DISCOMS project: a happy ending with promising results.
Following the FUKUSHIMA disaster, the French government decided to allocate some of its budget to stimulate R&D in the field of nuclear safety and radiation protection.
The DISCOMS (DIstributed Sensing for COrium Monitoring & Safety) project aims at developing an innovative under-vessel remote monitoring instrumentation to improve NPPs safety in operation.
A team of reputable Research Institutes, universities and Industrial companies was formed to address the development of a remote monitoring solution able to improve the safety of Nuclear Power Plants and strengthen the third containment barrier in case of a severe accident with a reactor breakthrough and corium release.
Long-length Self Powered Nuclear Detectors have been developed to identify the reactor core debris progression, the erosion of the concrete floor, as well as to monitor the corium cooling.
After multiple simulations and theoretical validations, a complete system (sensors + electronics) has been tested with corium and has demonstrated its technological readiness.
Safety Culture
THERMOCOAX was distinguished with a Safety Culture award from Rolls Royce. In 2019, THX will continue its effort to improve working practices and place safety as a main priority.
Skills & Knowledge Management
At the WNE, THERMOCOAX was nominated for an award in the “Skills & Knowledge Management” category.
In its Quality Assurance Manual, THERMOCOAX takes into account the requirement presented in the ISO 19443.
One goal: anticipate chain standards for future nuclear supply today to maintain the highest standard of safety culture, quality and competitiveness.
“During Rolls Royce Nuclear supplier days” sounds unnatural in English but difficult to amend without knowing meaning of source text.
