NukeWorker Forum

Career Path => Getting in => Topic started by: IOP on Dec 18, 2009, 02:48

Title: Petrochemical to Nuclear
Post by: IOP on Dec 18, 2009, 02:48

Does anyone have any insight on transferring from Petrochemical to Nuclear?  My husband is an A Operator (Control Room Operator) and we are thinking he would be best suited to moving into working as a Nuclear Operator.

Also, he applied with Duke Energy and we have heard that they just leave the operator posting up all the time regardless of if they have openings. Does anyone know if that is true?


Thanks!

Title: Re: Petrochemical to Nuclear
Post by: tr on Dec 19, 2009, 02:34

While working for Bechtel 10+ years ago, I was involved in some refinery work.  The difference was night and day.  The refineries didn't have accurate drawings, things like valves were unlabeled, procedures were non-existent or outdated, and lots of equipment was broken (hopefully, the refinery industry has improved significantly since then!).  The refinery guys were astounded to hear how much safer we thought nukes were.

From an operator's standpoint, they are probably roughly comparable.  Both have lots of pumps, valves, heat exchanger, and pipes.  Refineries have lots of chemical issues and concerns to deal with, nukes have radiation concerns and lots and lots and lots of regulations, regulators, and people looking over your shoulder.  Both have national security/terrorism issues to deal with.  Both facilities run 24/7, and represent a significant financial asset for the company involved and the local community.