positivenergy T H E Q U A R T E R LY N E W S L E T T E R F R O M C A P U L A N U C L E A R
www.capulanuclear.co.uk www.capula.co.uk
April 2012 Issue 01
Capula celebrates a successful 2011
Capula is increasing its SQEP staff with proven nuclear skills
Year ends with c£32m in new contracts won across markets
Capula is celebrating another excellent year for the company. We enjoyed booking success across all our markets and ended the year with c£32million in new contracts won in 2011. Combined with the previous year’s recordbreaking orders volume, this provides a substantial overall order book from which to continue to drive our growth. "Capula’s success this year has been the result of our unique positioning in our energyrelated markets together with the tremendous efforts of our staff," said Chief Executive Roger Turner. “Whilst the overall marketplace remains a very challenging one, our company has grown by some 80 people this year, and we look forward to continued growth in 2012." The Nuclear sector had key success with a number of high-value, large scale contracts won. In response to this and the continued investment we expect to see in this industry over the next
decade, we expanded our Nuclear Services operation to include a new dedicated, secure facility in Stone (Beacon House) and set about increasing our number of SQEP staff with proven nuclear skills. We saw continued success in the Utilities sector of our business, where we followed up the landmark contracts won in 2010 with additional key projects won with these clients. Our work with advanced technology continued through the provision of support for some of the UK’s first smart grid initiatives. Furthermore, Capula built on its fine reputation in the Generation sector through continuing to win renewable energy and biomass projects.
Winning these projects alongside our excellent delivery record is underpinning our position as the leading specialist in delivering integrated automation and real-time IT solutions in the UK.
Beacon House opens for business
Capula has announced the opening of a new office in Stone, Staffordshire, which will serve as a dedicated facility for our nuclear-related projects. The move reflects the company's commitment to the Nuclear industry, and intention to develop its increasing involvement in the UK's energy strategy. "We expect to see significant growth in the Nuclear industry over the next decade or so," explains Chief Executive Roger Turner, "Nuclear power is set to be an integral part of the UK's energy mix and with that comes obvious opportunities in fuel reprocessing, waste management, life extension and decommissioning.
"Our expertise in safety systems, health monitoring, radiological surveillance and materials tracking has led to us playing an important role in the Nuclear industry over the past twenty years and more. By expanding our operation in this area we will have the necessary resource to successfully deliver more mission critical solutions for our clients."
inside protection system for edf energy • risley exhibition success • NuclearCONNECT article
contract news
Heysham power station Photographer: Rwendland (Wikipedia)
Protection system for EDF Energy Capula has been awarded a contract by EDF Energy Nuclear Generation for a
support using compliant components with emphasis approval and proven
their PLEX (plant life extension) programme.
Commissioning is scheduled for March 2012.
protection system at both Heysham and Hartlepool power stations as part of The Hybrid Electronic Analogue Temperature Sensing (HEATS) system is
designed to meet a safety integrity target of SIL 1. The system is key to continued
station operation and it will protect equipment from rises in temperature and
humidity in the plant basement.
Capula’s scope includes the design, build, commission and safety case
Risley exhibition a‘useful’ exercise
Capula was present at the recent Technology & Innovation exhibition at
Hinton House, Risley, which hosts the engineering design capability supporting major development projects for Sellafield Ltd.
Phil Monks (Business Development Manager) and Steve Braund (Marketing
Manager) were on hand to assist with any visitor enquiries in what was viewed
operational experience, adhering to EDF’s CTS standards throughout.
“Capula has over 30 years’ experience in working on projects throughout the
nuclear lifecycle, with safety system capability up to a SIL 2 rating,” said Nuclear
Services Director Alex Moore, “We enjoy an excellent working relationship with EDF Energy, our technical proposal at tender, coupled with our successful delivery record, was instrumental in securing this contract.”
Hinkley Point B control upgrade
Capula has successfully delivered a control system upgrade for EDF Energy
Nuclear Generation at their Hinkley Point B power station in Somerset.
The nuclear power station, an Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor (AGR) features
a Condensate & Polishing Plant (CPP) that cleans and maintains feed water quality for the boilers by removing contaminates built up over time.
Capula’s control solution, based on Rockwell Automation’s CompactLogix
PLC and Parker Hanifin/CTC HPX15T Touch screen HMIs, replaced the now-
obsolete Texas 5Ti sequencer, and will provide plant control and monitoring of the transfer and regeneration sequence of resins within the CPP. The system is
efficient, robust and modern in order to support Hinkley Point B’s business operations moving forward.
Tony Birks, Delivery Manager for Capula, said: “The success of the project
was due in no small part to the close working relationship of the EDF Energy and
as a very positive exercise for Capula following a similar event at the same venue
Capula delivery teams, which enabled us to have a full understanding of the
“Exhibitions such as this one are a very useful way of reinforcing the Capula
communication from the early design specification stage and throughout the
in November last year.
brand with influential project and procurement people,” said Phil, “helping to
increase understanding of our capabilities in the nuclear market in the process.”
client’s requirements from the actual end user’s point of view. The quality of process was key to the delivery of this solution.”
