EC&I Systems Engineering

AMS Nuclear follows a v-model system for project lifecycle management ensuring that verification and validation activities are conducted thoroughly at each stage in the process. AMS Nuclear can either provide a full turnkey solution or provide discrete elements of the full lifecycle working in collaboration with clients and partners as needed.

The diagram below provides examples of the types of documentation typically produced at each stage of a project.

Our experience dictates that in many cases there are often multiple possible solutions to an engineering problem. To avoid the potential for design philosophy to be determined inadvertently through the production of a specification too early in a project, AMS Nuclear can support clients by providing a range of early engagement services such as:

• Feasibility Studies
• Optioneering Reports
• Engineering Advice Notes
• User Requirements Specifications (URS),
• Functional Requirements Specifications (FRS)

Our approach usually involves:

• Discussing with systems owners the nature of the problem
• Reviewing OPEX and comparing the problem to others addressed by AMS Nuclear historically
• Conducting site walkdowns / taking part in site meetings and teleconferences to gather information

Where appropriate AMS Nuclear can collate and document findings through the provision of a ‘Problem Statement’ report. Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) costs form part of the report providing an aid to project budgeting.

Often, the design philosophy is established at the Concept Design or Basis of Design phase. It is therefore at this stage where it is most critical to involve appropriate specialists to give the project the best chance of success later on. AMS Nuclear, as EC&I specialists, are able to support in this phase.

Detailed design work is conducted by AMS Nuclear ‘suitably qualified and experienced’ (SQEP) engineers who between them have many decades of experience designing EC&I systems for nuclear licenced sites. The AMS Nuclear team are able to draw upon experience gained from many past projects delivered by the company; examples of which can be seen here.

AMS Nuclear takes pride in the quality of the systems built. Sub-assembly and final assembly can be conducted in our workshops; our technicians and engineers collaborate to deliver safe and optimal built solutions for the client. AMS Nuclear only use trusted sub-contractors to fabricate bespoke panels that have been designed in collaboration (AMS Nuclear and sub-contractor).

We have the capacity to carry out:

• Large system builds in our High Bay area,
• Pipe Tube-bending,
• Electrical wiring,
• Instrument set-up and calibration

Factory Acceptance Testing is conducted adjacent to the assembly area of our workshop and can include:

• Pre-FAT
• Hosting of FAT
• FAT Document production
• Types of testing include: pressure testing, leak testing, functional testing

AMS Nuclear team is able to offer substantiation either as part of a larger project being undertaken by AMS Nuclear or as a standalone service substantiating others’ designs.

• Design Substantiation for Nuclear Safety Significant Systems against client Technical Standards and Technical Guidance Notes
• Analytical and Physical Type Testing including Seismic, EMC, Heat Transfer, Thermal Performance and Reliability
• Compliance with all relevant codes and standards, including but not limited to: BS 7671, BS EN 62402, IEC 61508, IEC 61513, RCC-E, RCC-M

AMS Nuclear SQEP site teams provide a range of site services including:

• Installation – with Installation Method Statements and Risk Assessments
• Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) – including SAT Report
• Commissioning – including Commissioning Schedule

AMS Nuclear are very familiar with the practices and procedures concerning access to and working on Nuclear Licenced Sites. When and wherever applicable AMS Nuclear staff have undertaken, completed and been issued with: Security Clearances; work permits, site safety training etc.

AMS Nuclear can supply a suite of documentation for all activities listed in the project lifecycle phases above. Dependent upon the application, AMS Nuclear can provide independent verification of all documentation in accordance with AMS Nuclear in-house guidelines and customer specific requirements.

Controlled by our ISO9001 Quality Management System and through intimate knowledge of the customer’s QA requirements; AMS Nuclear maintains a Lifetime Quality Records (LTQR) Pack throughout the entire project lifecycle of the project. These records are handed over to the customer at the end of each project.

Training – AMS Nuclear always provide Operation & Maintenance (O&M) documentation as part of any project. We will also offer training packages when asked or when we feel it is appropriate to do so.

Support – AMS Nuclear will always recommend support services where it is deemed appropriate or required.

Technology can advance rapidly causing issues with integration, functionality, operability and ultimately obsolescence. People, and the knowledge/experience that they have can also ‘change’. Promotions, retirements, movement in or out of a company can have a detrimental effect upon a system. Through our continued support and training initiatives we aim to minimise these natural disruptions and maximise system output.