also in the UK and throughout Europe. Because of its structuring role, mechanical engineering has a major need for specialized, experienced technicians. Welding is an indispensable and highly strategic profession. It takes years of training and practice to achieve the high standards and quality required in the nuclear industry. Today, to make up for the shortage of welders, we need to optimize every one of their interventions. The scarcer the resources, the greater the need for efficiency in the field. This also calls for partnerships, which can only be envisaged if there is a perfect mutual understanding of nuclear culture.
Innovation, digitization, training: mechanical engineering is at a crossroads to strengthen its contribution to maintaining Europe's energy sovereignty.