Integrating Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) into the Design Modification Process: Example Application for Spent Fuel Pool Instrumentation

摘要

The release of guidance by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) with regard to post-Fukushima design modifications has caused the nuclear industry to implement level indication sensors in the spent fuel pool for post-accident monitoring capability. An important consideration in the design and implementation of these systems is the interaction between the sensor and the electromagnetic environment in a nuclear power plant. Even though these systems will not be relied upon for normal pool level indication, nuisance alarms or erroneous level indication resulting from electromagnetic interaction with the existing plant environment cannot be tolerated. In addition, in the event that the system is relied upon for level indication during or after an accident, it must be able to provide accurate and reliable data in the presence of electromagnetic interference (EMI). To effectively address the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) of a new system with the electromagnetic environment of a nuclear power plant, it is necessary to consider and integrate EMC throughout the entire design modification process. The appropriate EMC specifications should be provided to the manufacturer so that the design can incorporate the levels of protection and mitigation necessary to meet the EMC requirements. In addition, the implementation of the system (both the installation and the associated plant procedures) must address any shortcomings identified during EMC qualification testing and take the appropriate measures to prevent future EMI. These concepts will be presented along with examples of recent activities associated with spent fuel pool instrumentation enhancements at various nuclear power plants.