Trials, Training and Simulation
JFNS has extensive rig hall facilities with a wide and an enviable track record in practical research and development, operational trials and training and, simulation of hazardous environments.
Practical Research and Development and Trials Support
Whilst desk-based studies and modelling give a useful insight to the general approach, practical work to mock-up or functionally test an idea can be less expensive in time and money for validating the detailed design. Trials can be carried out which substantially reduce the risks to the project, and if a minor modification is required, JFNS have the skills and resources for these to be rapidly implemented and tested with minimal impact on the programme. This approach, developed in the extensive rig hall facilities owned by JFNS is supported by an experienced multi-disciplined staff with years of practical experience and a track record of success.
Examples of this type of trial and development has covered many different types of technologies and subject areas including:
- Remote size reduction tooling, from hydraulic shears, water jet cutting, and 1Mw oxy-propane cutting torches.
- Mechanical handling systems, most recently the Heavy Duty Master Slave Manipulator (HDMSM).
- Remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), including Brokks, submersible ROVs and bespoke task specific platforms.
- Waste management and sorting technologies, often involving life size plant mock-ups.
Rig hall services supporting this service include responsive design & manufacture capabilities and provision of technician/engineering support and tie-in’s to several academic institutions.
Training and Simulation
The operation of any new equipment requires a period of familiarisation and practice before mastery is achieved. For operations in a hostile environment, it is particularly critical that operators are thoroughly trained and practiced before the equipment is deployed. Realistic mock-ups of the task in hand, often the same rig which is used for the development of the equipment, can be used to train operators and carry out rehearsals of challenging tasks in a benign environment prior to the work being carried out in a hostile environment.
The effective development of skills and techniques requires realistic simulations of the working environment. JFNS specialises in the provision and support of training and simulation environments; working closely with clients and drawing upon our own experience to provide cost effective simulation solutions.
Current facilities in operation include a Sellprotex training facility for decommissioning workers to practice access, egress and realistic operational tasks. Based at our Seascale facility, within a B13 cell mock-up, this facility provides a visually realistic and challenging environment within two miles of the Sellafield Site.
Other concepts under development include:
- Modification of instrumentation and other monitoring equipment to mimic the spread of contamination.
- Development of physical stress inducing environments including heat, noise and low-light conditions.
- Provision of a variety of hazardous environment equipment to support training, e.g. electrical connectors for apprenticeship training, manipulators and remote vehicles.
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