Key Issues
Managing Material Condition and Equipment Reliability at U.S. Nuclear Power Plants
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New Program Improves Materials Reliability
In 2003, NEI’s Materials Executive Oversight Group developed a guideline for managing materials issues. It documented the materials reliability initiative and established roles, responsibilities and expectations for its implementation. A 2005 addendum to the guideline contains documents that are important for implementation of the materials initiative. They include:
Plants Conduct Rigorous Inspections of Materials
The executive oversight group that established the industry’s new materials reliability program recognized that effective implementation is essential for the program to achieve its objectives—and that inspections and evaluations are essential to ensure successful implementation.
Along with developing guidance related to plant materials management, the industry also developed guidelines for inspections—including such components as reactor coolant system piping—that go beyond what is required by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. While the regulatory inspections serve a vital safety purpose, industry-driven inspections go a step beyond that. The rationale for these inspections is based on sound business practice: Effective materials management can reduce plant downtime and avoid premature wear and replacement of costly components. Effective materials reliability management is good business.
Pages 1 2 3 4 5 6
New Program Improves Materials Reliability
In 2003, NEI’s Materials Executive Oversight Group developed a guideline for managing materials issues. It documented the materials reliability initiative and established roles, responsibilities and expectations for its implementation. A 2005 addendum to the guideline contains documents that are important for implementation of the materials initiative. They include:
- guidance for a reactor coolant system materials degradation management program
- a “roadmap,” or list, of guidance produced by the materials programs
- an integrated materials issues strategic plan
- implementation protocol for materials program guidance
- emergent materials issues protocol
- materials issues performance metrics
- materials issue program scope and boundaries
- a self-assessment protocol for issue programs.
Plants Conduct Rigorous Inspections of Materials
The executive oversight group that established the industry’s new materials reliability program recognized that effective implementation is essential for the program to achieve its objectives—and that inspections and evaluations are essential to ensure successful implementation.
Along with developing guidance related to plant materials management, the industry also developed guidelines for inspections—including such components as reactor coolant system piping—that go beyond what is required by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. While the regulatory inspections serve a vital safety purpose, industry-driven inspections go a step beyond that. The rationale for these inspections is based on sound business practice: Effective materials management can reduce plant downtime and avoid premature wear and replacement of costly components. Effective materials reliability management is good business.
Pages 1 2 3 4 5 6
