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At least 685 records · Page 38
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2011

Irradiation tests of prototype self-powered gamma and neutron detectors

In the framework of the SCK.CEN-CEA Joint Instrumentation Laboratory, we are developing and optimizing a self-powered detector for selective in-core monitoring of the gamma field. Several prototypes with bismuth emitters were developed and tested in a pure gamma field (the PAGURE gamma irradiation facility at CEA) and in mixed neutron and gamma fields (in the OSIRIS reactor at CEA and in the BR2 reactor at SCK.CEN). Detailed MCNP modelling was performed to calculate the gamma and neutron sensitivities. Apart from a few failing prototypes, all detectors showed equilibrium signals proportional to the gamma field with a good long-term stability (under irradiation during several weeks). A tubular geometry design was finally selected as the most appropriate for in-core gamma detection, coupling a larger sensitivity with better response characteristics. In the same experiment in BR2 six prototype Self-Powered Neutron Detectors (SPNDs) with continuous sheaths (i.e. without any weld between the sensitive part and the cable) were extensively tested: two SPNDs with Co emitter, two with V emitter and two with Rh emitters, with varying geometries. All detector responses were verified to be proportional to the reactor power. The prompt and delayed response contributions were quantified. The signal contributions due to the impact of gamma rays were experimentally determined. The evolution of the signals was continuously followed during the full irradiation period. The signal-to-noise level was observed to be well below 1% in typical irradiation conditions. The absolute neutron and gamma responses for all SPNDs are consistent. (authors)

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2016

Instrumentation Cables Test Plan

A fire at a nuclear power plant (NPP) has the potential to damage structures, systems, and components important to safety, if not promptly detected and suppressed. At Browns Ferry Nuclear Power Plant on March 22, 1975, a fire in the reactor building damaged electrical power and control systems. Damage to instrumentation cables impeded the function of both normal and standby reactor coolant systems, and degraded the operators’ plant monitoring capability. This event resulted in additional NRC involvement with utilities to ensure that NPPs are properly protected from fire as intended by the NRC principle design criteria (i.e., general design criteria 3, Fire Protection). Current guidance and methods for both deterministic and performance based approaches typically make conservative (bounding) assumptions regarding the fire-induced failure modes of instrumentation cables and those failure modes effects on component and system response. Numerous fire testing programs have been conducted in the past to evaluate the failure modes and effects of electrical cables exposed to severe thermal conditions. However, that testing has primarily focused on control circuits with only a limited number of tests performed on instrumentation circuits. In 2001, the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) conducted a series of cable fire tests designed to address specific aspects of the cable failure and circuit fault issues of concern1. The NRC was invited to observe and participate in that program. The NRC sponsored Sandia National Laboratories to support this participation, whom among other things, added a 4-20 mA instrumentation circuit and instrumentation cabling to six of the tests. Although limited, one insight drawn from those instrumentation circuits tests was that the failure characteristics appeared to depend on the cable insulation material. The results showed that for thermoset insulated cables, the instrument reading tended to drift and fluctuate, while the thermoplastic insulated cables, the instrument reading fell off-scale rapidly. From an operational point of view, the latter failure characteristics would likely be identified as a failure from the effects of fire, while the former may result in inaccurate readings.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2017

On-line monitoring for turbine bypass system based on real-time simulation - 108

Faults may occur in nuclear power plants, but it is difficult for operators to recognize the situation and take effective measures quickly. However, on-line monitoring may help operators to detect the abnormalities so that the safety of nuclear power plants will be improved. As Turbine Bypass System runs during transient processes, quantitative simulation model is utilized for on-line monitoring. In addition, analyzing for residual errors of simulated and corresponding measured values are done by principle component analysis. Under normal operation, the methodology allows real-time tracking to set dynamic thresholds. While a failure occurs, faults can be detected. Simulation analysis show the effectiveness and accuracy of this methodology. (authors)

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Design of a Loss of Coolant Blowdown Capsule for Remote Assembly with High Burnup Fuel

