Automated non-destructive testing (NDT)
Introduction
Tecnatom, was an engineering business group of Spanish origin, specialized in guaranteeing the operation and high levels of safety in the industry and, especially, in nuclear power plants. Tecnatom's main activities focus on the inspection of components through non-destructive testing, the manufacture of inspection equipment, the training of plant operation personnel and the provision of support services for plant operation. Tecnatom has carried out a diversification process to other synergistic markets such as the industrial sector, developing inspection systems using non-destructive techniques for the aerospace market[1][2] and services and products for the generation of conventional electrical energy from thermal plants, combined cycle and renewable energies. Currently, Tecnatom has subsidiaries in Spain, France, China, the United States, Mexico, Brazil and the United Arab Emirates, with projects in more than 30 countries.[3].
History
The Studies Service that Banco Urquijo had in the 1950s to support and promote initiatives for the development of new industrial activities, proposed that the use of nuclear energy for the production of electrical energy in Spain be studied. Developing this idea, on April 11, 1957, Tecnatom (Atomic Techniques) was established. Jaime Mac Veigh was its main promoter.
In 1960 Tecnatom carried out a preliminary project for a 60 MW nuclear power plant. for Unión Eléctrica Madrileña. A year later, the Madrid electricity company asked the Government to build a 160 MW plant in the town of Almonacid de Zorita, in the province of Guadalajara. The works were inaugurated on July 6, 1965, and until 1970 Tecnatom dedicated all its activity to the first Spanish nuclear power plant, the José Cabrera nuclear power plant.
In 1973, Tecnatom became the joint engineering services company, fundamentally in the areas of training and inspection of the seven electrical companies participating in the Spanish Nuclear Program. Compañía Sevillana de Electricidad, Electra de Viesgo, Unión Fenosa, Fuerzas Eléctricas de Cataluña, Hidroeléctrica Española, Iberduero and Unión Eléctrica Madrileña, become the owners of Tecnatom.
To provide adequate service in the training area, two training simulators were acquired, corresponding to the technologies PWR, pressurized water reactor, and BWR, boiling water reactor. And for the inspection area, the necessary equipment for the inspection of large components (vessel and steam generators) and other essential components was also acquired. To locate both the simulators and the inspection equipment, Tecnatom moved its headquarters, in 1978, to San Sebastián de los Reyes "San Sebastián de los Reyes (Spain)").