Anyone know about inital training for BWR Reactor Engineers?
Anyone know about inital training for BWR Reactor Engineers?
(OP)
I am starting a new job as a reactor eng. in a BWR plant (in Alabama) in a week or so. I was wondering if anyone knew what the initial training is usually like and what to expect...that sort of thing...
Any suggestions on what to brush up on and what to expect will be appreciated!
Thanks!
Any suggestions on what to brush up on and what to expect will be appreciated!
Thanks!





RE: Anyone know about inital training for BWR Reactor Engineers?
RE: Anyone know about inital training for BWR Reactor Engineers?
http://www.nrc.gov/NRC/REACTOR/OL/OLhome.html
Specifically, check out the link to the Generic Fundamentals Examination information.
There is a lot of other information on the NRC site as well, but you have to comb through it to find what you are interested in.
Best wishes in the nuclear field.
RE: Anyone know about inital training for BWR Reactor Engineers?
Reactor Engineers basically manage the fuel cycle from new fuel to spent fuel and how core loading impacts the neutron management of the core.
Are you a degreed nuclear engineer? If so, I would brush up on topics such as neutron transport, fuel management, transient analysis, and neutron detection (since you will need to have a good understanding of incore instrumentation - source, intermediate, and power range).
Reactor Engieners generally work in teams of three. You will probably be issued a pager (not right away) because the reactor engineer needs to be on call should something happen. You will probably be in training as a reactor engineer for about three years and this is trianing over and above that described by LinkNuc (which is standard training for all technical personnel at nuke plants.)
Also, count on some long nights when doing start-up because your function will be in low power physics testing and start-up are not always done M-F 8-5. Rest assured (no pun intended) that you will not have sleepless nights because the NRC places strict limits on the amount of hours you are allowed to work in any 24 hour period.
Regards,
Tim S.
RE: Anyone know about inital training for BWR Reactor Engineers?
RE: Anyone know about inital training for BWR Reactor Engineers?
I hope you enjoy your new job - just make sure that you will have an employer for a bunch of years and are not going to work for a company whose plant will be shut down in 5-10 years.
Nuclear engineering is a fascinating field - and a field that I have been out of for about 4 years but are trying to get back in. I received my B.S. in Nuclear Engineering form the Univ. of Mo-Rolla in '93 but never had a job as a "nuclear engineer." My job function at a nuclear plant was as a secondary-side system engineer dealing with electrical and mechanical systems. What I wouldn't give to be a reactor engineer right about now at a prospering plant with a bright future. If you are in such a capacity, then have fun doing what you enjoy!
Regards,
Tim S.
P.S. Anyone who is interested, visit my new website at http://www.ntirs.org and let me know what you think - suggestions, improvements needed, etc.