Supported Through Compressed Air
• What is compressed air used for in the nuclear industry?
• What sort of compressed air is required for the nuclear sector?
• How can Ingersoll Rand help? Take a look at our expert oil-free portfolio...
What Is Compressed Air Used For In The Nuclear Industry?
The nuclear industry is comprised of a number of sub-sectors, including nuclear power generation, research into reactors, nuclear fusion and nuclear fission, and nuclear waste management, in particular, any radioactive waste or other high-level waste. It also includes defence applications, including the production of nuclear technology, fuel processing, and the nuclear fuel cycle, which involves natural uranium enrichment and mining. All of these sub-sectors are highly-regulated applications with stringent requirements, often set out by the World Nuclear Association to ensure applications adhere to nuclear regulation by the national government and international authorities and energy policy. From an environmental standpoint, the nuclear industry’s most fundamental role is creating nuclear power, a type of renewable energy to replace the use of fossil fuels. In a world with increasing environmental concern, the use of renewable energy sources, such as nuclear energy, wind power and natural gas, and the reduction of fossil fuels are fundamental to help fight climate change and global warming. All of these sub-sectors in varying ways require compressed air to power their applications. For example, in nuclear power plants, compressed air is a vital utility for control systems, particularly those related to nuclear power reactors, including small modular reactors, and ensuring the safety of instrument controls, emergency cooling systems and valve actuators. All of these systems are essential for nuclear reactor safety, as well as the safety of nuclear power stations. Compressed air is also used in these sub-sectors to carry out containment and pipeline pressure tests to ensure safety and structural integrity. Other uses include creating vacuum systems in nuclear plants, gas conveyance, pneumatic conveying, and for instrument air.
What Sort Of Compressed Air Is Required For The Nuclear Sector?
The major function of compressed air in the nuclear industry and all of its sub-sectors is ensuring the safety and reliability of equipment and nuclear sites. This is because, in comparison to powering operations and tools with electricity, compressed air can be stored and doesn’t have the same fire, spark or electric shock risk. Therefore, pneumatic tools and equipment are preferred to those powered by electricity in the nuclear industry. In order to safely power pneumatic systems, a continuous flow of high-quality, oil-free air is required, which helps to ensure the efficiency and safety of your nuclear power plant or other nuclear facility. Using substandard air can cause pneumatic equipment to corrode, which can lead to unexpected equipment breakdowns that may result in safety risks. This downtime will have an impact on the efficiency and productivity of your nuclear plant, which is why air quality is so important.
How Can Ingersoll Rand Help?
Take A Look At Our Expert Oil-Free Portfolio...
To support your nuclear plant, Ingersoll Rand offers a complete range of oil-free rotary screw and centrifugal air compressors, depending on the exact needs of your nuclear power station or other facility. Whether supporting existing facilities or new nuclear power stations, new nuclear power plants or new reactors, the construction of a reliable compressed air system that utilises our energy-efficient, high-performance compressors can enhance the productivity of your nuclear power plant. It can also ensure a steady stream of oil- and contamination-free air to power your processes. We also offer a range of air treatment equipment to ensure optimal air quality and prevent safety risks from impacting your nuclear power plant and the production of nuclear power.
Interested? Please contact us to find out more about our energy-efficient, oil-free, high-performance compressed air solutions for the nuclear industry.