Use of Design Acceptance Criteria for Instrumentation and Control Systems

摘要

A prominent challenge associated with digital instrumentation and control (I&C) for nuclear power applications is the tendency for digital technology to rapidly evolve. As operating experience is gained and modifications are implemented, the hardware and software for digital devices will change. Most changes are minor, but some changes may be significant and impact the basis for prior Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approval of a digital device.rnNRC requirements in 10 CFR Part 52 require a certain level of detail for I&C designs; mainly performance requirements and design information sufficiently detailed to permit the preparation of acceptance and inspection requirements by the NRC, and procurement specifications and construction and installation specifications by an applicant. Due to the design nature of digital I&C systems, the detailed design, implementation, and validation of digital devices cannot always be completed prior to procuring equipment.