Structural Integrity

 

Our primary service is the structural integrity assessment of engineering components. Stress, fatigue and/or fracture analyses are conducted to assess fitness-for-service of components operating in harsh environments, subject to through-life degradation mechanisms. Finite Element (FE) analysis can be performed using Abaqus or ANSYS software.

 

Our specialisms include pressure vessels, pipework, bolted joints, welding and thermal fatigue problems. We have detailed knowledge of ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section III and Section VIII design requirements. Defect tolerance assessments are undertaken in accordance with the R6 procedure or BS7910.

Safety Assessment

 

We perform independent nuclear safety assessments  of reactor component safety justifications supporting plant operation, in accordance with UK regulatory requirements. In addition, we carry out independent technical assessments of structural integrity analysis methods.

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Manufacturing

 

Manufacturing process simulation is increasingly being used in industry, to inform the optimisation of process parameters and reduce the number of prototype tests required. These studies can be beneficially used  to mitigate component distortion and residual stress, while maximising material performance and structural integrity  margins,  thereby avoiding costly repairs. 

 

We offer expertise in weld model analysis and residual stress measurement techniques, also recognising the importance of characterising of high temperature material behaviour.

 

Our principal engineer has supported the development of advanced manufacturing techniques for the UK civil nuclear new build programme. These techniques include narrow gap Gas Tungsten Arc (GTA) and Reduced Pressure Electron Beam (RPEB) welding of thick section pressure vessels.  Recent research projects include the New Nuclear Manufacturing (NNUMAN) programme and Material Testing for Advanced Reactors (MATTEAR), working in collaboration with Manchester University, the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (NAMRC) and TWI. We also participate in NAFEMS manufacturing process simulation working groups.

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Design

 

Design optimisation of power generation plant components including pressure vessels, piping systems, pumps and valves.

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Testing methods are selected to meet your requirements, based on our knowledge of the capabilities of non-destructive examination (NDE) techniques and material properties testing methods.