Tyne Engineering, Inc.

Nuclear Reimagined: Tyne Engineering’s Focus on Clean Energy

Keeping safety at the forefront, Tyne Engineering designs and manufactures process systems and technologies with applications tailored to align with advancements in clean energy.

Charting a path of exceptional progress in the nuclear and tritium-handling industry, Tyne Engineering stands out from the crowd. As a company specializing in designing and manufacturing complex engineering systems, Tyne focuses on custom process systems for complete tritium management, instrumentation and controls and commercial-grade dedication.

From nuclear power plants to cutting-edge fusion research facilities, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and the complex processes of the oil, gas, and chemical industries, Tyne Engineering has established itself as a key player in developing technologies.

Our in-depth discussions with Vince Robinson, President of Tyne Engineering, and Kim Kershner, Vice President of Operations at Tyne USA Inc., provide insight into Tyne’s vision.

Kershner elaborates on the establishment of Tyne USA Inc., a Florida-based corporation, emphasizing it as a positive move toward greater contribution. Recognizing the unique landscape of research and development, particularly in fusion, advanced reactors, hydrogen, and medical isotopes, as well as the increasing focus on clean energy in the United States, Tyne envisioned the potential to introduce its technological advancements to this market.

Robinson shares, “Tyne is a multidisciplinary, high-tech design and build company that provides products for nuclear and nuclear-related industries.” Tyne has over 25 years of experience in safety-related instrumentation, radiation monitoring, and skid-mounted process piping systems technology. Focusing on hydrogen and tritium handling, it’s not just about niche expertise but also broad-scope engineering solutions. This ensures high-quality assurance control, a critical requirement in the nuclear industry.

Exceeding Industry Standards

Robinson asserts the role of a strong safety culture in the nuclear industry. He underlines the rigorous enforcement of safety standards throughout the supply chain, a commitment evident in the standard practice of starting every industry meeting with a safety briefing. This practice reflects not just a company policy but an industry-wide mandate.

Maintaining the highest quality standards, Tyne routinely participates in thorough audits to ensure compliance. Tyne is fully certified to perform safety-related applications for the nuclear industry in all areas of design, procurement, manufacturing, testing, and servicing. This diligence is vital to their ability to manufacture and supply equipment for various applications in the nuclear sector. Robinson stresses that integrating a comprehensive safety culture into Tyne’s core values is an indispensable requirement for their participation in the supply of nuclear equipment.

Tyne’s shift towards modularized, skid-mounted process systems is a considerable advancement in constructing and operating nuclear plants. This goes beyond simplifying the assembly of complex systems; it substantially enhances safety and efficiency, which is central to Tyne’s mission. By adopting this method, Tyne demonstrates its role as an innovator in the nuclear industry, continually seeking to improve operational practices for superior results.

Nuclear Plant Construction

A notable shift towards modularization is reshaping the construction of new nuclear plants. Skid-mounted modules are designed for seamless integration into new and existing plant constructions. This approach contrasts with traditional methods, which rely on on-site construction and testing, providing a more efficient and reliable solution. Focused on hydrogen isotope management, Tyne’s modules are necessary for enhancing the purification and safety processes within nuclear reactors.

The company’s expertise in managing hydrogen isotopes, particularly in heavy water reactors, is evidence of its dedicated capabilities. Their systems are designed to purify water, enhance the purity of deuterium oxide, and safely handle tritium, a by-product considered undesirable in commercial nuclear reactors.

Robinson focuses on the pivotal role of fusion technology in the evolution of nuclear energy. By emulating the sun’s processes, fusion technology shows advancement over traditional fission methods. Tyne Engineering designs and builds technology for the fusion fuel cycle, providing solutions for the complex demands of a cutting-edge field. Their contributions include advanced technologies for hydrogen purification, isotopic separation, and tritium storage, all critical for managing the intense energy processes in fusion reactors.

Tyne Engineering’s strategy extends beyond reacting to industry trends; it actively shapes the future of nuclear technologies. Apart from their efforts to enhance outdated commercial reactors, they are ready to provide critical solutions to challenges arising from advancements in novel nuclear technologies. Their involvement spans contribution to fusion research, small modular reactors (SMRs), and hydrogen clean energy applications, showcasing their diverse expertise and dedication to progress in the industry.

