Application of a knowledge data base for the implementation of aging management

The German standards KTA 1403 regulate the aging management of nuclear power plants. The authors describe the implementation of the knowledge-based aging management in the NPP Neckarwestheim (GKN) aimed to preserve safety and profit of the plant. The GKN knowledge base for aging management has to support and document the process for implementation of aging management according to KTA 1403. The reactor components are divided in three groups: components that are not allowed to fail (integrity concept), components that may fail in a singular case (preventive maintenance), and components whose failure is admissible (failure-oriented maintenance). Within the aging management only safety relevant components of the first two groups are considered. Four times the year operational incidents in the plant, in-service inspection results, operational experiences and new standard requirements are discussed with respect to aging management.