Probabilistic Safety Assessment for Optimum Nuclear Power Plant Life Management (PLi: M). Theory and Application of Reliability Analysis Methods for Major Power Plant Components

Probabilistic safety assessment methods are used to calculate nuclear power plant durability and resource lifetime. Successful calculation of the reliability and ageing of components is critical for forecasting safety and directing preventative maintenance, and Probabilistic safety assessment for optimum nuclear power plant life management provides a comprehensive review of the theory and application of these methods. Part one reviews probabilistic methods for predicting the reliability of equipment. Following an introduction to key terminology, concepts and definitions, formal-statistical and various physico-statistical approaches are discussed. Approaches based on the use of defect-free models are considered, along with those using binomial distribution and models based on the residual defectiveness of structural materials. The practical applications of probabilistic methods for strength reliability are subsequently explored in part two. Probabilistic methods for increasing the reliability and safety of nuclear power plant components are investigated, as are the use of such methods for optimising non-destructive tests, hydraulic tests, technical certification and planned-preventative maintenance. Finally, the book concludes with information on the use of probabilistic methods in ensuring leak tightness of nuclear power plant steam generator heat exchanger pipes. With its distinguished authors, Probabilistic safety assessment for optimum nuclear power plant life management is a valuable reference for all nuclear plant designers, operators, nuclear safety engineers and managers, as well as academics and researchers in this field. Discusses the theory and application of probabilistic safety assessment methods used to calculate nuclear power plant (NPP) durability and lifetime Reviews probabilistic methods in their application to NPP components and ageing pipelines for the forecasting of NPP resource lifetime and safety Addresses the key areas of probabilistic safety analysis, optimization of the operations through in-service inspection (ISI) utilising non-destructive testing, and maintenance, service and repair approaches Probabilistic safety assessment methods are used to calculate nuclear power plant durability and resource lifetime. Successful calculation of the reliability and ageing of components is critical for forecasting safety and directing preventative maintenance, and Probabilistic safety assessment for optimum nuclear power plant life management provides a comprehensive review of the theory and application of these methods.

Part one reviews probabilistic methods for predicting the reliability of equipment. Following an introduction to key terminology, concepts and definitions, formal-statistical and various physico–statistical approaches are discussed. Approaches based on the use of defect-free models are considered, along with those using binomial distribution and models based on the residual defectiveness of structural materials. The practical applications of probabilistic methods for strength reliability are subsequently explored in part two. Probabilistic methods for increasing the reliability and safety of nuclear power plant components are investigated, as are the use of such methods for optimising non-destructive tests, hydraulic tests, technical certification and planned-preventative maintenance. Finally, the book concludes with information on the use of probabilistic methods in ensuring leak tightness of nuclear power plant steam generator heat exchanger pipes.

With its distinguished authors, Probabilistic safety assessment for optimum nuclear power plant life management is a valuable reference for all nuclear plant designers, operators, nuclear safety engineers and managers, as well as academics and researchers in this field.

• Discusses the theory and application of probabilistic safety assessment methods used to calculate nuclear power plant (NPP) durability and lifetime
• Reviews probabilistic methods in their application to NPP components and ageing pipelines for the forecasting of NPP resource lifetime and safety
• Addresses the key areas of probabilistic safety analysis, optimization of the operations through in-service inspection (ISI) utilising non-destructive testing, and maintenance, service and repair approaches

Content: Front matter , Pages i-iii Copyright , Page iv Woodhead Publishing Series in Energy , Pages xi-xiv Preface , Pages xv-xvi 1 - Terminology, concepts and definitions , Pages 1-49 2 - Formal–Statistical methods , Pages 50-86 3 - Physico–statistical approach: Procedures using the defect-free model of structural material , Pages 87-93 4 - Physico–statistical approach taking defects into account and using binomial distribution , Pages 94-117 5 - Physico–statistical models based on the residual defectiveness of structural materials , Pages 118-195 6 - Probabilistic analysis of safety: Increasing the reliability and safety of nuclear power plant components , Pages 196-215 7 - Optimisation of non-destructive testing , Pages 216-253 8 - Optimisation of hydraulic tests, technical certification and planned–preventative maintenance , Pages 254-269 9 - Using probabilistic methods for solving the problem of ensuring leak tightness of heat exchanger tubes of nuclear power plant steam generators , Pages 270-323 Appendix1 , Page 325 Appendix 2 - Application of the Markov model for forecasting reliability of PWR pipelines , Pages 326-330 Appendix 3 - Russian Scientific Research Institute of Operation of Nuclear Power Plants (VNIIAES) , Pages 331-333 References , Pages 335-342 Index , Pages 343-352