VUJE among global leaders: showcasing materials research and in-house technical innovation at ASME PVP

Organised annually by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the conference is one of the world’s foremost professional forums for materials, codes and standards, industrial applications, pressure vessels and piping systems, including their use in the nuclear power industry. The 2026 edition also marked an important milestone as the PVP Conference celebrated its 60th anniversary.

VUJE’s regular participation confirms that the results of our work meet the highest international standards and stand alongside those of leading experts, researchers, engineers and industry representatives from around the world.

VUJE was represented by Ing. Jana Petzová, PhD., Ing. Marek Adamech, PhD., and Ing. Dávid Slnek, PhD., from the Structural Analyses Department of the Diagnostics of Nuclear Power Plants Division. In addition to presenting their research, they contributed to chairing technical sessions dedicated to Operations, Applications & Components (OAC), Materials & Fabrication (MF), and Codes & Standards (CS).

From gas pipeline assessment to VUJE’s proprietary equipment

Jana Petzová, Head of the Structural Analyses Department, presented the results of expert assessments carried out on gas pipelines operating in Slovakia in the Operations, Applications & Components section.

As part of the material assessment, our specialists applied a unique method of non-destructive material sampling from the external surface of the pipeline. VUJE’s in-house technical development builds directly on this expertise. The Diagnostics of Nuclear Power Plants Division is currently developing an advanced device specifically designed for this type of sampling.

“It is important to us that the results of our expert and research activities translate directly into engineering practice. We are now applying the experience gained from assessing pipelines in operation to the development of our own advanced equipment for non-destructive material sampling,” emphasised Jana Petzová.

DELISA-LTO results confirm the excellent condition of the materials

VUJE’s other two technical papers were linked to the European DELISA-LTO project, implemented under the Horizon Euratom programme and concluding this summer.

Marek Adamech and Dávid Slnek presented the overall findings of research into the mechanical properties and microstructure of the materials under investigation. These included the results of Small Punch Tests (SPT) – a field in which VUJE possesses internationally recognised expertise – as well as comprehensive microstructural assessments.

The findings provided important evidence for assessing the long-term operation of energy equipment: even after almost 30 years of service exposure, the materials examined remain in excellent condition. The analyses also showed that thermal ageing had only a negligible impact on their mechanical properties and microstructure.

“This represents an exceptionally valuable source of knowledge. The project findings have provided us with further data that can be applied in assessing the long-term operation of energy equipment,” confirmed Marek Adamech.

International knowledge exchange delivering practical value

The significance of ASME PVP extends well beyond the presentation of individual research findings. Its programme covers fields ranging from advanced energy systems, materials and fabrication, and structural analysis to non-destructive examination, seismic engineering, and technical codes and standards.

For VUJE, the conference therefore provides an opportunity not only to present our own achievements, but also to benchmark technical approaches and exchange expertise with the international professional community. The knowledge and experience gained through this dialogue subsequently feed back into engineering practice.

The next ASME PVP Conference will take place in Paris in July 2027. We are already looking forward to the new challenges and opportunities it will bring.