Supporting Nuclear Power Plants Facing I&C Obsolescence
(Room G105, Auditorium Centre, First Floor)
09 Jun 15
4:00 PM
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5:30 PM
Tracks:
Theme: Grid Support with Data & Generators
This abstract emphasizes NPPs benefit from OEM capabilities in remanufacturing obsolete technologies. Out of 437 worldwide operating NPPs, 45% are 30+ years old. Considering a life cycle of 40 years, this means 45% of the operating nuclear fleet remains on the grid another 10 years. A lot equipment is already working beyond its design lifetime and is obsolete. This situation gets critical on more sensitive, less robust equipment like I&C systems. NPPs are confronted with the security, availability and reliability of the plants - decisions have to be taken. NPPs technical staffs prefer to keep the same technology, asking OEMs to remanufacture the same systems, minimising technical risks and long & costly qualification process. Remanufacture obsolete technology is delicate, requiring close cooperation between OEM and plants. Analysing a concrete case story we will discuss OEM challenges to cope with life extension of obsolete systems, the project steps and its final implementation.