SOR Inc. Nuclear-Qualified Vendor Since 1982
When it comes to the SOR® nuclear program, SOR Vice President of Quality Colbert Turney has seen it all. When he first got involved in 1982, nuclear power was not a popular subject to discuss in public. Over the years he has seen many changes in the technology and public sentiment change from demonstrations to endorsements.
Hired as an engineer in 1980, Turney was in on the ground floor when the Lenexa Kansas pressure, level, temperature and flow process instrumentation manufacturer established its nuclear-qualified products program in 1982. "We almost backed into the nuclear business," says Turney. "The two primary designers back then, General Electric and Westinghouse, had specified several of our products for new nuclear power plants. We sold commercial grade pressure switches to them and they had them "dedicated" for nuclear use. When it came time for ongoing replacements and routine maintenance outages, the original on-premises oversight contracts with the design companies had expired so the power companies began calling us looking for "traceable switches." That was all it took for SOR to decide to establish its own, in-house nuclear program.
It all began 28 years ago
With abundant encouragement and counsel from the nuclear auditing organizations, SOR set up its program to build nuclear-qualified pressure switches in 1982. The company established compliant quality procedures and trained production personnel to specialize in building the products. During this development stage, Engineer Joe Modig stepped up and accepted the task of learning the requirements. Turney and Modig are still with SOR and still deeply involved in the SOR nuclear program. In addition the company proudly cites its commitment and ability to grow with the industry.
"Today, SOR has 43 people, involved in our nuclear program," says Turney. "They understand the products and the procedures and documentation necessary to assure quality. That's pretty remarkable for a small, family owned manufacturer with approximately 200 total employees."
Audits aid in continuous improvement
Since 1982, SOR has regularly undergone audits by NUPIC, NIAC and TSSA (CSA N 285.0) without a major finding. And even though the USA quality standards and audits are generally accepted by the majority of international nuclear power producers, in 2008 they welcomed an independent audit by the Belgian company Tractabel for comparison to European standards. The SOR nuclear quality and production systems met all of the Tractabel requirements. Quality Vice President Turney says, "We always welcome audits. When an organization or customer visits our factory for a "hands-on" look at our manufacturing procedures and documentation, we view it as part of our continuing improvement program. In short, it makes us better."
In addition to the United States, Canada and Europe, the company proudly counts customers in Mexico, South Korea, Taiwan and the Republic of China. In addition to its nuclear qualification standards, SOR has a registered quality system to ISO 9000:9008 for all of its commercial grade products.
Products for existing plants and new-builds
Engineer Joe Modig talks about recent changes in the industry. "Until recently customers saw several manufacturers discontinue their nuclear programs for various reasons. SOR has 27 years of uninterrupted service to the nuclear power generation industry and we are as committed as ever. We currently offer 1 E nuclear-qualified pressure, differential pressure, temperature and vacuum switches that do not require any additional testing or dedication. SOR specializes in form, fit and function replacement products for Management of Change (MOC) and orphaned units."
The company also has a history of working with nuclear power plants and engineers to design new products or modify existing ones to solve specific problems or meet needs unique to the industry. SOR likes to refer to all of its products as "custom-manufactured" that is each product ordered is built by hand to the customer's specifications.
The Flexibility of a Smaller Company
Turney attributes the success of the SOR nuclear program to the company's long-standing dedication to the industry and its ability to change with the times. "I've seen the nuclear power industry grow up since I first got involved in 1982," he says. "It has become more sophisticated in its technology, quality standards and the way it is governed. By staying involved in several industry organizations, we have kept abreast of the advances as they happened rather than having to play catch-up. Once you have a good, compliant nuclear program in place and top management supporting it, it's not all that hard to maintain it. Turney does not understand the reluctance of manufacturers to enter the nuclear market with qualified products. "The rules and requirements are clear." The auditors have always been professional, reasonable and helpful.
In addition to its nuclear-qualified products, SOR manufactures a comprehensive line of pressure, level, temperature and flow switches and transmitters for the non-containment side of nuclear power plants. Many of these products can be dedicated for nuclear applications by SOR.
Looking back and looking ahead
As far as having seen it all, Turney says the journey is not yet over. "During my tenure at SOR, I have witnessed continuous improvements in nuclear power generation. Today's plants are safer, more efficient and require smaller footprints. I believe it is a positive solution to the world's energy needs and I'm still excited about the part SOR will play in it as a vendor."
SOR world headquarters are located in Lenexa, Kansas USA with satellite offices in the United Kingdom and China. SOR supports its markets with more than 120 sales representatives worldwide. For more information visit www.sorinc.com.
