Reducing operations and maintenance costs by prudent commercial grade item dedication

Abstract

The nuclear industry focus for the continued viability of nuclear power plants must be a reduction of operating and maintenance costs, and improving performance. A major aspect of this mt is the procurement of acceptable spare and replacement parts, and demonstration of equipment adequacy through Commercial Grade Item Dedication (CGID). This paper discusses engineering activities and requirements for an effective, integrated nuclear procurement and CGID program with consideration to regulatory compliance concerns. This paper also demonstrates how an effective CGID program results in maximizing plant availability, minimizing downtime due to parts unavailability and provides reasonable overall program and invent09 cost. Nuclear Procurement Purpose and GoalsThe purpose and goals of a nuclear procurement program is the provision and assurance of a high quality and quantity of spare, replacement, retrofit and new parts and equipment while maximizing plant availability, minimizing downtime due to parts unavailability and providing reasonable overall program and inventory cost.Any activity or impact on plant and utility or nuclear facility resources which does not support the nuclear procurement purpose and goals must be avoided as imprudent and not cost effective. Nuclear Procurement Purpose and GoalsThe purpose and goals of a nuclear procurement program is the provision and assurance of a high quality and quantity of spare, replacement, retrofit and new parts and equipment while maximizing plant availability, minimizing downtime due to parts unavailability and providing reasonable overall program and inventory cost.Any activity or impact on plant and utility or nuclear facility resources which does not support the nuclear procurement purpose and goals must be avoided as imprudent and not cost effective. Nuclear Plant Special Procurement NeedsThe procurement of safety related equipment, demonstration of necessary equipment adequacy or qualification, retention or preservation of that adequacy and the adequate qualification of new, spare, replacement, and retrofit safety related parts is a necessary activity for the continued and effective licensed operation of each nuclear power plant or nuclear facility, regulated by the NRC or DOE, respectively. Nuclear Procurement Engineering exists to support those activities. Successful Development of Nuclear ProcurementEngineering is a function of: knowledge of the evolving Nuclear Procurement Engineering Function and Dedication of Commercial Grade Item Methodology.knowledge of the Nuclear Procurement Engineering and related equipment qualification regulations, guides and codes promulgated by the power industry, the professional societies, or the industry regulators, or EPRUNCIG (Electric Power Research Institute and Nuclear Construction Issues Group), foundation in true design and application engineering for complete nuclear safety systems, equipment, structures, and components, knowledge skills and training of plant staff in the special needs of nuclear procurement, suitable qua...