As a specialist in mechanical engineering, Mekkatronix, Seres Technologies’ design office, supports many players with exacting standards, such as those operating in the nuclear sector. Teams are involved across the full project life cycle, from feasibility to execution, integrating expert skills in design, digital modelling, multiphysical simulation and dimensioning. Thanks to its advanced mastery of CAO/DAO tools, Mekkatronix does detailed modelling of sophisticated mechanical systems and specific tools, ensuring compliance with the current regulatory requirements. The teams’ know-how extends to functional analysis, the management of requirements, tolerance, dimensioning, functional and ISO scaling, coding, facilities, equipment and tools.
Seres Technologies
The Nuclear Industry
With its 56 reactors producing 70% of national electricity, the French civil nuclear industry is a key driver of independent energy. However, this power generation brings with it major challenges, including upgrading of the existing fleet, new nuclear energy and the integration of renewable energies.
The nuclear defence industry encompasses all activities related to nuclear deterrence, naval propulsion and the safety and security of military facilities. It rests primarily on the manufacture, maintenance and upgrading of the nuclear reactors installed on nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), attack submarines (SNAs) and aircraft carriers (PA-CDG/PANG). This strategic industry ensures the independence and credibility of national deterrence, while mobilising a high level of technological, scientific and industrial expertise. It also contributes towards the country’s strategic independence and geopolitical stability, through the overarching control of the military nuclear industry.
Challenges faced by the nuclear industry
The nuclear industry faces several challenges: upgrading of the existing fleet with the ongoing improvement of safeguarding systems, incorporating feedback and learnings from major accidents.
The second challenge is the decarbonisation of energy, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions mainly emitted through the burning of fossil fuels. Within this framework, nuclear energy plays a key role, as it facilitates the production of large quantities of electricity without the emission of CO₂ while in operation. Nuclear energy isn’t limited to the production of low-carbon electricity: it can also contribute significantly to the decarbonisation of heat, particularly in urban heat networks.
Research reactors play a fundamental role in scientific, technological and industrial advancement in the nuclear industry. Unlike the power reactors used to generate electricity, their main objective is to serve experimentation platforms. They allow us to study the behaviour of materials under irradiation, test new combustibles and train nuclear industry technicians and engineers. These reactors are also vital for the production of medical radioisotopes, mainly used for diagnosing and treating certain diseases. What’s more, they contribute towards innovation by aiding the design of new-generation reactors that are safer and more efficient, with longer lifespans.
Seres Technologies supports strategic players in the nuclear industry by managing risks and working on innovative projects, including in particular the design of the small-scale, modular Calogena reactor, intended for city heating.
The Seres Technologies Group expertise in the nuclear industry
The Seres Technologies Group has been working for almost two decades across the full life cycle of civil and defence facilities, from design to execution and subsequent operation. In the civil nuclear industry, the Seres Technologies Group has been working on major projects such as new fleet power reactors (EPR 2), SMRs (Calogena), experimental reactors (RJH) and fuel and waste treatment and storage facilities. In the nuclear defence industry, the Seres Technologies Group works mainly on the reactors of surface vessels and submarines, improving the safety and performance of strategic infrastructure.
R&D
Seres Technologies develops customised R&D solutions for players in the nuclear industry, addressing complex challenges related to materials, regulations, the digitisation of systems and environmental performance; accident modelling and simulation, probabilistic safety assessment (PSA), multi-physics simulation, the development of robotic techniques, optimisation studies of dismantling scenarios, resilience to external attacks (earthquakes, cyberattacks, etc.), the use of artificial intelligence for predictive maintenance, and environmental life cycle analyses, among other aspects.
Human and Organisational Factors (HOFs) and Ergonomic Design
In the nuclear space, human and organisational factors (HOFs) as well as ergonomics are vital to ensuring the safety, security and reliability of facilities. Ergonomics adapted to specific workstations helps to reduce human error, take into account task complexity and related work constraints in this sector. Considering these aspects helps to protect operators, the safety of facilities and overall performance in the nuclear sector. A key player in the management of industrial risks and complex system design, Seres Technologies offers advanced expertise in Human and Organisational Factors (HOFs) and Ergonomic Design to players in the railway industry.
QHSERP
In the nuclear industry, QHSERP is fundamental in guaranteeing the management of risks, the safety of installations and the protection of populations and the environment. The quality of equipment and precision of procedures are essential in preventing the slightest fault, while safety helps to prevent accidents while processes are in operation.
