NiBS Battery Seminar - Nuclear Power Generators
23-10-2009
All went very successfully at the first Battery Seminar held by NiBS for the Nuclear Power Generation industry. This was the first event of its kind held by NiBS which was designed for a specific industry.
The seminar started with a welcome address by NiBS Managing Director Mr. Chris Gilliard. Delegates from all over the UK's Nuclear Power Generation industry came to Mid-Wales for presentations from some of the battery manufacturers leading experts.
The seminar was designed to help delegates gain important insights into battery types, product knowledge and the 'do's and don'ts' of battery usage and care, as well as discuss their own problems and maintenance regimes.
Our first speaker was Peter Taylor of FIAMM batteries, offering a 'Product knowledge' presentation. Peters 'down to earth' style had all of us captivated and entertained and as expected, years of experience in the battery industry was shared.
After a very good lunch, the delegates listened to a specialist talk by Iwan Gentsch of Oerlikon Batteries, Switzerland on 'VRLA and the effects of temperature'. This proved to be as interesting as was originally anticipated, giving all who attended a far greater insight into the problems incurred when selecting and using VRLA's.
Lastly that day, maintenance was discussed, with a large amount of input from our delegates. These points included general maintenance issues, specific gravity, impedance and charging methods.
All the day's events were discussed in a far more relaxed environment during dinner that evening at the Lion Quays Hotel and Spa.
No let-up the next day and on to a demonstration of 'tear down's' at our Maesbury factory. This gave invaluable insight into the design, manufacture and build of a number of different types of battery, including VRLA AGM and some flooded product. There then followed a presentation by Darren Andrews of Enersys on 'Positive Pillar corrosion' followed by a discussion amongst the delegates about this problem.
Lunch and then on to 'Discharge testing - Why, how and when' presented by Chris Gilliard of NiBS.
All in all, a very successful seminar, with we hope, all the delegates taking some extra knowledge back with them.
Just a few of the comments we received back in our feedback forms:
"The seminar gave me a very good basic
understanding of the technical issues and promoted good discussion with others
experience"
"Open discussions encouraged throughout the
presentations which was excellent"
"Excellent seminar with good selection of users
and manufacturers"
It was
agreed throughout, that this event should be repeated next year, offering
further areas for discussion, so, we hope to see all the delegates next year!
NiBS would like to take the opportunity to thank all those who offered their expertise in presenting the various subjects and most importantly, all those who took the time and effort in attending. Without your input and discussion, none of this could have taken place.
