HBM’s nCode Software Selected For Nuclear Reactor Data Analysis

South African based Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (Pty) Ltd (PBMR) has selected HBM’s nCode GlyphWorks and ICE-flow Automation software for the analysis and management of test data.

Engineers at PBMR worked with ESTEQ Engineering, HBM’s reseller of nCode products in South Africa, to evaluate software for the analysis of extremely large volumes of test data, often involving files of many gigabytes of complex multi-channel data. Effective and speedy analysis of test data is critical for the entire reactor development team, as is the ability to rapidly find data and associated information. The HBM solution includes nCode GlyphWorks for test data analysis and ICE-flow Automation for web-based processing, data management and reporting.

GlyphWorks and ICE-flow Automation software are in use in a variety of intensive test data applications across the ground vehicle and aerospace industry; on proving grounds, test rigs and flight tests. The PBMR represents the first application of the software in the nuclear industry.

The HBM solution will be used to pre-process and report on test data, making the raw data and summary information available via a web interface to engineers on the project. More detailed analysis can then take place using GlyphWorks. Analysis processes can be automated by uploading nCode GlyphWorks analysis flows to the on-line ICE-flow Automation system, helping save time and maintain quality standards.

Johan Momberg, PBMR – Helium Test Facility says, “The nCode software is a good match to our requirements, especially as it is designed for large test data applications, and will help ensure we extract maximum value from all the tests we run. We will now work with the engineers from ESTEQ Engineering, and plan to roll out the software in the near future.”

The ICE-flow Automation product manager Kevin Knill said “ICE-flow Automation and GlyphWorks are ideal for the analysis and management of all large test data sets, and the HBM nCode product line is well known for this in the automotive and aerospace sector. We are delighted that the product technology is now being used in this type of industry which places the highest demands – and HBM and ESTEQ Engineering will work closely with PBMR to ensure success.”

About HBM

HBM is a global market leader in test and measurement. Its nCode product line is focused on durability, test and measurement, data analysis, asset monitoring, and product design (CAE Durability) solutions. The nCode software offers a unique combination of data measurement and acquisition instruments, powerful analysis tools, and services that help customers eliminate unexpected failures by measuring and converting durability, performance and operational data into information from which business decisions can be made that improve Product Life Performance (PLP). HBM has dedicated offices for nCode products in Europe, North America, and Asia. For more information about HBM’s nCode software, please visit www.ncode.com.

The nCode product line includes: ICE-flow GlyphWorks, Automation, and DesignLife.

About Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (Pty) Ltd

Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (Pty) Limited (PBMR) was established in 1999 with the intention to develop and market small-scale, high-temperature reactors both locally and internationally. The 700-member PBMR project team is based in Centurion near Pretoria, South Africa.

The PBMR is a High Temperature Reactor (HTR) with a closed-cycle gas turbine power conversion system. Although it is not the only HTR currently being developed in the world, the South African project is on schedule to be the first commercial scale HTR in the power generation field. Very high efficiency and attractive economics are possible without compromising the high levels of passive safety expected of advanced nuclear designs.

Developing out of a desire for energy sustainability, the PBMR technology defines 21st century thinking. Its ability to economically generate electricity and create high value co-products such as hydrogen for the fuel of the future, desalinated water and industrial or residential process heat, not only sets it apart from all previous nuclear reactors, but also from the next generation of energy sources.

About ESTEQ Engineering

ESTEQ Engineering, previously known as MSC-Africa, is the leading South African engineering solution provider in the Simulation and Testing industry for the past 15 years. ESTEQ Engineering focuses on Virtual Product Development (VPD) and Test & Measurement (T&M) solutions for engineering companies, research institutions and universities. ESTEQ Engineering also provides training and support on all their products. ESTEQ Engineering is the sole distributor of HBM’s nCode products in Southern Africa.

To find out more about ESTEQ Engineering, visit their website: engineering.esteq.com, or contact Elton Murison at 012 809 9500 or e.murison@esteq.com.