Examples of in-service inspections and a typical maintenance schedule for a low-power research reactor

In-service inspection methods for low-power research reactors are described. Two practical examples of an in-service inspection (ISI) and maintenance task at a TRIGA reactor and at a MTR reactor are given, and a typical maintenance schedule is presented. The inspection methods and the maintenance schedule are based on 42 years of operation and maintenance experience with a typical 250 kW TRIGA Mark-II reactor. Although this experience is related to a TRIGA reactor, most of the ISI methods and a large part of the maintenance schedule can be applied, with minor changes to other types of low power research reactors such as ARGONAUT, SLOWPOKE, and MNSR type reactors. This training module may be used to extend the existing maintenance program to other essential or non-essential facility systems. It may also provide guidance to those facilities that require an improved maintenance program. Its learning objectives were: to understand the concept of failure rate and the positive effects a routine preventative maintenance and inspection program have on the failure rate or lifetime of facility equipment, to become familiar with various non-standard inspection or maintenance tools not considered in the original facility design that may be required as the facility ages and to develop a facility maintenance program using the example maintenance documentation as guidance. Figs. 10, refs. 12 (nevyjel)