Drawn to nuclear chemistry
Born near Toulouse, Estelle developed a taste for chemistry in high school. After her BTS (vocational training certificate) in physical technology for industry and laboratories, Estelle did an internship in the surveillance and expertise laboratory of the French Navy in Toulon. It was here that the idea of working in the nuclear domain first took hold, and was then confirmed after her bachelor’s degree in nuclear technology and radiation protection. After completing an internship at the French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) in Marcoule, she was recruited by CEA Grenoble to work on radiation protection. Back in Toulon, she continued this activity at Onet, as a subcontractor of Naval Group. Shortly after, a position became available in the nuclear chemistry laboratory at the SBNI, where the nuclear attack submarines (SSNs) are maintained. Estelle applied and then joined Naval Group at the age of 22.
Day-to-day work in a high state of vigilance
Estelle works with her two colleagues to check the condition of the primary and secondary circuits on the SSNs through physical-chemical analyses, as part of their Through-Life Support. “The chemists within the crew take samples and send them to us for analysis. This requires rigour and precision, as the liquids we treat are potentially contaminating and they must be handled with care.”
Estelle and her team also carry out analyses to deliver water to submarines in dock, monitor the neutron pool of the SBNI and control the liquid effluents from the submarine, with a view to transporting them to a radioactive waste management zone.
“Before the departure of SSNs on mission, we deliver the products that the chemists on board will use at sea to check the correct functioning of the reactor. We are sent the results of their measurements on their return to shore,” adds Estelle.
“Sometimes we also replace our colleagues in the radiation protection laboratory: we help each other out when needed.”
A job without a set routine
Estelle has been in the position for seven years now and still feels fulfilled. She enjoys the autonomy her laboratory benefits from, as well as the good relations forged with chemists in the crews. “I like my working environment and I never get bored! With the arrival of the Suffren SSNs, we have acquired new equipment to refine our analyses and improve our methods. Our customer, the Fleet Support Service (SSF), has become increasingly demanding, so I feel constantly challenged! We have a lot of work and no room for error, not to mention the pressure linked to the TLS schedule.”