Featured Story: Strengthening the Nuclear Supply Chain Through Strategic Partnership

Growing demand across the nuclear energy sector has driven increased investment in customer support, technical resources, and strategic partnerships serving nuclear facilities throughout North America. Recent investments have enhanced VSP’s ability to support customers throughout the country, providing greater access to technical expertise and sealing solutions tailored to the unique requirements of the nuclear industry.

A key part of this growth is VSP’s partnership with Park Nuclear, a supplier specializing in obsolete and difficult-to-source nuclear components. Through this collaboration, VSP supports the manufacture and qualification of specialized safety components for use within the nuclear supply chain, helping ensure the availability of critical parts for customers operating in highly regulated environments.

“Utilities across the nuclear fleet share a common challenge: keeping aging plants running safely and reliably. Park Nuclear Power Generation Solutions and VSP Technologies share a goal of helping them do it. VSP’s fluid sealing support brings real value to the Utilities Service Alliance (USA) fleet, and working with VSP, Park has delivered cost and time savings to member utilities. That work helped Park earn USA Materials Supplier of the Year two years in a row. Park recently completed a utility audit to a NUPIC checklist and can now supply both safety related and non-safety-related components. This milestone strengthens the partnership with VSP Technologies and expands how Park can support utilities.” – Park Nuclear

Hose solutions remain a key growth focus, with expanded capabilities designed to help customers select and implement the right solution for demanding operating environments. The company’s expanded portfolio combines technical expertise, application support, and a reliability focused approach to ensure customers receive the right solution for their specific operating conditions. Recent supplier qualifications, including DuPont SW45S certification, further strengthen VSP’s ability to support Process Safety Management critical applications. These capabilities allow customers to access trusted hose solutions backed by technical guidance and responsive support. VSP also adds value through hydrostatic testing and quality inspections, helping ensure reliable performance in the field.

With increasing demand across the transportation sector, VSP Technologies is expanding its hopper car gasket and fastener offerings to support reliable sealing performance in critical rail applications. VSP remains focused on providing customers with the expertise and product support needed to maintain operational reliability and reduce maintenance concerns.

Contact edwin.luper@vsptechnologies.com for more information.

VSP Technologies is introducing new patented CycleTight® sealing technology designed to meet FDA requirements while delivering exceptional sealing performance. Manufactured from FDA-compliant materials and suitable for both FDA and non-FDA applications, CycleTight expands opportunities for customers operating in regulated industries.

One of CycleTight’s most significant advantages is its ability to achieve reliable sealing performance at approximately half the installation torque required by traditional solutions. This makes it particularly valuable in applications where bolt-load limitations, lightweight equipment, or non-metallic components can present sealing challenges.

Through industry-recognized ASME PCC-1 training programs, VSP Technologies equips maintenance and reliability professionals with the knowledge needed to improve bolted joint performance. Training programs are designed to improve safety, reliability, consistency, and compliance while helping customers reduce downtime associated with leakage and improper assembly practices. The curriculum includes four training levels ranging from foundational knowledge to subject matter expert certification. Through classroom instruction and hands-on demonstrations, participants gain practical experience in bolting principles, gasket installation, flange inspection, assembly procedures, and load control techniques.

Many customers first encounter VSP’s proprietary CHUCK™ training system during educational programs. The training rig provides a practical learning environment where participants can observe real-time bolt loading, lubrication effects, joint behavior, and assembly techniques that directly impact sealing performance.

Organizations looking to establish or strengthen in-house training programs can also purchase a CHUCK, allowing for continued learning.

Save the date for VSP’s upcoming Bolting Symposium scheduled for January 5-7, 2027 at Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas. The symposium brings together industry professionals from across refining, petrochemical, power generation, nuclear, and other process industries to share best practices, technical expertise, and innovative solutions focused on improving bolted joint reliability, safety, and performance.

This year’s event will feature expert-led technical presentations, hands-on learning opportunities, and extensive networking with reliability professionals, engineers, and industry leaders. The symposium will also include the return of End User Day, providing dedicated discussions and resources tailored to plant personnel and end users. Through events like the Bolting Symposium, VSP continues its commitment to advancing industry knowledge and supporting customers with practical solutions that enhance reliability and operational excellence.

Jeff Wilson receiving the ASME Early Career Engineering Leadership Award from David Gross (left) and Clay Rodery (right)

VSP Technologies congratulates Jeff Wilson on receiving the Doug Scarf Early Career Engineering Leadership Award from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). The award recognizes outstanding contributions to ASME’s Pressure Vessels & Piping Division and highlights leadership within the first ten years of an engineering career. The recognition reflects VSP’s continued commitment to technical excellence and active engagement within the engineering community.

Driving Industry Standards Forwards

VSP Technologies remains actively involved in shaping the future of sealing technology and industry best practices. Jeff Wilson currently serves as Chairman of ASTM International’s F03 Committee on Gaskets and Chairman of the Fluid Sealing Association’s Gaskets Division. Through these leadership roles, VSP contributes to the development of standards, testing methodologies, and reliability-focused initiatives that benefit industries worldwide.

VSP Technologies is proud to recognize Andy Smith for earning the American Petroleum Institute (API) Bolted Flange Joint Inspector (BFJI) certification. The certification validates specialized knowledge and competency in the inspection, assembly, and maintenance of pressure boundary bolted flange joints, supporting safer and more reliable plant operations. As an experienced PCC-1 instructor, Andy continues to help customers improve joint integrity through industry leading training programs. His expertise supports VSP’s ongoing mission to improve safety, efficiency, and reliability through education and practical application.