Aging management experience to support reliability of RSG-GAS operation and future NPP in Indonesia

Abstract

The aging process will cause a decrease in the reliability and safety performance of the nuclear reactor operation. As a consequence, the quality of service to stakeholders will decline. In order to keep nuclear reactor reliable, systematic activities are needed to manage the aging process that occurs at the GA Siwabessy multi-purpose reactor (RSG-GAS), in Serpong. The activity includes 4 main elements, i.e.: understanding and evaluating the aging process, using aging prevention methods, detection and surveillance methods, and aging mitigation methods. Aging management is carried out at RSG-GAS through routine and periodic maintenance, repair, replacement and monitoring mechanisms. Aging management must be planned from design, construction and commissioning activities to reactor operation. RSG-GAS aging management is carried out in accordance with safety guidelines from the international atomic energy agency (IAEA) and nuclear power regulatory body (BAPETEN) regulations, as well as various vendor documents. The success of aging management is demonstrated by operating parameters that meet operating limit conditions (OLC), and is evaluated through periodic safety assessments. This paper aims to convey the experience of RSG-GAS in aging management, in order to support the reliable operation of RSG-GAS. Experience in the aging management program of the RSG-GAS as long as 34 years, is an important asset in developing the aging management program of future Indonesian nuclear power plants.