The CANDU Owners Group information exchange program

CANDU technology and design are sufficiently unique that close co-operation and mutual assistance among owners of CANDU power reactors are essential in ensuring a continuing good CANDU operating record. The CANDU Owners Group (COG) was formed in 1984 to promote close co-operation between utilities owning and operating CANDU power reactors. The fundamental objectives of the COG are to: (1) facilitate an exchange of information among members; (2) provide a basis for mutual assistance; and (3) establish a forum for the planning and funding of generic programmes. The COG Information Exchange Program is a significant effort directed towards meeting these objectives. There are currently five CANDU owners from three countries, along with the CANDU designer (Atomic Energy of Canada Limited), participating in the Information Exchange Program. The paper describes the unique features of the Program in the following areas: (a) exchange of operating/maintenance problems and solutions; (b) exchange of technical reports; (c) exchange of safety related information; and (d) exchange of information pertaining to significant events among the participating members. To facilitate this exchange of information, an electronic messaging system, known as CANNET (for CANDU NETWORK), has been established, CANNET provides a strong and dedicated communications link between member facilities. Although significant event assessments are generally carried out by members directly, the COG selects and funds in-depth evaluations of events with generic implications. The results of individual member assessments, as well as the COG funded assessments, are made available to all members through COG. An overview of the event assessment programme is included in the paper. Getting the right information to the right people at the right time can lead to significant plant performance improvements. The COG Information Exchange Program is dedicated to this goal and strives to foster the type of co-operative environment required to ensure that the goal is met. (author). 8 figs, 1 tab