Refurbishing Legacy Nuclear Reactors

Tyne Engineering is also involved in refurbishing outdated reactors. These large, energy-producing facilities are indispensable in the current energy landscape and demand ongoing maintenance and upgrades. Tyne’s expertise in providing commercial-grade dedication services and safety-related technologies is crucial for the sustained operation of these reactors, ensuring their safety and efficiency.

Robinson pointed out two key areas where Tyne Engineering is focusing its efforts in line with the latest industry trends: small modular reactors (SMRs) and fusion reactors. Tyne’s specialization in modularized techniques is particularly suited for SMRs designed for smaller communities. These reactors are distinguished by their compact size and simplified systems, marking a major shift in nuclear reactor design. They are also nearer to operational reality than their more complex fusion counterparts.

While still in a more developmental phase, fusion reactors are gaining attention due to their potential for transforming energy production. Tyne’s expert skills in managing hydrogen isotopes make them a valuable contributor to this field, as this expertise is key for developing and operating fusion reactors.

Collaboration with Government and Research Institutes

Tyne Engineering’s collaborations with government-funded projects have been instrumental in reviving the Canadian nuclear industry. Major refurbishment projects at critical facilities such as Darlington, Pickering, and Bruce Power, are integral to Canada’s energy strategy.

The Canadian government’s endorsement of small modular reactors (SMRs) at Darlington opens new avenues for Tyne. More than ever, their expert knowledge is in demand by top-tier suppliers and EPC companies for supplying critical equipment for SMR projects. In addition, Tyne broadens its scope beyond commercial projects to research initiatives. Academic and research institutions, supported by government funds, are utilizing Tyne’s advanced engineering skills to expand the horizons of scientific knowledge.

Bridging Nuclear and Green Energy

“Our company is very interested in green energy opportunities, which tend to be wind, solar, and hydrogen,” Robinson shares. The company recognizes the potential of nuclear energy, not only in generating power without carbon emissions but also in harnessing excess energy for green applications. This technology efficiently converts nuclear-generated steam into hydrogen.

Hydrogen plays a crucial role in the integration of wind and solar energy systems, offering solutions to challenges associated with intermittency, storage, and transportation. Hydrogen plays an important role in many other applications, including fuel cells.

Looking to the future of green energy, Robinson highlights hydrogen’s versatility over traditional electric batteries. The challenge lies in the infrastructure required to transport and store hydrogen, but Tyne Engineering’s expertise in managing hydrogen isotopes positions them well to address these challenges. “We’ve developed our electrolysers that are needed in some of these hydrogen cleanup and fusion applications,” Robinson shares.

Tyne is involved in government-funded projects collaborating internationally with a focus on solar energy. This joint venture is centered on producing high-temperature steam through solar energy converted into hydrogen using Tyne’s advanced technology. This initiative highlights Tyne’s capacity to integrate diverse green energy sources, expanding and diversifying its technological portfolio.

A New Frontier for Tyne Engineering

The future of Tyne Engineering looks bright; Tyne’s recent acquisition of a new building with enhanced facilities will allow for the production of larger and more complex systems.”For 2024, our focus is on expansion and building up our international footprint,” Robinson states. This strategic growth and the company’s innovative approach to nuclear and green energy technologies position Tyne as a key player in shaping the future of energy production and storage in Canada and globally.

The future of fusion technology and small modular reactors (SMRs) is exciting. These emerging areas, ripe with innovation and potential, intrigue our audience. Tyne’s involvement in these fields, coupled with its expertise in hydrogen technology, positions the company at the forefront of these exciting developments. Their work in these areas represents the cutting edge of nuclear technology and aligns with the industry’s shift towards more sustainable and efficient energy solutions.

Robinson explains “Tyne’s dedicated team of talented individuals with a shared passion for innovation is the foundation of our success. “

Under Robinson’s leadership, Tyne Engineering is maintaining its foothold in the nuclear industry and pioneering new frontiers in green energy. Their advanced approach to integrating nuclear and renewable energy sources, particularly in hydrogen technology, sets them apart in the industry. As we move towards a more sustainable and efficient energy future, its role becomes increasingly imperative, promising exciting developments in the future.

AT A GLANCE

Tyne Engineering, Inc.

What: Tyne Engineering’s specialized role in nuclear technology, tritium handling, and dedication to safety in the nuclear sector.

Where: Burlington, Ontario

Website: https://tyneengineering.com/