>>> For further news, visit www.capulanuclear.co.uk
new fuel waste processing safety systems health monitoring radiological surveillance materials trackin
Controlling the future Capula provided the following article for the Spring 2012 issue of NuclearCONNECT magazine.
The key to good business is to deliver high
nuclear power.
within the constraints of maintaining service, safety
from within other highly regulated markets such as the
times, this comes sharply into focus as businesses
in the nuclear area.
performance levels whilst controlling expenditure
and the environment. In challenging economic strive to get more from less.
The drive to improve efficiencies and provide return
on plant and equipment is a challenge facing all
companies throughout the nuclear industry, from
We have drawn on experience of smart operations
energy, utilities, and oil & gas sectors and applied this
At Heysham, Dungeness and Hartlepool power
stations, EDF Energy are using real time data to more
effectively manage maintenance and operations processes.
production and new build. Replacing legacy
help, but isn’t always viable for a number
of reasons, be they financial or otherwise. So how can companies
operations.
Imp rov em
As well as
reducing costs, these can
assets.
Companies involved in the new build programme
will be mindful of such factors too. Not only should plant control technology be chosen in terms of quality,
ts en
The future of control is not just
about smart technology: having the
right people and behaviours is
Ins
also key. The nuclear industry
t igh
smarter, more sophisticated
resource management to safety and productivity of
driving up costs.
Initiate change through incentives & buy-in
realising that the answer lies in
within the nuclear arena are numerous, from better
compromising safety or performance, or indeed
ACT
Many of our clients are
The applications for real-time business intelligence
optimised to ensure best utilisation of assets without
systems with new, upgraded equipment can
harder?
compliance, customer service and financial success.
safety and suitability, but control processes should be
decommissioning and waste management to fuel
make existing assets work
balanced with the objectives of environmental
has identified the need for SQEP (suitably
CONTROL SYSTEMS
MANAGEMENT DASHBOARDS
Control & monitor operational processes
Valuable operational data to improve performance
key
to
smarter
operations has been to integrate
solutions or so-called real-time business
REAL-TIME DATA HISTORIAN
intelligence. Combining this better information
with the right people incentives and governance is
Analysis & modelling of operational information
making a step-change in operations.
around the world. At Capula, we
They have recognised the benefits of real-
cycle for over 30 years. This includes control and IT
frequency of information from operational plant, thus
solutions for key plant and equipment used in
progressing a recruitment and
training programme that is expected to
see the number of SQEP control and IT
engineers with nuclear experience double by the
end of this year and continue to grow to more than
250 by the end of 2013. We are investing in our
Capula have been providing solutions that are
mission critical to our clients across the nuclear fuel
fuel
have recognised this and are
s Vi
traditional automation with real-time IT
in
production and new build
ua lis e
The
ta Da
increasing output.
activity
decommissioning,
while maintaining or even
and
requirement is growing with
increased
improve energy consumption
qualified
experienced personnel); this
time business intelligence in improving the quality and
enabling management to make more informed
people, supported by institutions like the National Skills Academy, and have recently opened a new, dedicated
and secure nuclear facility in Staffordshire to
complement our existing nuclear offices in Westlakes Science Park near Sellafield and at Calleva Park near
decommissioning and the processing of legacy waste
decisions. In essence, turning data from operational
Encapsulated Product Store 3 and Evaporator D); at
action on the strength of it. Having installed and
Nuclear industry performance will continue to be
understand the capabilities this technology brings and
real-time technologies and people in smarter
at
Sellafield
(including
current
projects
on
Capenhurst we are integrating a turnkey solution for
Urenco; in fuel production, provided an integrated
control solution for a key process at Springfields; projects in the nuclear defence sector; and supporting
assets into meaningful information and taking positive
operated real time technology, EDF Energy now better
the link between plant operations and enterprise
performance – how their operational activities can be
Aldermaston.
key for the UK in coming years. By combining processes, it will have a bright future.
ng life extension power generation defence EC&I design and manufacture IT solutions support services
BAE SYSTEMS EXHIBITION Capula will be present at the Technology & Innovation exhibition at BAE Systems (Barrow) in June. Steve Braund (Marketing Manager) & Ian Meredith (Business Development Manager) will be discussing how we can apply Capula’s expertise to BAE Systems’ ongoing submarine programme.
