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Forgemasters launches nuclear technology research programme

Crucial research and development work has begun on two multi-million pound civil nuclear technology research programmes at Sheffield Forgemasters.

Lead by Forgemasters’ research and development division, Sheffield Forgemasters RD26 Ltd and in collaboration with partners from industry and academia, the projects will enable the company to develop innovative forging techniques, advanced casting processes and material refinements for the next generation of civil nuclear power components.

The collaboration projects are part funded by the Government’s Technology Strategy Board (TSB), the Department of Energy and Climate Change, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.

Professor Jesus Talamantes-Silva, director of Sheffield Forgemasters RD26 Ltd, said: “The outcomes of these research projects will influence design and manufacturing processes for the civil nuclear power sector, enabling a greater development of a UK supply chain and positioning manufacture in the UK at the forefront of civil nuclear developments.

“The development of forging and casting technologies for civil nuclear power generation will play a crucial part in the world’s need to solve a building power generation crisis.”

In one of the projects, Sheffield Forgemasters, the University of Sheffield and TWI are working together to create efficient casting solutions for reactor coolant systems. Successful qualification in this component sector could result in major export orders for the UK.

In the other project, Sheffield Forgemasters will work with Rolls Royce, the University of Sheffield and MERMEC UK.

This project will enhance the manufacture of ultra-large forgings used within the power-producing heart of a civil nuclear power plant, by development of hot metrology, non-destructive testing and computer modelling.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Mark Lane .