Analyses that reduce operational risk and lost generation revenue
Turbine valves are critical components that must be overhauled, refurbished, and tested periodically for asset protection and regulatory requirements. Testing the turbine valves and other overspeed protection system (OPS) components ensures high reliability of these components.
Use analytical techniques and operating experience to reduce the need for maintenance and testing
Testing and maintenance activities are costly and introduce operational risks that can result in lost generation. The frequency of maintenance and testing of OPS components can be reduced using novel analytical techniques and operating experience.
Determine when and where testing can be extended
MPR’s solution uses the following approach:
Cost reduction of more then $1 million per unit
MPR extended turbine valve test and maintenance intervals at more than twenty (20) nuclear units, and decreased maintenance frequency saved sites more than $1 million/unit during the first outage. Some of the provided analyses supported temporary delays in testing certain components to eliminate the risk of testing during peak summer months, addressed problems with testing specific components, and evaluated the impact on turbine missile probability from equipment reliability issues. Test extensions allowed BWR clients to align valve tests with control rod movements and reduced the amount of time that sites must operate at less than full power. MPR provided consistent and comprehensive maintenance practices to help support future maintenance and diagnostic capabilities.
