Quintessa has developed LoTAS (Load Trace Analysis Software) for EDF Energy to help manage and analyse the fuel grab load traces that are recorded whenever a fuel assembly in an Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor (AGR) is raised or lowered.
LoTAS is a web-based application, linked to a searchable database of fuel grab load traces. LoTAS not only provides search and visualisation tools but is also able to analyse traces and automatically detect where the graphite brick interfaces are located on the trace. Searches for potential anomalies in traces are currently undertaken manually, but Quintessa is working with EDF Energy to develop mathematical algorithms that will automate the process.
The brushes at the bottom of the fuel assembly