The Transient Water Irradiation System is an enhanced capability capsule type irradiation vehicle designed to support fuel safety research for light water reactor specimens in the Transient Reactor Test Facility and is designed to simulate loss of coolant and reactivity-initiated accidents. The capsule was designed, deployed, and commissioned with fresh fuel specimens to validate instrumentation and prepare for previously irradiated high burnup specimens. The irradiation system features an extensive in-situ instrumentation package to detect phenomena typical to light water reactor fuels. To accommodate the assembly with high burnup specimens inside the Hot Fuel Examination Facility, and to ensure instrumentation integrity is maintained throughout assembly, the design was updated to support remote handling. The updated design features a hinge mechanism which allows for remote pre-irradiated specimen loading and assembly while protecting sensitive instrumentation by relocating during loading. Fixtures and equipment have been developed to handle the experiment capsule and components in cell, and to support remote assembly. The experiment module also includes radiation shielding and contamination control to support operations after removal from the hot cell.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Application of printed strain gauges in prototypical nuclear reactor conditions

This report discusses the current development and testing of additively manufactured temperature sensors and resistive/ capacitive strain gauges. This has potential to improve the sensor design and manufacturing techniques to meet the requirements of in-pile monitoring of mechanical properties and structural health of materials and specimens in current and advanced nuclear test reactors (i.e., in terms of environment conditions, sample geometry, and materials compatibility). The developmental additively manufactured strain gauges are exposed to separate effects testing (i.e., mechanical strain (up to 1000 µe), high temperature (up to 700 °C)) to determine environmental factors that affect the performance of the strain gauge. The robustness and integrity of a printed strain gauge layer exposed to a molten salt environment for up to 500 hours was evaluated, with the goal of assessing material compatibility of printed strain sensors for instrumented surveillance test articles in molten salt reactors. In addition, sensor qualification methodologies are further developed for determining the reliability and robustness at the interface of the additively manufactured strain gauge materials.

36 - MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Prompt and Delayed Inelastic Scattering Reactions from Fission Neutron PGAA - First Results of FaNGaS

The new instrument Fast Neutron Gamma Spectroscopy (FaNGaS) has been installed at the SR10 beam line of the FRM II Research Reactor in Garching and tested successfully. Complimentary to cold neutron PGAA, with FaNGaS inelastic scattering reactions induced by fission neutrons can be studied. Gamma lines from (n,n'γ) reactions up to now have been rarely studied and no adequate compilation of the emitted gamma energies exist. In developing nondestructive analytical techniques using neutron generator based PGAA such data are badly needed for quantification of heavy metals and actinides in e.g. nuclear waste or safeguards samples. A number of elements and relevant actinides have been irradiated in the fast neutron beam SR10 at the FRM II reactor in Garching, Germany. A heavily shielded 50% eff. HPGe detector perpendicular to the beam is looking at the samples exposed to 2.3 E8 cm{sup -2}s{sup -1} fission neutrons. Prompt gamma spectra have been taken and evaluated using the available data in scattered sources. Additional gamma lines have been detected and are being compiled to create a data base for (n,n') reactions. Particular emphasis is given on actinides including {sup 238}U, {sup 232}Th, {sup 237}Np, {sup 242}Pu and {sup 241}Am. Some examples will be given and first results will be discussed in this contribution. (authors)

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2012

Insights Gained for Updating an Analog I&C System to a Digital System

Licensees at both Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) and Non-Power Reactors (NPRs) are increasing their use of state-of-the-art digital technology in instrumentation and control (I&C) systems because digital systems offer improved reactor control, information processing, and information storage over analog. Digital I&C systems can range from experimental systems for reactor control research (at NPRs), to measurement and display systems, to complete reactor console replacements. Because of the increasing difficulty in finding spare parts for their original analog I&C systems, many licensees have begun or have plans to upgrade, refurbish, or replace their old analog I&C systems with digital systems. The perception is that upgrading to a digital I&C system will solve all of a facility s obsolescence problems. However, licensees need to be aware of several issues associated with upgrading to a digital system including obsolescence of the digital system (hardware and software) because of the short product life cycle and the associated cost to acquire, store, and maintain a long-term supply of spare parts. Configuration management and cyber security are also vitally important for any upgrade. Further, it must be recognized that the introduction of software and microprocessors could create new failure mechanisms, such as software errors and increased susceptibility to electromagnetic interference. In fact, experience has shown that these failure mechanisms may cause the reactor to malfunction in a way not previously considered. Thus, a conversion from analog to digital I&C systems solves some problems while potentially introducing others. Recognition of the additional risks coupled with good design, engineering, review, and testing can identify and minimize these risks.

