Energy Dept. Awards Pitt Grant To Improve Power Plant Safety
Dec. 13, 2014
The U.S. Department of Energy has tapped the University of Pittsburgh’s Swanson School of Engineering to help improve nuclear power plant safety.
The U.S. Department of Energy has tapped the University of Pittsburgh’s Swanson School of Engineering to help improve nuclear power plant safety. The university was awarded a nearly $1 million grant to develop radiation-resistant fiber optic cable sensors capable of measuring properties such as temperature, pressure and hydrogen levels in a nuclear emergency, according to WESA, Pittsburgh’s NPR news station.
Principal investigator and associate professor Kevin Chen was inspired by the nuclear meltdown at Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi power plant, which exploded after an earthquake and tsunami disabled the power supply and cooling capabilities of three reactors. The proposed fibers would improve the situational awareness that plants lack during these nuclear disasters, according to the article. University researchers are partnering with Corning Incorporated and Westinghouse Electric Company on the project, which should be ready for testing in two to three years.
Many facilities handle dangerous processes and products on a daily basis. Keeping everything under control demands well-trained people working with the best equipment.
Enhance the training experience and increase retention by training hands-on in Emerson's Interactive Plant Environment. Build skills here so you have them where and when it matters...
See how Rosemount™ 625IR Fixed Gas Detector helps keep workers safe with ultra-fast response times to detect hydrocarbon gases before they can create dangerous situations.
