Browsing by Author "Oaker, Bradley"

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
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    Open Access
    The detection of defects in tubes and plates using guided waves
    (2011) Oaker, Bradley; Tait, Robert B
    Eddy current testing is the non-destructive test method of choice for the inspection of condenser tubes. However, unplanned shutdowns of power stations, due to unexpected condenser tube failures, still occur despite rigorous eddy current inspection programs. In addition to the improvement required in the reliability of inspections, there is also a need to shorten the duration of inspections.
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    Open Access
    Determining the optimal nuclear safety regulatory approach for South Africa's expanding nuclear power industry
    (2018) De Araujo, Jenna; Gaunt, C Trevor; Oaker, Bradley
    South Africa is poised to expand significantly its nuclear power generation industry. Considering that the current South African nuclear safety regulatory approach is applied to regulate the operation and maintenance of one mature nuclear power plant, it is expected that significant adaptation of this approach will occur for the regulatory system to accommodate the planned industry expansion. This dissertation tests the hypothesis that the optimal nuclear safety regulatory approach for South Africa’s planned nuclear industry can already be determined by systematically comparing the suitability of various alternatives in use in the international nuclear industry. Investigating the validity of this hypothesis improves the understanding of the possibilities available for future nuclear safety regulation in South Africa and aids preparations and decision-making in this regard. Research was conducted on the various nuclear safety regulatory approaches applied internationally and on what determines the suitability of each approach in different circumstances. The characteristics of South Africa’s current and planned nuclear power generation industry were investigated. Applying multi-criteria decision making analysis methodology, a test was developed and used to systematically assess the relative suitability of the various regulatory approaches to the South African context. The three primary approaches to nuclear safety regulation considered were the prescriptive approach, the performance based approach and the goal-setting approach. Based on currently available information, the test results show that the goal-setting regulatory approach is the optimal approach for South Africa’s planned nuclear power industry. However research findings also show that the state level bilateral cooperation the South African government would pursue to develop South Africa’s fleet approach to the 9,6 gigawatt nuclear new build programme may have sufficient influence on South Africa’s nuclear industry to change South Africa’s optimal nuclear safety regulatory approach or make this plant specific. The benefits of aligning South Africa’s nuclear safety regulatory approach with the approach applied in the fleet vendor company’s country of origin may outweigh other considerations. The vendor company for South Africa’s nuclear new build programme is not yet known. Even though systematic comparison of the suitability of various regulatory approaches shows that the goal-setting nuclear safety regulatory approach is the optimal approach for South Africa, the hypothesis is shown to be false. The optimal nuclear safety regulatory approach for South Africa’s planned nuclear industry cannot already be determined, since bilateral cooperation with the nuclear new build fleet vendor company’s country of origin may be the dominant factor in shaping South Africa’s nuclear safety regulatory approach. In the interim and in the event that strategic regulatory alignment for the new build fleet is not embarked upon, the research findings and test results have an important implication: Applying the goal-setting approach as the dominant nuclear safety regulatory approach can optimize nuclear safety regulation of South Africa’s nuclear industry.
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    A regulatory assessment of the Build-Own-Operate model for New Nuclear Build in South Africa
    (2017) Essa, Fagmie; Oaker, Bradley
    Governments pursue New Nuclear Build (NNB) projects for different strategic reasons. Many countries are not able to devise a funding model for the excessive costs of a NNB project nor do they have the local skills to construct, operate and maintain a NPP. South Africa's Integrated Resource Plan 2016 indicates that the base case scenario includes a target date of 2037 for the first unit of a NNB programme. This date moves to 2026 when the carbon budget is included in the forecast. The National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) has limited experience in licensing NNB programs as the country's only other commercially operating nuclear power plant was completed in 1984. The Build-Own-Operate (BOO) model is being promoted by Russia as an option to finance, design, supply most of the equipment for, construct and operate, a NPP. The first of this model is being executed at Akkuyu in Turkey. South Africa and specifically the NNR will face many challenges should it pursue the Build-Own- Operate model for its New Nuclear Build programme, given this model's novel and complex demands. This study has concluded that the Nuclear Energy Policy does not support an entity other than Eskom (the South African electricity utility) from owning and operating any new NPP in South Africa. The NNR does not presently have the resources to be able to service a NBB program but should be able to adapt to the increased demands of a NNB programme. The minister responsible for the promotion of nuclear energy also provides oversight of the NNR. This conflict of interest does not appear to have affected NNR decisions thus far; however, a NNB programme will exert undue pressure on all stakeholders which could change the relationship between the NNR and its minister. The National Nuclear Regulator Act (NNRA) needs to be enhanced to change this reporting structure while also enhancing the independence of the NNR. Should the Hinkley Point C model be followed in South Africa, the appointment of a design authority within the licensee which effectively creates an additional layer of verification should warrant strong consideration for the South African NNB model. The Akkuyu BOO model challenges the principles of the Intelligent Customer concept. Should the Akkuyu BOO model be followed, the NNR would require the licensee to show that independent verification is in place. Roles and responsibilities should be clearly described and understood by all stakeholders. The onus remains with the licensee to prove Intelligent Customer capability.