Adams, A.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Improved Nuclear Reactor and Shield Mass Model for Space Applications

New technologies are being developed to explore the distant reaches of the solar system. Beyond Mars, solar energy is inadequate to power advanced scientific instruments. One technology that can meet the energy requirements is the space nuclear reactor. The nuclear reactor is used as a heat source for which a heat-to-electricity conversion system is needed. Examples of such conversion systems are the Brayton, Rankine, and Stirling cycles. Since launch cost is proportional to the amount of mass to lift, mass is always a concern in designing spacecraft. Estimations of system masses are an important part in determining the feasibility of a design. I worked under Michael Barrett in the Thermal Energy Conversion Branch of the Power & Electric Propulsion Division. An in-house Closed Cycle Engine Program (CCEP) is used for the design and performance analysis of closed-Brayton-cycle energy conversion systems for space applications. This program also calculates the system mass including the heat source. CCEP uses the subroutine RSMASS, which has been updated to RSMASS-D, to estimate the mass of the reactor. RSMASS was developed in 1986 at Sandia National Laboratories to quickly estimate the mass of multi-megawatt nuclear reactors for space applications. In response to an emphasis for lower power reactors, RSMASS-D was developed in 1997 and is based off of the SP-100 liquid metal cooled reactor. The subroutine calculates the mass of reactor components such as the safety systems, instrumentation and control, radiation shield, structure, reflector, and core. The major improvements in RSMASS-D are that it uses higher fidelity calculations, is easier to use, and automatically optimizes the systems mass. RSMASS-D is accurate within 15% of actual data while RSMASS is only accurate within 50%. My goal this summer was to learn FORTRAN 77 programming language and update the CCEP program with the RSMASS-D model.

Robb, Kevin↗
DOE OSTI1989

Nuclear Safety [Vol. 30, No. 1, January-March 1989]

Nuclear Safety is a review journal that covers significant developments in the field of nuclear safety. Its scope includes the analysis and control of hazards associated with nuclear energy, operations involving fissionable materials, and the products of nuclear fission and their effects on the environment. Primary emphasis is on safety in reactor design, construction, and operation; however, the safety aspects of the entire fuel cycle, including fuel fabrication, spent-fuel processing, nuclear waste disposal, handling of radioisotopes, and environmental effects of these operations, are also treated. Table of Contents for this issue follows. GENERAL SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS: 1 International Conference on Thermal Reactor Safety: NUCSAFE 88 by A. P. Malinauskas and J. G. Pruett; ACCIDENT ANALYSIS: 18 Chernobyl Today: State of Research by A. Yu. Gagarinskii; CONTROL AND INSTRUMENTATION: 23 Problems Associated with Routine In-Plant Radioactive Effluent Monitoring Systems at U.S. Light-Water Reactors by Barry G. Wahlig, David M. Walker, Mahmoud R. Ghavi, and John M. Palms; DESIGN FEATURES: 34 Twentieth DOE/NRC Nuclear Air-Cleaning Conference by R. R. Bellamy, D. W. Moeller, and M. W. First, 46 Design Options for the Core Support Structure for Liquid-Metal-Cooled Reactor Plants by J. P. Burelbach, W. J. Kann, J. G. Saiveau, and R. W. Seidensticker; ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS: 53 The Radiological Consequences of the Chernobyl Accident by L. V. Konstantinov and A. J. González; WASTE AND SPENT FUEL MANAGEMENT: 70 Activities Related to Waste Management Compiled by E. G. Silver; OPERATING EXPERIENCES: 80 Fuel Performance Annual Report for 1986 by W. J. Bailey, 103 Safety Considerations Related to 12-Hour Shift Schedules by S. Gould, 105 Reactor Shutdown Experience Compiled by J. W. Cletcher, 108 Operating U.S. Power Reactors Compiled by E. G. Silver; RECENT DEVELOPMENTS: 130 General Administrative Activities Compiled by E. G. Silver, 140 Reports, Standards, and Safety Guides by D. S. Queener, 145 Status of Power-Reactor Licensing Activities Compiled by E. G. Silver, 153 Proposed Rule Changes as of Sept. 30, 1988; ANNOUNCEMENTS: 69 Northwestern University Short Course on Radiation Safety, 79 International Seminar on Fission Product Transport Processes in Reactor Accidents, 129 Harvard School of Public Health Offers Short Courses, 152 MIT Offers Summer Short Courses on Reactor Safety and Nodal Analysis, 152 Seminar on Use of PCs in Probabilistic Safety Analysis, 157 The Authors, 160 Indexes to Nuclear Safety, Volume 29.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2011

