Inservice diagnostic methods for solenoid-operated valves
Solenoid-operated valves (SOVs) were studied at Oak Ridge National Laboratory as part of the USNRC Nuclear Plant Aging Research (NPAR) Program. The primary objective of the study was to identify, evaluate, and recommend methods for inspection, surveillance, monitoring, and maintenance of SOVs that can help ensure their operational readiness-that is, their ability to perform required safety functions under all anticipated operating conditions, since failure of one of these small and relatively inexpensive devices could have serious consequences under certain circumstances. An earlier (Phase 1) NPAR program study described SOV failure modes and causes and had identified measurable parameters thought to be linked to the progression of everpresent degradation mechanisms that may ultimately result in functional failure of the valve. Using this earlier work as a guide, the present (Phase 11) study focused on devising and then demonstrating the effectiveness of techniques and equipment with which to measure performance parameters that show promise for detecting the presence and trending the progress of such degradations before they reach a critical stage. Intrusive techniques requiring the addition of magnetic or acoustic sensors or the application of special test signals were investigated briefly, but major emphasis was placed on the examination of condition-indicating techniques that can be applied with minimal cost and impact on plant operation. Experimental results are presented that demonstrate the technical feasibility and practicality of the monitoring techniques assessed in the study, and recommendations for further work are provided.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USNRC; Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-84OR21400
- OSTI ID:
- 6683945
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-930401-1; ON: DE93007823
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Meeting on nuclear plant instrumentation, control and man-machine interface technologies, Oak Ridge, TN (United States), 18-21 Apr 1993
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Aging and service wear of solenoid-operated valves used in safety systems of nuclear power plants. Volume 2, Evaluation of monitoring methods
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Related Subjects
REACTOR COOLING SYSTEMS
VALVES
SOLENOIDS
IN-SERVICE INSPECTION
MAINTENANCE
MONITORING
PERFORMANCE
REACTOR SAFETY
CONTROL EQUIPMENT
COOLING SYSTEMS
ELECTRIC COILS
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
FLOW REGULATORS
INSPECTION
REACTOR COMPONENTS
SAFETY
220200* - Nuclear Reactor Technology- Components & Accessories
220900 - Nuclear Reactor Technology- Reactor Safety