Safety is my job

Nathan Phillips studied Chemical Engineering at Newcastle University and is now working as graduate process engineer.

Nathan Phillips, graduate process engineer

Nathan, what prompted you to join the Nuclear Industry?

I was disappointed with the lack of nuclear technology in my Chemical Engineering course, so I applied for a master’s course in Physics and Technology of Nuclear Reactors at Birmingham. I’ve now using this knowledge on the Jacobs graduate scheme, following the IChemE framework for chartership.

What does your work involve?

The graduate scheme has provided the opportunity to get involved with many disciplines. These include non-destructive testing to determine the properties of materials to be used in the new Evolutionary Power Reactor (EPR) as well as testing to understand the behaviour of graphite within reactor cores of the advanced gas-cooled reactors.

What part does process safety play in your work?

I’m now focusing on process engineering and safety on test rigs for new and existing technologies.  These include high temperature corrosion fatigue rigs to simulate pressurised water reactor conditions. My training on relief valve specification will be used on this rig to ensure that any relief event can be safely mitigated. 

To accomplish the process safety goals which are specified in our labs, it’s critical to have an eye for detail, to avoid complacency and to look beyond the initial problem.

What opportunities do you have to interact with other engineers?

It’s been incredibly important to use every opportunity to network across the company. Consultancy work can be a little hectic at times. Experience and understanding of the different aspects of a project plays a huge role in developing effective safety systems.

How does your work contribute to meeting targets for global warming?

Although advanced energy storage technologies are emerging for renewables, a carbon-free source of baseload power is key to achieving a net-zero economy.

Our work is critical to prolonging the operational life of the nuclear power stations in operation in the UK. These have a combined output is 7.6GW, equivalent to 6,000 tonnes of CO­2 every hour from coal.

Jacobs is also closely involved in Government funded research into modular reactors. These designs can provide clean energy, at a lower capital investment, in locations which would not be suitable for a traditional power plant. Some designs will be able to provide co-generation or combined heat and power.

The chemistry of the process fluids and the operating conditions of the test rigs requires stringent process safety. By overcoming these challenges it is possible to generate the data required for structural integrity assessments throughout the life of the reactors.

What prompted you to study chemical engineering?

The global energy challenge is my main driver for choosing a career in chemical engineering. Responding to this challenge requires everyone to do their bit, but I wanted to contribute to advances which can shape the future of the energy sector. Nuclear energy remains a pivotal technology and it’s a vital industry that I’m proud to be a part of.