Instrument setpoints balancing safety and operating flexibility

The authors summarize analytical strategies used by GE Nuclear Energy in achieving a balance between the primary safety function of a particular instrument setpoint and the need for operating flexibility to avoid undesirable challenges to other plant protection systems. Examples are considered which...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers); (USA) 1990-04, Vol.37 (2), p.992-1000
Main Authors: Cooley, W.H., Leong, J.L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
210700 > Nuclear Power Plants-- Regulation & Licensing
220500 > Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Environmental Aspects
220900 > Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Reactor Safety
AUTOMATION
CALCULATION METHODS
ENGINEERING
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
Instruction sets
Instruments
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
OPTIMIZATION
Power engineering and energy
Power generation
Protection
Qualifications
REACTOR PROTECTION SYSTEMS
REACTOR SAFETY
RECOMMENDATIONS
REGULATIONS
Safety
SAFETY 220400 > Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Control Systems
SAFETY ENGINEERING
SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
Standards development
Surveillance
Uncertainty
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Summary:The authors summarize analytical strategies used by GE Nuclear Energy in achieving a balance between the primary safety function of a particular instrument setpoint and the need for operating flexibility to avoid undesirable challenges to other plant protection systems. Examples are considered which are typical of the situation with many setpoints and limits commonly contained in reactor technical specifications. Very often, when instrument systems are modified or setpoints reevaluated, a primary objective in the change process is to avoid a need to change the setting specified in the technical specifications. Avoiding technical specification changes is important because it avoids the significant paperwork impact on plant operations and improves operations by minimizing the burden on operators who must be familiar with technical specification requirements. The ability to accommodate major changes in instrumentation and setpoint related information and maintain a high degree of safety without necessitating technical specification changes is very important to flexibility in plant operations.< >
ISSN:0018-9499
1558-1578
DOI:10.1109/23.106748