Framatome achieves conducts qualification inspection using VCALL system

Framatome recently completed the first remote qualification inspection of a large component for the Hinkley Point C (HPC) project in the United Kingdom. Utilizing the remote inspection capabilities of VCALL, the HPC deployment project team maintained completion of the critical inspection milestone as scheduled.

Addressing concerns with travel during the pandemic, Framatome's VCALL inspection system enabled experts located in the U.K. to complete complex inspections on components located in Saint Marcel, France. This ensured the continuity of necessary activities at the Hinkley Point site.

"Innovation is at the heart of what we do every day to advance our processes and technologies for robust solutions that serve our customers reliable low-carbon energy generation," said Jean-Bernard Ville, senior executive vice president of Projects and Component Manufacturing at Framatome.

"The COVID pandemic propels us to work differently to meet tight delivery schedules, regardless of health limitations and travel restrictions."

Developed by Framatome's software engineering teams, VCALL allows operators to conduct remote inspections in a secure, sovereign environment mirroring the same conditions as in the field. Used for similar operations in industries external to nuclear, the system provides functionality adapted to a nuclear environment utilizing high resolution, remote controllable cameras and digitally secured data exchanges.