Experience with Emergency Mitigating Equipment in Canada

Abstract of the technical paper/presentation presented at:
CNS 40^th Annual Conference
June 6-9, 2021

Prepared by: Jingyang Sun
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission

Abstract:

Following the Fukushima Daiichi accident in 2011, Canada investigated potential improvements based on lessons learned from the accident. For existing nuclear power plants, fundamental changes in design are not normally practicable and a number of improvements were made through the provision of so-called “emergency mitigating equipment” (EME). Previous studies have indicated difficulties with meeting modern requirements using EME, for example in Canadian licensing framework of CANDU reactors and safety analysis [1], Dr. Torabi states that “Therefore, they [EME] tend to have a much lower reliability than the rest of the plant safety support systems, and there is no regulatory requirement for conducting regular tests on EME or report the results to the regulator.”

This paper looks at the Canadian experience with EME, including regulatory oversight, integration of EME into maintenance and inspection processes, emergency operating procedures (EOPs) and severe accident management guidelines (SAMG). Also covered is the extent to which such back fit equipment meets post-Fukushima requirements for new NPPs.

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