Equipment and Process Condition Monitoring for Asset Management in Small Modular Nuclear Reactors

Abstract

Small modular reactors (SMRs) belong to the category of nuclear power generating plants in the range 25–200 MW-electric. SMRs have in-vessel space constraints and limited number of reactor vessel penetrations. This warrants indirect approaches for certain measurements such as, for example, the coolant flow rate in the vessel. On-line monitoring of equipment and process condition is necessary to plan maintenance, equipment repair/replacement, and alternative operational strategy. The design of these systems for extended fuel cycles, to minimize forced outages, and to provide safe and reliable power generation require long-term asset management strategy. This is achieved by developing and implementing methods for equipment and process condition monitoring, diagnostics, and prognostics using plant dynamics, measurements, and operational knowledge of these integral systems.