Safety Criteria and Dependability Management Practices: A Case Study with I&C Systems of Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor. (1st February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sravanthi, Srikantam; Dheenadhayalan, R.; Madhusoodanan, K.; Devan, K.
• Is Part Of: Nuclear technology. Volume 201:Number 2(2018)
• Page Start: 180
• Page End: 189
• Publication Date: 2018-02-01
• Subjects: Average probability of failure on demand -- dependability practices -- nuclear power plant; Nuclear engineering -- Periodicals; Nuclear engineering; Nuclear Physics; Periodicals; Periodicals; 621.48
• DOI: 10.1080/00295450.2017.1407594
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1943-7471

Abstract

Abstract: Dependability management practices in nuclear power plants in India are conventionally governed by a set of rules known as "safety criteria." Probabilistic assessments of safety systems are used in a modern plant to complement such rules. In this technical note, various design provisions provided in the instrumentation and control (I&C) of prototype fast breeder reactor (PFBR) (a reactor under commission in India) are detailed. As a precursor, the relationship between safety criteria and the average probability of failure on demand (PFDAvg ) of safety systems is established. Subsequently, various design provisions provided in the I&C of PFBR to reduce PFDAvg are discussed. Such a review, with a dependability viewpoint, has resulted in identifying areas for further design improvement in future reactors. Research work carried out in areas of relays toward reducing PFDAvg of safety systems is highlighted.