Reducing the frequency of scrams in US nuclear power plants

Conference · Fri Nov 01 04:00:00 UTC 1985 · Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5741287

Visner, S

The industry has made considerable progress in reducing the number of unplanned scrams each year and is setting challenging goals for further reductions. To identify opportunities for further improvements, causes of scrams were analyzed and plant operations and design features were noted that reduce these causes. The data show that problems in the feedwater, condensate, and turbine-generator systems were the most frequent causes of scrams. Electrical and reactor protection system problems were also significant causes. Significant plant-to-plant differences in scram rates were identified for plants of similar design, age, and other factors. Institute of Nuclear Power Operations teams visited domestic plants with low scram histories. Specific operations, maintenance, training, and other practices were reviewed as well as design features. Over 100 design changes, operational, training, testing, and maintenance techniques were compiled. Design and modifications were mainly to improve reliability of feedwater, turbine-generator, and electrical systems.

• OSTI ID: 5741287
• Report Number(s): CONF-851115-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc.; (United States) Journal Volume: 50
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
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Nonbreeding
Light-Water Moderated
Boiling Water Cooled
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Nonbreeding
Light-Water Moderated
Nonboiling Water Cooled
BWR TYPE REACTORS
DESIGN
ENERGY SYSTEMS
FEEDWATER
FREQUENCY ANALYSIS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
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OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PERFORMANCE
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REACTOR MAINTENANCE
REACTOR SAFETY
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REACTORS
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SCRAM
SHUTDOWNS
STEAM SYSTEMS
STEAM TURBINES
TRAINING
TURBINES
TURBOMACHINERY
USA
WATER
WATER COOLED REACTORS
WATER MODERATED REACTORS