Mobile C&I Test Rigs For Nuclear Skills Development

Project Overview

Client: National College for Nuclear

Market Sector: R&D

Empowering Future Nuclear Engineers Through Realistic, Hands-On Learning

These mobile C&I test rigs, built for Bridgwater & Taunton College, are used for hands-on training of the next generation of nuclear C&I technicians.

Bridgwater & Taunton College, a leading technical education provider supporting the UK’s nuclear industry, required a set of bespoke Control & Instrumentation (C&I) test rigs to enhance their learner experience. These rigs needed to simulate authentic pressure and temperature measurement systems used in operational nuclear environments, giving students the opportunity to develop practical understanding of instrumentation behaviour, wiring, indication and fault diagnosis under safe, controlled conditions.

AMS Nuclear was uniquely positioned to deliver this project. With a proven record of consulting, designing and building safety-critical EC&I systems across generation, new build and decommissioning programmes, AMS Nuclear brought the same expertise, technical precision and safety standards demanded in active nuclear facilities to the classroom. The project represented a natural extension of AMS Nuclear’s mission: to design and build right-first-time engineered systems that underpin safety, reliability and skills development across the UK nuclear sector.

Engineering Realism into a Safe Training Environment

The college sought mobile, dual-sided training rigs that could be easily moved between teaching spaces and provide hands-on demonstration of industrial-grade pressure and temperature instrumentation, as well as water analysis. The challenge was to replicate the performance and interactivity of operational systems while ensuring complete safety, durability and ease of use for training purposes.

AMS Nuclear’s engineering team needed to balance functionality with simplicity, integrating multiple sensors, transmitters and indication systems in a compact, mobile framework that would stand up to frequent educational use. Each component had to meet strict quality and electrical standards, using robust, IP-rated enclosures and secure low-voltage power distribution.

Precision-Engineered Mobile Rigs for Training on the measurement of Pressure and Temperature and Analysis of Water pH and Conductivity

AMS Nuclear designed and manufactured two mobile, double-sided test rigs, with one side dedicated to pressure instrumentation and the other to temperature measurement systems. Another rig was provided to measure the chemical balance of feed water. Each rig included a dedicated power supply and control panel, safely converting mains input to low-voltage operation for all instrumentation and indication equipment.

The rigs featured a comprehensive suite of pressure, differential pressure and temperature sensors, pH and Conductivity Sensors, along with configurable digital indicators, switched LED status lamps and integrated isolation manifolds to simulate real-world system behaviour. A multi-channel chart recorder and external terminal connections allowed trainees to conduct live measurement exercises, data logging and system testing without the need to open the panels.

Constructed using durable steel framework and aluminium cladding, each rig was designed for mobility and long-term reliability. All wiring and terminations were completed to AMS Nuclear’s in-house standards for industrial EC&I systems, ensuring the equipment delivers safe, repeatable performance across years of educational use.

Single-line and schematic diagrams were provided in digital format to support ongoing training and maintenance.

Our team took real pride in developing equipment that helps train the next generation of C&I technicians. We designed these rigs to perform and look like real-world systems, giving learners genuine hands-on experience in a safe, controlled environment.

Operations Director, AMS Nuclear

Delivering Confidence and Capability: Engineering Education in Action

Through close collaboration between AMS Nuclear and Bridgwater & Taunton College, the project successfully delivered two high-quality, fully functional mobile test rigs.

These now form a key part of the college’s nuclear skills training programme, supporting courses that prepare students for employment in the UK’s growing nuclear sector.

Key Outcomes

Delivered dual-function rigs on schedule and to precise specification
Provided comprehensive documentation including calibration and wiring diagrams
Enhanced the hands-on capability of the C&I training syllabus
Strengthened AMS Nuclear’s contribution to workforce development for the UK’s nuclear industry

Delivering Value Beyond the Project

This project demonstrates AMS Nuclear’s commitment not just to engineering excellence, but also to building the future skills base of the UK’s nuclear industry.

Through collaboration, technical innovation and a dedication to safety and quality, AMS Nuclear continues to play an active role in supporting education, workforce development and the long-term sustainability of the nuclear sector.

Developing Advanced Mobile C&I Test Rigs to Strengthen Nuclear Skills Capability