Risk management is based on an attentive anticipation of accident scenarios, and the industry’s performance depends on its ability to reconcile technological innovation, societal acceptability and regulatory compliance. As an undisputed player in managing industrial risks and complex system development, Seres Technologies offers advanced QHSE expertise to players in the nuclear industry.
Periodic Re-examination
Management and steering, compliance, re-evaluation, ASNR relations, BNI shutdowns.
Integrated Logistics Support (ILS)
Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) and Maintenance Engineering are key disciplines in guaranteeing the availability, performance and management of the costs of industrial and technological systems throughout their life cycle. Seres Technologies teams optimise the logistical maintenance and support of systems to ensure their performance and control the costs of possession and use. Experts design their solutions in a customised manner, incorporating the various LSA (Logistics Support Analysis) and Maintenance Engineering methods.
Operational reliability
Seres Technologies draws on its expertise in PSA and RMA analyses and risk management to ensure the reliability of nuclear equipment. Its systemic approach anticipates failures, identifies critical points and defines appropriate mitigation measures. Working on civilian reactors and naval propulsion, the company ensures optimal safety at each stage of the nuclear life cycle.
Radiation Protection
Heliatec Ingénierie provides comprehensive expertise in special risks, covering all stages of a project, from the initial study to the supervision of interventions. As a Certified Radiation Protection Body (OCR), Heliatec Ingénierie supports its clients in ensuring worker safety, regulatory compliance, and the monitoring of sites exposed to ionizing radiation.
Nuclear safety
Nuclear Safety applies across all the phases of a facilities’ life cycle: design, construction, operation, maintenance and dismantling. It rests on fundamental principles such as advanced defence, a safety culture, meticulous risk management and continuous improvement.
As an expert in risk management and complex system design, Seres Technologies supports players in the nuclear domain in analysing risks and ensuring the reliability of their infrastructure.
Expert opinion
The standards and regulatory norms that the Seres Technologies Group applies in the nuclear industry
The Seres Technologies Group has several certifications and qualifications, standing testament to its unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality services to its customers.
General fields
- ISO 9001 (Quality Management System)
- ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System)
- ISO 19443 (Nuclear Quality and Safety)
- MASE (Hygiene, Safety and Environment)
Nuclear field
- ISO 19443 (Nuclear Quality and Safety)
- Radiological protection (CEFRI)
- OTU qualification (EDF supplier)
- NBI orders (Civil Nuclear)
- IANID order (Nuclear Defence)
- Standard IEC 61513 (Nuclear power plants – Instrumentation and control important for safety – General systems requirements)
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Our teams are here to listen, address your needs, and support you from design through to completion.
Example of a project carried out by the Seres Technologies Group in the nuclear sector
Calogena (SMR)
The Calogena project represents a major step forward in the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). This 30 MW thermal pool-type reactor is designed to produce hot water for district heating, offering a sustainable and secure energy solution. To address the challenges of energy diversification and carbon footprint reduction, Calogena incorporates passive safety systems based on the thermosiphon effect. This process enables the natural circulation of water without pumps or mechanical circulators, thereby reducing the risk of failure and enhancing the reactor’s resilience in the event of an incident.
Unlock your potential at Seres Technologies
Joining Seres Technologies means you’ll be joining an international company that operates on a human scale, where a positive, collaborative-focused culture fosters a stimulating working environment. Thanks to the diversity of our projects across a wide range of sectors, each employee has the opportunity to take on ambitious technological and human challenges, developing their skills and contributing to major innovations.
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FAQs
What is Seres Technologies’ approach for ensuring the safety of NBIs and SBNIs ?
Seres Technologies uses advanced methodologies to ensure the safety of Base Nuclear Installations (BNIs) and Secret Base Nuclear Installations (SBNIs). Seres Technologies drafts and analyses Safety Option Files (DOS) and Creation Authorisation Applications (DAC), while integrating the relevant innovations to ensure regulatory compliance.
How does Seres Technologies support PWR-type projects?
Pressurised Water Reactors (PWRs) represent the majority of the French nuclear fleet. Seres Technologies conducts in-depth safety studies, risk analyses and prepares maintenance plans to improve the safety and lifespan of facilities.
How does Seres Technologies use its expertise to support Calogena?
Backed by its experience in the nuclear sphere, Seres Technologies draws on its expertise in risk management and complex system engineering to support Calogena in designing its SMR, notably its Preliminary Design/Engineering phase, its Detailed Design/Engineering phase and execution.
