EDM used on live nuclear reactor pipeline

Machining specialist Hydratight says it has become the first company to use EDM for maintenance work on a live nuclear reactor pipeline system.
The company completed the technically challenging campaign for a major energy company at a US power station as part of post-Fukushima upgrades.

Using EDM avoided an expensive unplanned shutdown of the reactor, and took 48 hours off the reactor outage schedule.
The process used a heated solid electrode to cut a hole (featuring 0.05 mm tolerance) within the reactor feed water line. Microscopic cuttings were then removed using back-flushing and vacuums. Hydratight’s process prevented 99.5% of foreign material exclusion particles, such as drill cuttings and debris, from entering the reactor.
Mike Riordan, Hydratight’s nuclear speciality services manager, says: “This was a milestone achievement on a live nuclear reactor pipeline system, and resulted in safety enhancements in line with the industry’s post-Fukushima requirements. The work has created another way to feed water into the main line if there is ever a power loss to the reactor.”
The line had water pressure of 8.3 bar and electrical conductance exceeding 3,500 micro-siemens. Hydratight’s speciality services deployed customised tooling to negotiate a 380 mm long, 25 mm wide pipe as an entry point to reach the spot where the 19 mm EDM penetration was to take place.
“Material contaminations are a major concern for most facilities, and EDM is a highly accurate and safe way of machining,” says Riordan. “Tool pressure was also a concern on this particular project, so we were able to use a method which was completely contactless.”
Hydratight has offered its services to the nuclear and power-generation industries for more than 30 years.
For further information www.hydratight.com

A&M EDM showcases engineering

Greg Clark, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, recently visited precision engineering company A&M EDM in Smethwick, West Midlands to understand what drives growth and the issues facing a manufacturing SME.

The Business Secretary met some of A&M’s current and recent apprentices, speaking to individuals about their motivation to take up an apprenticeship, the work they undertake and the skills they are developing by working with experienced engineers. All of A&M’s apprentices study for academic engineering qualifications at Dudley College.
Mark Wingfield, managing director of A&M EDM, said: “We had an informed discussion with the Business Secretary on how the Industrial Strategy can accelerate West Midlands manufacturing and A&M’s initiative to develop its own apprentices.”
Added Clark: “The Industrial Strategy for the West Midlands will harness its distinctive strengths to unlock greater growth and earning power across the region’s cities and towns.”
A&M showcased engines and components manufactured for aerospace and automotive customers. In addition, Clark saw a new high-speed CNC machining centre and handheld alloy analyser in action; these were part funded by a Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) grant to create new manufacturing jobs.
The Business Secretary discussed the practical implementation of the Industrial Strategy with senior representatives of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, Black Country LEP, Dudley College and the EEF.
A&M has grown from a two man start-up in 2002, to 67 staff and sales of over £6m in 2018. This has been achieved using EDM and CNC machining to design and manufacture precision components and tooling for a range of UK and international customers.
For further information www.amedm.co.uk

Bowers joins STC

Bowers Group has joined the Silverstone Technology Cluster (STC), a not-for-profit organisation that is headquartered at the Silverstone racing circuit in Northamptonshire.

The cluster has been backed by the UK government and highlights a market of untapped potential. As part of its membership, Bowers Group has also been invited to join the Silverstone Metrology Special Interest Group (SIG).The aim of the group is to help accelerate technological development through metrology, leading to a rise in awareness, collaboration and the sharing of best practice.
For further information www.bowersgroup.co.uk

Software investment

Reading-based machining subcontractor Rodmatic has invested in a new production control system from PSL Datatrack to provide more effective management of its business, particularly with regard to production processes and customer service.

“We wanted a solution from a supplier that could understand the needs of a subcontract engineering business,” says Martin Wilson, general manager at Rodmatic. “As a BTMA Technical Member, we knew that PSL Datatrack had expertise and a good track record in our sector.”
For further information www.psldatatrack.com

Marposs buys software specialist

Metrology specialist Marposs has acquired control over Blulink, an Italian software house that specialises in software for quality control and process management.

Based in Reggio Emilia and active since 1990, Blulink focused its work on the development of software solutions for the integrated management of quality and safety in the working environment. The most advanced results of its research have been gathered in the Quarta3 platform, released in 2012 and adopted by over 1000 companies in Italy, as well as many other countries around the world. Blulink employs 40 people.
For further information www.marposs.com