Course on Standards in Fuel Quality Control
Online 300 h course in standards for fuel quality control. 6 modules covering ASME NQA-1 (quality assurance in nuclear facilities), 10 CFR 50, Appendix B (quality assurance criteria) and Minitab. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
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Run a real engineering trade-off from this programme. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Describe the quality system in nuclear fuel manufacturing.
Interpret specifications for raw materials, pellets and cladding.
Apply statistical control to the manufacturing process.
Plan testing, metrology and product release criteria.
Manage non-conformities, deviations and corrective actions.
Plan and carry out quality audits.
Develop an integrated quality control plan for a batch of fuel.
Who it's for
- Nuclear fuel quality engineer wishing to specialise in Standards in Fuel Quality Control.
- Quality control inspector wishing to specialise in Standards in Fuel Quality Control.
- Nuclear quality auditor wishing to specialise in Standards in Fuel Quality Control.
- Metrology technician wishing to specialise in Standards in Fuel Quality Control.
- Product release manager wishing to specialise in Standards in Fuel Quality Control.
- Continuous improvement engineer wishing to specialise in Standards in Fuel Quality Control.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter nuclear fuel manufacturing.
What you'll work with
- ASME NQA-1 (quality assurance in nuclear facilities)
- 10 CFR 50, Appendix B (quality assurance criteria)
- ISO 19443 (quality in the nuclear supply chain)
- ASTM C753 (specification for sinterable UO2 powder)
- ASTM B811 (zirconium alloy tubes)
- ISO 2859-1 (sampling for attribute inspection)
- ISO/IEC 17025 (laboratory competence)
- ISO 9001 (quality management systems)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Why fuel is a critical safety component1.2Functional and safety requirements of the product1.3Supply chain and its control1.4Regulatory framework applicable to manufacturing1.5Quality management standards in the nuclear sector1.6Customer and regulator requirements1.7Safety classification of components1.8Required quality documentation1.9Role of second-party auditing1.10Exercise: classify components by criticality
2.1Oxide powder specification2.2Declared enrichment and its verification2.3Impurity limits and their justification2.4Cladding tube specification2.5Material certificates and their validity2.6Supplier qualification2.7Incoming inspection2.8Traceability by melt and by batch2.9Management of non-conforming materials2.10Practice: draft a purchase specification
3.1Inspection points on the pellet line3.2Control of density, dimensions and microstructure3.3Sintering process control3.4Tube inspection by ultrasonics and eddy currents3.5Control of end-plug welding3.6Radiography and rod leak-tightness3.7Verification of the pellet stack3.8Dimensional control of the assembled element3.9Statistical process control and process capability3.10Practice: design the inspection plan for a line
4.1Destructive testing on samples4.2Non-destructive testing of the product4.3Calibration of measuring equipment and traceability4.4Measurement uncertainty and acceptance criteria4.5Statistical sampling and acceptance plans4.6Batch release file4.7Certificate of conformity4.8Documentation accompanying dispatch4.9Archiving and retention of records4.10Practice: decide the acceptance of a batch
5.1Management of non-conformities and deviations5.2Root cause analysis applied to manufacturing5.3Corrective actions and verification of effectiveness5.4Process change management5.5Qualification of special processes5.6Staff training and qualification5.7Quality indicators and dashboard5.8Internal and customer auditing5.9Regulator inspection at the plant5.10Practice: prepare a customer audit
6.1Choice of product and its specification6.2Safety classification of components6.3Project quality plan6.4Control and inspection plan by stage6.5Testing and metrology programme6.6Acceptance and release criteria6.7Deviation management system6.8Audit programme and indicators6.9Product quality manual6.10Project defence
How you'll learn
100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it compatible with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Minitab, SAP QM, Advanced Excel (statistical process control), Microsoft Power BI, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied on real procedures for statistical process control in manufacturing, dimensional and metrological inspection, and supplier quality audits. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrative project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Describe the quality system in nuclear fuel manufacturing.
Interpret specifications for raw materials, pellets and cladding.
Apply statistical control to the manufacturing process.
Plan testing, metrology and product release criteria.
Manage non-conformities, deviations and corrective actions.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient level of Spanish to follow technical standards reading.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
Work is carried out with Minitab, SAP QM, Advanced Excel (statistical process control), Microsoft Power BI. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the open-source alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM own diploma upon passing continuous assessment and the integrative project. It is in-house training, not an official title from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the advanced programme. Check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.
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