REMORA 3: The first instrumented fuel experiment with on-line gas composition measurement by acoustic sensor

With the aim to improve the knowledge of nuclear fuel behaviour, the development of advanced instrumentation used during in-pile experiments in Material Testing Reactor (MTR) is necessary. To obtain data on high Burn-Up MOX fuel performance under transient operating conditions, especially in order to differentiate between the kinetics of fission gas and helium releases and to acquire data on the degradation of the fuel conductivity, a highly instrumented in-pile experiment called REMORA 3 has been conducted by CEA and IES (Southern Electronic Inst. - CNRS - Montpellier 2 Univ.). A rodlet extracted from a fuel rod base irradiated for five cycles in a French EDF commercial PWR has been re-instrumented with a fuel centerline thermocouple, a pressure transducer and an advanced acoustic sensor. This latter, patented by CEA and IES, is 1 used in addition to pressure measurement to determine the composition of the gases located in the free volume and the molar fractions of fission gas and helium. This instrumented fuel rodlet has been re-irradiated in a specific rig, GRIFFONOS, located in the periphery of the OSIRIS experimental reactor core at CEA Saclay. First of all, an important design stage and test phases have been performed before the irradiation in order to optimize the response and the accuracy of the sensors: - To control the influence of the temperature on the acoustic sensor behaviour, a thermal mock-up has been built. - To determine the temperature of the gas located in the acoustic cavity as a function of the coolant temperature, and the average temperature of the gases located in the rodlet free volume as a function of the linear heat rate, thermal calculations have been achieved. The former temperature is necessary to calculate the molar fractions of the gases and the latter is used to calculate the total amount of released gas from the internal rod pressure measurements. - At the end of the instrumented rod manufacturing, specific internal free volume and pressure measurements have been carried out. Preliminary calculations of the REMORA 3 experiments have been performed from these measurements, with the aim to determine free volume evolution as a function of linear heat rate history. - A tracer gas has been added to the filling gas in order to optimize the accuracy of the helium balance at the time of the post irradiation examination. The two phases of the REMORA 3 irradiation have been achieved at the end of 2010 in the OSIRIS reactor. Slight acoustic signal degradation, observed during the test under high neutron and gamma flux, has led to an efficiency optimization of the signal processing. The instrumentation ran smoothly and allowed to reach all the experimental objectives. After non destructive examination performed in the Osiris reactor pool, typically gamma spectrometry and neutron radiography, the instrumented rod and the device have been disassembled. Then the instrumented rod has been transported to the LECA facility in Cadarache Centre for post irradiation examination. The internal pressure and volume of the rodlet as well as precise gas composition measurements will be known after puncturing step performed in a hot cell of this facility. That will allow us to qualify the in-pile measurements and to finalize the data which will be used for the validation of the fuel behaviour computer codes. (authors)

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2013

Development of neutron tomography and phase contrast imaging technique

This paper presents design and development of a state of art neutron imaging technique at CIRUS reactor with special reference for techniques adopted for tomography and phase contrast imaging applications. Different components of the beamline such as collimator, shielding, sample manipulator, digital imaging system were designed keeping in mind the requirements of data acquisition time and resolution. The collimator was designed in such a way that conventional and phase contrast imaging can be done using same collimator housing. We have done characterization of fuel pins, study of hydride blisters in pressure tubes hydrogen based cells, two phase flow visualization, and online study of locomotive parts etc. using neutron tomography and radiography technique. We have also done some studies using neutron phase contrast imaging technique on this beamline.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2013

