A sector where safety requirements are absolute.
The nuclear sector is arguably the most demanding industrial environment in terms of safety, traceability and documentary rigour. Every intervention on a nuclear installation — whether a power reactor, experimental reactor or fuel treatment facility — is governed by strict procedures, specific regulatory frameworks and independent oversight bodies. Zero defects is not an aspiration: it is the baseline requirement.
AUTOM Technologies operates in this sector with a thorough understanding of its demands. Our engineers have participated in major national projects, notably the Jules Horowitz Reactor (RJH) at the CEA facility in Cadarache. We apply the quality and traceability protocols required by nuclear operators, from document control to equipment qualification.
How we operate
Control systems for special-purpose machines
We design and develop control systems for special-purpose machines operating in constrained nuclear environments: underwater handling systems, fuel loading-unloading machines, maintenance equipment in active zones. These machines require dedicated safety architectures, with documented operating and shutdown modes (GEMMA), certified safety functions and human-machine interfaces adapted to operators working under time pressure and radiological protection constraints.
PLC, HMI and variable speed drive (VFD) programming
Programming in a nuclear environment imposes rigorous standards: structured and commented code, documented management of all versions, systematic code review and traceable unit testing. We develop PLC applications (Siemens TIA Portal, Schneider EcoStruxure), ergonomic human-machine interfaces (WinCC, AVEVA InTouch) and variable speed drive programmes (Siemens SINAMICS, Schneider Altivar), in compliance with the operator’s quality framework.
Technical assistance during test phases (FAT / SAT)
Acceptance testing is a critical phase in nuclear environments. We support our clients during FAT (Factory Acceptance Tests) carried out on simulation benches, and then during SAT (Site Acceptance Tests) on real installations. Each test is documented in previously validated test procedures, with results recorded in qualification reports. Our on-site presence ensures rapid response to any deviation and complete traceability of all modifications.
Document management and nuclear quality assurance
In nuclear environments, documentation is as important as the code itself. We produce the full set of required documentary deliverables: general and detailed functional analysis, I/O definition documents, software definition file, test procedures, qualification reports and project completion dossier. All deliverables are subject to the operator’s review and approval process.
Standards and frameworks
- RCC-E — French design and construction rules for electrical and I&C equipment in nuclear island installations
- IEC 60988 / IEC 61513 — Instrumentation and control for nuclear power plants
- IEC 61226 — Classification of I&C functions in nuclear power plants
- ISO 9001 / Nuclear Quality Assurance — Quality plans, traceability, document and modification management
- Nuclear qualifications — Our field personnel are trained in radiological risks and nuclear facility safety rules
Representative project
RJH — Jules Horowitz Reactor, CEA Cadarache
The Jules Horowitz Reactor (RJH) is Europe’s reference experimental reactor for materials and nuclear fuel research, currently under construction at the CEA facility in Cadarache. AUTOM Technologies contributed to the development and qualification of the control system for special-purpose underwater machines (underwater elevator stations), designed for submerged fuel assembly handling. Our scope covered PLC programme development, operator HMI, variable speed drives and safety logic. Exhaustive FAT testing was carried out on a hydraulic mock-up, followed by equipment qualification documentation and compliance reporting.
Do you have a nuclear sector project?
Our RJH programme experience has given us a deep understanding of nuclear-specific requirements: safety culture, documentary rigour and qualification processes. We bring to every nuclear project the level of exigence that this sector demands, without compromise.