Environmental Qualification Program Requirements for the Long-Term Operation of Canadian Nuclear Power Plants

Abstract of the technical paper/presentation presented at:
Fourth International Conference on NPP Life Management
October 23–27, 2017

Prepared by:
Meliha Vlatkovic
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission

Abstract

Environmental qualification (EQ) programs in nuclear power plants (NPPs) establish auditable assurance that the equipment required to perform safety functions will meet or exceed the functional and performance requirements under design-basis accident (DBA) conditions while taking into consideration the effects of normal service. The current fleet of Canadian NPPs was originally designed for a 40-year lifespan. However, the lifespans of these NPPs are being extended via the refurbishing of critical components. Long-term operation (LTO) benefits from effective aging management – it is a systematic approach that provides an integrated framework for coordinating all supporting programs and activities associated with the understanding, control, monitoring and mitigation of aging effects at the facility.

This technical paper provides information on the EQ program requirements for the LTO of Canadian NPPs and identifies EQ challenges caused by environmental and operating stressors resulting from extended service and the implications of these stressors on aging. Additional insights from periodic safety reviews will be provided with examples of LTO EQ-related gaps and recommended improvements.

As Canada’s nuclear regulator, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) is responsible for verifying the compliance of licensees’ EQ programs with applicable codes, standards and regulations. Safety and control areas are the technical topics used by the CNSC to assess, review, verify and report on regulatory requirements and performance across all regulated facilities and activities.

To obtain a copy of the abstract’s document, please contact us at cnsc.info.ccsn@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca or call 613-995-5894 or 1-800-668-5284 (in Canada). When contacting us, please provide the title and date of the abstract.