Neutron imaging experiments at E-12 beam-line of CIRUS

Neutron imaging beam-line at E-12 beam port of CIRUS reactor India has been developed to implement Neutron tomography, phase contrast imaging and dynamic imaging techniques for various applications. Several experiments on these techniques have been carried out successfully. Neutron radiography and tomography has been used to study blisters formation in pressure tube along with many other applications. Similarly phase contrast imaging has been used to study its feasibility for better contrast in radiographic images. Dynamic imaging has been applied to study the melting of pure and impure lead under heat. In this paper we report the details of various experiments performed at this beam-line.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2011

Irradiation tests in BR2 of miniature fission chambers in pulse, Campbelling and current mode

The FNDS system ('Fast Neutron Detection System') for the on-line in-pile detection of the fast neutron flux in the presence of a significant thermal neutron flux and a high gamma dose rate is being developed in the framework of the SCK.CEN-CEA Laboratoire Commun. The system has been patented in 2008. The system consists of a miniature Pu-242 fission chamber as main detector, complemented by a U-235 fission chamber or a rhodium Self-Powered Neutron Detector (SPND) for thermal neutron flux monitoring and a dedicated acquisition system that also takes care of the processing of the signals from both detectors to extract fast neutron flux data. This paper describes a FNDS qualification experiment in the SCK.CEN BR2 reactor, with experimental results on a large set of fission chambers in current and Campbelling mode. (authors)

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2011

Spectral indices measurements using miniature fission chambers at the MINERVE zero-power reactor at CEA using calibration data obtained at the BR1 reactor at SCK.CEN

Spectral indices are parameters of major importance to characterize a multiplying medium and to evaluate performances of neutronics calculation tools as well as quality of associated nuclear data. Experiments performed in 2004 at the CEA MINERVE facility loaded with the R1-UO{sub 2} lattice [1], using homemade miniature fission chambers and calibration data acquired at the SCK.CEN BR1 facility in 2001 [2], resulted in ambivalent conclusions. On one hand, spectral indices involving only fissile isotopes gave relevant results and consistent discrepancies between calculation and experiment. On the other hand, spectral indices involving both fissile and fertile isotopes showed inconsistent results depending on the type of calibration data used. In particular, the {sup 238}U(n,f)/{sup 235}U(n,f) spectral indices resulted in values far from the calculations in all cases. In 2004, those differences between measurement and calculation were mainly attributed to an imprecise knowledge of the isotopic composition of the deposits loaded in the {sup 238}U chambers. At that time, priorities in the development of programs in MINERVE and other considerations about the manufacturing and calibration of new fission chambers did not allow to further investigate these discrepancies. In 2009, the preparation of a new program at the EOLE facility [1] and changes in the regulatory framework for management of fission chambers motivated the manufacturing of new detectors. At the same time, the re-installation of the R1-UO{sub 2} lattice in MINERVE gave the opportunity to carry out a new spectral indices measurement campaign. Nevertheless, although the isotopic composition of active deposits was better known than previously, the comparison between experimental results and calculations still resulted in inconsistent discrepancies. A sensitivity study indicated afterwards that, among all parameters to be considered for the analysis and the assessment of final uncertainty, calibration data have the greatest impact. In April 2010, a new calibration campaign conducted again at the BR1 facility allowed the CEA to reanalyze the spectral indices measurements performed in 2009. With this new set of calibration data, the experimental values of spectral indices finally matched the calculation results within the uncertainty margins. In addition, the confrontation of data from 2001 and 2010 calibration campaigns, both performed with the same experimental conditions, allowed to shed on the light dead time correction issues in the monitoring of calibration measurements. At the end, this also explained the inconsistencies observed during the 2004 campaign. This paper first, presents the two different analysis methods for getting the experimental value of a spectral index and, lists main parameters that influence the determination of the experimental value. It then details the calibration processes that are set-up at the MINERVE and BR1 facilities, describes the various experiments carried out and finally comments the results obtained. (authors)

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2012

BEYOND INTEGRATED SYSTEM VALIDATION: USE OF A CONTROL ROOM TRAINING SIMULATOR FOR PROOF-OF-CONCEPT INTERFACE DEVELOPMENT

This paper provides background on a reconfigurable control room simulator for nuclear power plants. The main control rooms in current nuclear power plants feature analog technology that is growing obsolete. The need to upgrade control rooms serves the practical need of maintainability as well as the opportunity to implement newer digital technologies with added functionality. There currently exists no dedicated research simulator for use in human factors design and evaluation activities for nuclear power plants in the US. The new research simulator discussed in this paper provides a test bed in which operator performance on new control room concepts can be benchmarked against existing control rooms and in which new technologies can be validated for safety and usability prior to deployment.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2015

