During this internship, I worked with both the Secondary Systems and In-Service Inspection (ISI) teams at Diablo Canyon Power Plant. I developed a dynamic spreadsheet tool using detailed valve operation data to help assess operational risk across secondary systems.
As part of the ISI team, I conducted ultrasonic imaging to detect gas leaks, which I then documented and tracked through the plant’s SAP system. I also calibrated an Automated Ultrasonic Testing (AUT) scanner to evaluate pipe corrosion levels and ensure compliance with nuclear safety standards.
In addition, I supported the Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation (ISFSI) process by assisting in the transfer of spent nuclear fuel from short-term to long-term storage. This experience deepened my appreciation for nuclear energy and ultimately led me to declare a concentration in Energy Resources.
Below are some images from my time at the plant in areas not subject to restriction, along with a section of the internship poster we created at the program’s midpoint.
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Here, I’m using a vibration analysis tool to record bearing vibrations from a motor shaft. Once collected, the data was uploaded to a computer and analyzed against diagnostic models to pinpoint specific bearing issues and assess maintenance needs. This process was performed across multiple locations in the plant to support the vibrations team in identifying faulty bearings.
We assisted the ISI team by using this ultrasonic camera to assess corrosion in various pipes throughout the plant. Before conducting scans, we helped calibrate the tool to ensure accurate measurements. The resulting A-scans provided a depth profile of each pipe wall, allowing us to identify minimum thickness values. If a pipe’s thickness fell below safety thresholds, it was flagged for further inspection or maintenance.
