Portfolio for emission-free nuclear plants
2 ways KROHNE can support your nuclear project
Nuclear energy plays a complex role in the transition to a sustainable energy future. While concerns surrounding safety, waste management, and public acceptance persist, it is often seen as a low-carbon alternative that can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
One of the main advantages of nuclear power is its ability to generate large amounts of "baseload power," essential for grid stability. Of course, this reliability requires safety measures and public trust, especially in light of past incidents. Advancements like small modular reactors (SMR) promise improved safety and efficiency but concerns about potential risks remain. Furthermore, while nuclear energy can support a circular economy through recycling and reprocessing of fuel, managing radioactive waste remains challenging for countries where waste disposal solutions are limited, and developing long-term containment strategies is crucial for public acceptance.
Challenges
The use of measurement technology in nuclear power plants poses several challenges due to the sensitive environment. Nuclear power generation requires exceptionally precise and reliable systems, as even slight deviations in measured values can lead to safety risks or operational inefficiencies. High temperatures, radiation, and corrosive conditions typical in nuclear facilities can significantly impact the performance and longevity of measurement devices, making it essential to choose robust technology capable of withstanding such harsh conditions.
A major challenge is the constant monitoring of safety-critical components like reactor cores, cooling systems, and containment structures. These components must operate within strict parameters and measurement technology is crucial in ensuring these systems remain within their operational limits. Monitoring pressure, temperature, and flow rates in cooling systems, for example, helps to prevent overheating.
Nuclear power plants often operate for decades, meaning measurement technology must be not only accurate but also durable and maintainable over long periods. Calibration, redundancy, and fail-safe mechanisms are needed to ensure continued accurate data collection even in the event of malfunctions or external disturbances. This combination of precision, longevity, and early detection capabilities makes measurement technology essential to the safety, efficiency, and long-term viability of nuclear power plants.
How can KROHNE provide support?
As a global provider of measuring instruments, services and solutions for nuclear applications, KROHNE Nuclear offers flow, level, temperature and pressure equipment - safety classified or not.
Complete portfolio of different technologies
Nuclear power plants often operate for decades, meaning measurement technology must be not only accurate but also durable and maintainable over long periods. Calibration, redundancy, and fail-safe mechanisms are needed to ensure continued accurate data collection even in the event of malfunctions or external disturbances. This combination of precision, longevity, and early detection capabilities makes measurement technology essential to the safety, efficiency, and long-term viability of nuclear power plants.
Conformity with standards
We are one of the few manufacturers of metrology worldwide to hold all the nuclear related approvals for the design, manufacturing and testing of our instruments for nuclear facilities (e.g., ASME Section III, RCC-M) and can deliver qualifications and test reports according to IEEE 323, IEEE 344, and RCC-E. KROHNE Nuclear adds value by providing competent and centralised support for the nuclear industry considering the highest level of safety in all its procedures.
Contribution to Sustainability
Ensuring Longevity and Reliability: Measurement technology in nuclear power plants must operate reliably under extreme conditions, such as high temperatures, radiation, and corrosive environments, which supports the long-term, sustainable operation of nuclear facilities.
Precision and Safety in Hazardous Environments: The high precision required in nuclear settings prevents accidents and minimises waste, supporting sustainability through enhanced safety and efficiency in power generation.
Reducing Environmental Impact through Monitoring : Accurate monitoring of critical systems like cooling and containment structures prevents operational failures that could have severe environmental consequences, aligning with sustainability goals.
Further Benefits
Support for Regulatory Compliance : By providing safety-certified measurement solutions (e.g., ASME Section III, RCC-M), KROHNE helps nuclear facilities meet stringent environmental and safety standards, ensuring a high level of operational responsibility and sustainability.
Durability in Long Operational Lifetimes : With nuclear plants often operating for decades, durable measurement instruments reduce the need for frequent replacements, lowering material usage and waste over the facility's lifetime.
Process instrumentation paves the way for sustainability in nuclear power
As a manufacturer of process measurement technology, we support the nuclear industry in its efforts towards sustainability by providing precise, reliable, and safe solutions for measuring and controlling critical processes. Our technology helps optimise efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure the highest safety standards, contributing to the industry's long-term sustainability goals. By enabling accurate measurements in areas such as water management, temperature control, and radiation monitoring, we play a vital role in helping nuclear facilities operate more sustainably and in compliance with stringent environmental regulations.