John Froats,
Nuclear Engineer in Residence
Associate Professor
Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science
Associate Professor
Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science
Prominent nuclear energy safety and regulation expert guides new Canadian standards.
Full biography
Sustainable delivery of clean, efficient and environmentally sound nuclear energy depends on operating nuclear power plants to the highest level of technical and safety standards. Few people know that better than John Froats, a world-renowned nuclear safety expert and leader in the CANDU nuclear industry. With over 42 years’ experience in reactor design, start-up and operation, Froats has extensive nuclear power generation knowledge and experience. An Associate Professor and Nuclear Engineer in Residence since 2010, Froats was named Best Lecturer and Most Inspirational Lecturer by the Faculty of Engineering Systems and Nuclear Science 2016 graduating class. Passionate about fostering the next generation of nuclear energy experts, Froats humbly measures his worth by the influence he has had on others. Throughout his career, his candid leadership and mentorship have had a tremendous impact on the industry. Prior to joining , Froats was appointed President and CEO of the CANDU Owners Group from 2006 to 2010, where he led successful growth across research and development, and leveraged products and services to CANDU operators worldwide. He spent over 32 years in progressive roles at Ontario Power Generation (OPG), culminating in his appointment to the role of Chief Nuclear Engineer and Vice-President, Engineering and Modifications, and the 2005 OPG Power Within Achievement Award for Leadership. In 2010, Froats received the Canadian Standards Association Award of Merit for improvements in the Canadian Nuclear Standards Program. In 2015, Froats received the prestigious John Jenkins Award, the CSA’s highest recognition for outstanding contribution to standards development in Canada, and the Canadian Nuclear Society’s Harold A. Smith Outstanding Contribution Award in 2016. A member of the CSA’s Standards Policy Board, Froats actively contributes to the development of national nuclear safety regulations including the development of new Canadian Nuclear Safety Regulatory documents. He also represents Canada on several International Atomic Energy Association committees to help shape future nuclear safety culture. Following in his father’s engineering footsteps; Froats received his Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. Subsequently, he earned his Reactor Shift Manager License from the Atomic Energy Control Board, and is a graduate of the OPG Senior Nuclear Plant Manager Program. Ontario Tech University
Areas of expertise
Courses
- NUCL 4640UNuclear Plant OperationA combination of lectures and self-paced interactive CD-ROM study will introduce students to the principles of energy conversion, to the operating features of the main nuclear reactor types, the use of pressure vessels and pressure tubes, natural versus enriched fuel, moderators, reactor coolant systems, steam turbines and associated water systems, generators, transformers, electrical output and plant electrical systems, grid frequency and voltage control, reactor following-turbine and turbine-following- reactor unit control systems, turbine generator governing, power maneuvering capability, trips, steam dumping to the condenser, normal and abnormal operating events.
- NUCL 4994UCapstone Design IThe capstone design provides nuclear engineering students with the opportunity, under the supervision of a faculty member, to integrate and synthesize knowledge gained throughout their program of study. Through completion of their design, students working in a team, will demonstrate an understanding of the design engineering process and the ability to apply it. The topic will be selected to include aspects of nuclear energy. Students will be required to organize and conduct a design with a significant analytical component and demonstrate understanding of several aspects such as technical, economic, environmental and other societal impacts. Capstone Design 1, will typically be a group design, but with each student having clearly defined roles, objectives and outcomes.
- NUCL 4998UCapstone Design IIThe capstone design project provides nuclear engineering students with the opportunity, under the supervision of a faculty member, to integrate and synthesize knowledge gained throughout their program of study, to satisfy specific objectives and requirements. The topic will be selected to include aspects of nuclear energy. Students will be required to organize and conduct a design project with a significant analytical and/or experimental component, typically including aspects such as technical, economic, environmental and other societal impacts. Capstone Design II will typically be an individual design project progressing an aspect of the work done in NUCL 4994U unless specifically approved by the supervising faculty member. With approval of the supervising faculty member, a clearly delineated individual contribution to a group design project is acceptable. The requirements include a written project report and an individual presentation of the project outcomes
- NUCL 5130GNuclear Engineering Processes and TechniquesThe course presents the key principles and practices that are essential to the successful conduct of nuclear design processes and techniques so as to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the designed systems and the overall power plant. Emphasis is placed on understanding and applying nuclear safety design concepts; quality management principles and codes; the application of standards and regulations to the design of equipment and systems; the practice of establishing safety and engineering requirements; overseeing and accepting engineering work by others; applying human performance management principles and practices for the management of knowledge work; interfacing between design, commissioning, testing and operation groups; and applying techniques to deal with emergent problems.
- NUCL 5140GCANDU Steam Supply SystemsGraduate students study the design and operating principles of nuclear steam supply systems and how these are applied to the following CANDU power plants systems: Fuel Handling; Main Moderator and Auxiliaries; Moderator Temperature Control; Cover Gas; Moderator Standard and Non-Standard Operations; End Shield Cooling; Heat Transport Main Circuit and Auxiliaries; Pressure and Inventory Control System; Shutdown Cooling; and Heat Transport System Normal and Off-Normal Operation, Main Steam, Reheat, and Steam Bypass. Problems and/or projects that reflect plant design and operating experience are used to enhance and verify graduate-level learning.
- NUCL 5510GNuclear Safety Design and RegulationThis course describes the regulatory requirements and the principles guiding the protection of workers, the general public and the plant from potential harm as a result of nuclear facility operations. Topics include: worker and public safety design requirements; nuclear codes and standards; sources of radioactive release; advanced defense in depth concepts; principles of control, cool, contain and monitor; design for accident prevention, mitigation and accommodation; concepts of separation, independence, redundancy; common mode events and inherent safety features; safety and safety-related system design; safety culture and management; design basis and beyond design basis accidents; human factors; extreme events and emerging issues.
Education
- 1974BEng - Electrical EngineeringMcMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario
Speaking engagements
- Istanbul, Turkey March 11, 2014Knowledge Management in Nuclear EngineeringIAEA Technical Meeting on Engineering Responsibility and the Design Authority Concept for the Review of New Nuclear Power Plant Designs
- Ontario Power Generation (OPG), Pickering, Ontario January 11, 2013Safety Culture ProgramSenior Nuclear Plant Manager Program
- Mississauga, Ontario January 6, 2013Managing Across the OrganizationCANDU Owners Group Leadership Development Program
- Anaheim, California December 31, 1969Role of CSA Standards in Nuclear Engineering and EducationASME International Conference on Nuclear Engineering
Affiliations
- Canadian Nuclear Society
- Canadian Standards Association
- International Atomic Energy Agency
- Professional Engineers of Ontario
Multimedia