Further Development of Crack Growth Detection Techniques for US Test and Research Reactors

One of the key issues facing Light Water Reactors (LWRs) in extending lifetimes beyond 60 years is characterizing the combined effect of irradiation and water chemistry on material degradation and failure. Irradiation Assisted Stress Corrosion Cracking (IASCC), in which a crack propagates in a susceptible material under stress in an aggressive environment, is a mechanism of particular concern. Full understanding of IASCC depends on real time crack growth data acquired under relevant irradiation conditions. Techniques to measure crack growth in actively loaded samples under irradiation have been developed outside the US - at the Halden Boiling Water Reactor, for example. Several types of IASCC tests have also been deployed at the MITR, including passively loaded crack growth measurements and actively loaded slow strain rate tests. However, there is not currently a facility available in the US to measure crack growth on actively loaded, pre-cracked specimens in LWR irradiation environments. A joint program between the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Nuclear Reactor Laboratory (NRL) is currently underway to develop and demonstrate such a capability for US test and research reactors. Based on the Halden design, the samples will be loaded using miniature high pressure bellows and a compact loading mechanism, with crack length measured in real time using the switched Direct Current Potential Drop (DCPD) method. The basic design and initial mechanical testing of the load system and implementation of the DCPD method have been previously reported. This paper presents the results of initial autoclave testing at INL and the adaptation of the design for use in the high pressure, high temperature water loop at the MITR 6 MW research reactor, where an initial demonstration is planned in mid-2015. Materials considerations for the high pressure bellows are addressed. Design modifications to the loading mechanism required by the size constraints of the MITR water loop are described. The safety case for operation of the high pressure gas-driven bellows mechanism is also presented. Key issues are the design and response of systems to limit gas flow in the event of a high pressure gas leak in the in-core autoclave. Integrity of the autoclave must be maintained and reactivity effects due to voiding of the loop coolant must be shown to be within the reactor technical specifications. The technical development of the crack growth monitor for application in the INL Advanced Test Reactor or the MITR can act as a template for adaptation of this technology in other reactors. (authors)

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2017

Safety demonstration of a class 1 smart device - 283

Horizon Nuclear Power intends to build Advanced Boiling Water Reactors (ABWR) at Wylfa and Oldbury in the UK, based on the Hitachi design. In accordance with UK policy for new nuclear build, Hitachi, as the reactor designer, is the requesting party to the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) during which the reactor design will be reviewed by the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) and the Environment Agency. An important step in the GDA process is to demonstrate the viability of the approach developed by Hitachi-GE for the assessment and justification of smart devices. This was done by means of pilot studies of Safety Class (SC) 1 and SC2 devices. This paper will describe the scope, criteria, process and approach for the SC1 pilot study. (authors)

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2017

Nuclear power plant risk-informed surveillance frequency control program implementation at the Duke Catawba nuclear plant with a focus on instrumentation and control systems - 333

This paper summarizes an updated process for risk-informed surveillance frequency control program (SFCP) implementation at the Catawba Nuclear Power Plant in the past year. This program includes selection and prioritization of specific target surveillance test interval extensions; and development, review, and implementation of surveillance test risk informed documented evaluation (STRIDE) packages designed to support extension of conventional surveillance requirement test intervals, in accordance with 'Risk-Informed Technical Specifications Initiative 5b, Risk-Informed Method for Control of Surveillance Frequencies, Industry Guideline,' NEI 04-10, Revision 1 . The scope of work associated with STRIDE development includes probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) case studies, deterministic assessment (DA) evaluations, and, where required, instrument drift evaluation (IDE). The STRIDE implementation efforts have also included support of independent decision-making panel (IDP) meetings at the implementing power stations and IDP member training. The purpose of this paper is to provide a presentation of a refined process for STRIDE development with a focus on instrumentation and control systems based on author experience, which includes support for the development of multiple STRIDE packages for the Catawba Nuclear Plant. This paper outlines a framework for practical implementation of an SFCP within the context of an integrated risk-informed performance-based regulation application program with emphasis on instrumentation and control systems. (authors)

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