Obsolescence In Nuclear Industry

Abstract

Most nuclear plants around the world are roughly 15 to 30 years old. The design and procurement of CANDU plants took place from the late 60's to mid 80's (i.e., 20 to 30 years vintage). Most equipment originally installed in these plants is obsolete or the manufactures are out of business or their production has been discontinued due to technological evolution. In order to maintain operation of nuclear plants with safety integrity and commercial viability, certain spare parts must be available at the plant all the time. The objective of this paper is to identify an optimum, cost-effective approach that solves obsolescence problem efficiently and without duplicating efforts. The Nuclear Utility Obsolescence Group (NUOG) has embarked upon the following major tasks: Developing a Guideline for use by the utilities that addresses obsolescence; Collection of obsolescence data in a database (Web-based) to be shared by all members; Motivation of the suppliers to engage them in obsolescence solutions; Increase in awareness among the utility management to consider obsolescence as a priority issue and allocate funds to address them pro-actively; Coordination with other industry groups (EPRI, INPO, NEI, BWROG etc.) to avoid duplication of effort in obsolescence resolution process. The NUOG strategy is based upon the principles of sharing. It advocates sharing of obsolescence solutions and concerns among the utilities. Candu Owners Group Inc. (COG) has initiated self-assessment of obsolescence in the members' plants. The purpose of self-assessment is to provide baseline information that would help identification of obsolescence and coordination of their solutions. The following areas are covered in the self-assessment initiative: Identification of obsolete components in selected systems in the plant; Assess effectiveness of the current obsolescence identification process and in resolution of obsolescence Issues in the plant; ldentification of common Candu plant design specific obsolescence issues; Benchmarking of good obsolescence practices followed in the plant. The benefits of Obsolescence Self-assessment would be shared among the COG members. It will also provide an opportunity to solve common obsolescence issues collectively. The author believes that the combination of initiatives taken by NUOG and COG would lead to cost-effective and pro-active identification of obsolete components and sharing of solutions among all participating nuclear utilities. The nuclear industry will be the net beneficiary in achieving safer, productive and competitive operation.