Utilization of experience from the construction, commissioning and operation of nuclear power plants by Siemens/Kraftwerk Union

The utilization of experience has always had a high priority during the construction and commissioning of nuclear power plants (NPPs). While establishing the quality assurance (QA) system during the 1970s, an experience feedback programme was also systematically installed, supported step by step with computers. In the experience liaison department of Siemens/Kraftwerk Union (KWU) (a department within the construction and commissioning division), two computerized systems were established for: (1) feedback of construction and commissioning experience and (2) operational experience. Furthermore, the experience liaison department maintains close contact with the Vereinigung der Grosskraftwerkbetreiber (VGB) (the technical association of the NPP operators in the Federal Republic of Germany) and the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO). The experience feedback system for plants in operation is based on the Significant Event Reports submitted to the licensing and inspection authorities and on the monthly reports of the utilities. All safety related events, all phenomena affecting availability, extraordinary problems and other important phenomena are transferred to the computer. On the basis of the two computer systems, extensive evaluations are carried out in order to find items for further improvement. Here the computer helps to find 'accumulation' areas, but it is an important engineering task to arrive at the right conclusions. This is done in close co-operation with the experience liaison department and the responsible engineering departments. Another major result of experience feedback is the Service Information Letter informing the operators of Siemens/KWU NPPs about the results of the evaluations. Further output comes from performance indicators. 6 refs, 9 figs