IAEA RESEARCH REACTOR SECTION IAEA ACTIVITIES REGARDING THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF RESEARCH REACTORS WITH EMPHASIS ON DIGITAL IC UPGRADES

摘要

The Research Reactor (RR) Section works with Member States to optimize RR availability and reliability through shared operating experience as well as the development and implementation of operational and maintenance (O&M) plans, ageing management plans, training programs and international peer reviews. Many Member States look to the Agency for advice, ideas and information exchange on these topics. Projects in the Operation and Maintenance area aim to fulfill these requests by documenting good practices and lessons learned as an element for strengthening operational management. The following are the current and proposed O&M projects which have been endorsed by the 2013 Technical Working Group for RRs: 1. A new Coordinated Research Project (CRP): Establishment of a Material Properties Database for Irradiated Core Structural Components. This CRP will provide a material properties Database for irradiated core structural components. The Database will be a compilation of data from research reactor operator input, comprehensive literature reviews and experimental data from research reactors. This effort is part of the aging management work to assist RRs in identifying possible areas for increased surveillance by in service inspections, to minimize unpredicted failures of core components and to mitigate lengthy and costly shutdowns. 2. CRP: Improved Instrumentation and Control Maintenance Techniques for RRs using the Plant Computer. This CRP will support member states shifting from time based to condition based calibration thereby reducing technician workload and the inherent risks associated with unnecessary calibrations 3. Digital Instrumentation and Control Systems for New and Existing Facilities. This new document will be published soon and should be a good guidance for member states contemplating a change to digital technology. 4. Operation and Maintenance Assessment for RRs (OMARR) missions. The aim of this IAEA peer review service is to provide advice, and assistance to Member States, to improve their O&M practises, thereby optimising availability, reliability and the application of human and financial resources. Two OMARR missions have been completed and a third will be undertaken early next year. 5. Implementation of integrated Management Systems to improve availability and Reliability (a new RR project) A new TECDOC on "Implementation of a Management System for Operating Organizations of Research Reactors" has been published. The publication provides practical information and examples on the implementation of a management system for research reactors to enhance safety and to improve maintenance and operational performances 6. Cyber Security and digital Instrumentation and control systems is a major concern to member states. This new topic will be handled in conjunction with the nuclear power division of NE and is set to start in 2016.. In addition to the above there are IAEA organised workshops and technical meetings on a variety of O&M issues such as aging management, continued work on the aging database and support for RR safety work in O&M areas (with the Nuclear Safety Research Reactor Safety Section).