JOHANNESBURG, September 19 (ANA) – Approximately 100 delegates from 18 countries and representing 52 organisations gathered in the Kruger National Park on Tuesday, for a conference on high precision analysis techniques which could be used in the fabrication of components for nuclear reactors.
“It is gratifying to see so many recognised world experts gathered together here in South Africa to examine, on an atomic level, such important technology as how minuet cracks move through metallic structures,” said Dr Kelvin Kemm the chairman of South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa), who described the delegates as “bricklaying with atoms” while opening the conference.
Necsa said in a statement that this was the first time that the international Mechanical Stress Evaluation by Neutron and Synchrotron Radiation (MECA SENS) conference had been held in Africa.
Kemm said that for South Africa to be able to design, fabricate and export nuclear reactor components, it was necessary to be in control of the entire technology value chain from the fundamental mathematics to the factory fabrication.
Dr Andrew Venter, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee said that he was gratified and excited to witness the spirit that the delegates exhibited in the Kruger Park.
On Monday, arriving delegates were treated to an outdoor dinner around a campfire, under the stars, which many had never experienced before and were also excited to be treated to a 5am game drive.
“It is not only the technology discussions which are important, but also the personal links between international experts which evolve into productive output to the benefit of South Africa,” Kemm said.
Necsa said that the two day conference would finish on Thursday, after which some of the delegates would visit their site near Pretoria.
– African News Agency (ANA)
