Edwards Limited

Compagnie Generale Des Matieres Nucleaires

Laurent Marc Philippe

Michael Roger Czerniak

Anthony John Wilder

Nigel James Gibbins

Michael Mooney

Jany Petit

Neil Condon

V&eacute;ronique Hurbin

Aspects of the present invention relate to an induction heating system for heating a component. The induction heating system includes a power module for outputting an alternating current, the power module being operable to output the alternating current at a variable supply frequency. A controller is provided to identify at least one resonant frequency of the alternating current supplied to the at least one induction element. The controller is configured to determine an operating temperature of the component in dependence on the at least one identified resonant frequency. Aspects of the present also relate to an induction heating controller; a component having an induction heating element; and to a method of heating a component by inductive heating.

Induction heating method and apparatus

A monitoring apparatus comprises at least one sensor for measuring a current of the electric motor to generate a time-based signal and at least one electronic processor configured to transform the time-based signal into a frequency-based signal and to analyse the frequency-based signal to identify a signal pattern representing a pump fault condition. By monitoring the frequency-based signal, the monitoring apparatus can identify a pump fault condition.

Pump monitoring apparatus and method

The present invention relates to a vacuum pumping system () which comprises: a vacuum pumping mechanism () and a motor () for driving the vacuum pumping mechanism. Means () are provided for determining a cumulative load on the vacuum pumping system over time by monitoring a characteristic of the motor over that time. Means () are also provided for activating a maintenance activity on the system when the cumulative load exceeds a predetermined amount.

Vacuum pumping systems

The present invention provides a pumping system () comprising: a pumping mechanism (); a motor () for driving the pumping mechanism; a drive control () for controlling the motor; and means () for monitoring at least one state within the system; wherein, to improve the performance of the system, the drive control causes the system to operate for transient periods in an overload condition which can result in said monitored state exceeding a predetermined operational limit, and when operating in said overload condition said drive control controls the power to the motor dependent on the level of said monitored state thereby avoiding said state from exceeding said operational limit.

Pumping system

A metallothermy method includes continuously withdrawing an ingot of a metal product such as uranium or a uranium alloy as it is formed from an oxide or salt of the metal. The method employs upper and lower communicating crucibles. The upper crucible contains a layer of reducing medium floating on a solvent medium. The metal oxide or metal salt is reduced as it is introduced into the layer reducing medium to form metal particles and slag. The settling metal is melted by further induction heating, collected in the lower crucible and withdrawn. The slag is absorbed by the solvent medium which is regenerated with the use of electrolysis.

Growing community of inventors

Voglans, France

Laurent Marc Philippe