Life Cycle Management at the High Flux Isotope Reactor

The purpose of the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) Life Cycle Management Program (LCMP) is to identify HFIR structures, systems, and components (SSCs) required to be maintained as safe and reliable and to establish a process that evaluates acceptability of their current condition, provides recommendations for improvements if needed, and implements long term monitoring of the identified SSCs for a continued acceptable condition. An LCMP is necessary to satisfy various DOE requirements and guidance related to proper asset management. With the high capital costs associated with the direct replacement of multipurpose neutron production facilities, there is a great incentive to extend the usable life of existing multi-purpose facilities such as the HFIR, the implication being existing facilities were originally designed to perform an expected mission for a finite life-time. To successfully extend the usable lifetime of the HFIR, a comprehensive program is described to define the characteristics of life cycle management at the HFIR, identify affected plant SSCs, and prepare the appropriate life cycle management processes. The HFIR LCMP encompasses the management of degradation due to ageing for all equipment. By segregating SSCs into those where ageing is managed by the normal maintenance process and those that are not, the scope of the LCMP is graded in its application and resources are appropriate. Both active and passive functions are addressed. The program is the responsibility of HFIR Systems Engineering and incorporates the general steps of grouping of SSCs, prioritization of safety or operations importance, estimation of remaining life under current conditions, identification of appropriate ageing counter-measures, if needed, and identification of processes to ensure continued future performance remains as expected