Asset life management is all about getting the best return on investment in major physical assets. This is achieved through a better understanding of performance requirements and by the management of the risks associated with meeting these requirements.
At Serco Assurance we use advanced science and engineering to help customers manage engineering assets and to improve the performance of their processes and plant. With some 3700 people spread across 26 locations we deliver where required. With over 2200 graduate scientists and engineers or technically qualified personnel, we deliver.
Serco Assurance's winning strategy includes:
- Applying the most appropriate technology and design/operational procedures for optimal predictable performance
- reviewing significant risks and chosen asset management strategies, in light of changing business, operational and regulatory pressure.
Serco Assurance offer a wide ranging portfolio of products and services to help customers manage their engineering assets, supporting both strategy developments and implementation.
Amongst the products for the nuclear sector, we provide independent consultancy and advanced software to meet our customers Reactor Physics, Shielding and Criticality needs.
Our tools range from tape-measures to the most advanced computer software and hardware available. We combine the best of practical down-to earth approach with the latest theoretical methods. We specialise in Monte Carlo methods (pdf: 480k - 56 pages) . Not just the techniques and method, but in the development of the entire package to provide our customers with a straightforward and robust software package that can be applied with confidence and without compromise.
Recent examples of where we have contributed include:
Irradiation embrittlement of pressure vessel steel is a life limiting issue. In addition to materials characterisation, Serco Assurance performed fluence assessments for Consumers Power Company's Palisades vessel, using our Monte Carlo software package MCBEND. Fluence assessment was used to establish the neutron irradiation embrittlement of the RPV and reactor internals, with fluences and neutron damage calculated throughout the reactor. Dosimetry measurements were used to validate the MCBEND calculations. The studies demonstrated that the plant could continue to operate until 2007 without the need for costly vessel annealing, potentially leading to a saving of $20 million.
Degradation of Boraflex panels under gamma radiation can lead to loss of absorber in spent storage pools. By taking account of fuel reactivity loss due to burnup, Serco Assurance demonstrated to PECO Energy company, that even with global reductions in boron down to 10% of design levels, their Peach Bottom Unit 2 storage pools were compliant with criticality safety criteria for typical spent fuel assemblies. The unit 2 fuel reload went ahead in the Autumn of 1996 and was completed in a record 19 days.
Material test reactors have geometrically complex core configurations. The open nature and geometric versatility of Serco Assurance's WIMS reactor physics software has enabled ECN Petten to improve the whole core management process for the CEC High Flux Reactor, resulting in improved performance assessment of in-core test rigs and reduced administrative load associated with the analyses.