GREAT CAPULA BAKE-OFF We recently hosted a baking competition at our Stone HQ to raise money for charity. Staff entered their own home-made cakes to be independently judged, with slices then sold around the company. In a close-run competition, Stuart Dane (Site Manager) earned a narrow victory for his carrot cake with orange & lemon zest, while a total of £267 was raised for Sports Relief. NEW ADDITIONS We are delighted to welcome a number of new starters to our ranks: Paul Derrington rejoins the company as Project Manager, having previously worked for us between 1990 and 1998. Robin Kenyon also joins us as Project Manager and brings many years’ experience to the role. Phil Monks joined the company just prior to Christmas from NIS as Business Development Manager. Simon Barton and Jonathan Best join the company as a Systems Engineer and Quality Assurance Engineer respectively. Sam Riddell, John Fradley and Pawel Merta are all recent engineering graduates who will join the Nuclear delivery team at Beacon House, while Rachel Cotton has moved across from the Thames Water project team to become a Project Administrator for Nuclear contracts.
Nuclear industry news source: www.world-nuclear-news.org
OLDBURY PLANT ENTERS
and Areva.
plant - the world's oldest
CO-ORDINATION KEY FOR UK R&D
Unit 1 at the UK's Oldbury © Magnox Limited
operating nuclear power
reactor - has been closed after 44 years of power generation.
term nuclear energy and industrial strategy if it wants to make the
29 February 2012, marking the end of 44 years' of electricity
released high-level report.
FIRST OF SELLAFIELD'S SUPER-CONTRACTS
strategic direction for the country's nuclear industry and identify the
Power generation at the 217 MWe unit was stopped at 11am on
production at the Magnox plant.
The first of some £9 billion in long-term contracts has been awarded
to support decommissioning at the UK's Sellafield site. It covers design services and could be worth some £1.5 billion ($2.3 billion) over 15 years.
most of the opportunities coming its way, according to a newly
Various UK bodies including the House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology have called for a roadmap to inform the R&D needed to support it.
COMMERCIAL DEALS ACCOMPANY FRENCH-UK ACCORD
Deals potentially worth more than £500 million were signed on the
The award has gone to two joint ventures: Axiom (which
sidelines of the Franco-British Summit in Paris in mid-February as
MacDonald) and Progressive Alliance (comprising Babcock & URS
between the two countries. Many of these deals relate to EDF
comprises Amec, Assystem, Jacobs Engineering Group & Mott
Corp).
Between them, Axiom and Progressive Alliance will supply
design support services to Sellafield Ltd as it goes about
decommissioning a wide range of facilities at the site. The 'true alliance-style framework contract' represents a new approach to
a co-operation agreement on civil nuclear energy was signed
Energy's plans to construct two Areva EPR reactors at Hinkley Point in Somerset.
Areva and Rolls-Royce have now agreed on how the British firm
will support the construction of EPR reactors, both in the UK and internationally.
Getting to know you... contracting brought in by Sellafield Ltd's parent body, Nuclear
A light-hearted Q&A feature. This issue:Alex Moore,Nuclear Services Director What was the last film you saw?
Motorcycle News and The Economist.
Best advice you’ve ever been given?
Remove brain, enjoy film!
were Prime Minister?
What are you like at the dentists?
My car radio.
What’s your biggest claim to fame?
Coldplay.
New York once.
The second Sherlock Holmes movie – Do you play any musical instruments? Who was the last band you saw live?
Where do you go to relax?
What’s the first thing you would do if you
I’d drop fuel tax and remove university fees.
I was interviewed for the Judge Judy show in to you in your life?
in their small theatre with a pie and a pint
Are you a good dancer?
What reading material do you go for when
suit on occasion!
promotion going where you can watch a play
“Always forgive never forget”. Similar to what I’d be like
before facing a firing squad!
What has been the scariest thing to happen
Òran Mór in Glasgow - they’ve got a great
you get a few minutes?
The Hulk rollercoaster at Universal Studios!
I’ve been known to dig out the 1970s white
Next issue -
James Bennett
What do you miss most about being a kid? My chopper bike.
What was your favourite TV show as a child?
positivenergy is published by Capula Nuclear.
Steve Braund (01785) 827106 steve.braund@capula.co.uk
The UK must set up a central body to coordinate nuclear research
and development (R&D) as well as developing a clearly defined long
Construction of a new plant is planned at the site.
thrown in. I love the surroundings there.
If you have any stories or information you feel should be included in a future issue of positivenergy, or have any comments to make about the newsletter, then contact:
Management Partners - itself a joint venture of Amec, URS Corp
RETIREMENT
Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons.
Who was your celebrity crush when you were younger?
Òran Mór (courtesy of www.oran-mor.co.uk)
Debbie Harry and Jaclyn Smith (Charlie’s
Angels).
Alex Moore
Capula Nuclear • Beacon House • Stone Business Park • Stone • Staffordshire • ST15 0NN • T: 01785 827000 • W: www.capulanuclear.co.uk
All images & content © Capula Limited 2012 unless otherwise stated. Not to be reproduced without written consent.
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