Ageing Management Programs for Electrical Cables in Slovak NPPs

One of the key factors, which are negatively affecting the operational safety of nuclear power plants, is the process of ageing. The need for the elimination of these ageing related damages is self-evident and naturally of the highest priority, to preserve the operational safety and reliability. Keeping in mind the safety and reliability of operated devices, and on the other hand the effort to maximize the device utilization, it is recommended to introduce and implement the programs for the monitoring and management of ageing of individual systems, structures and components (SSC). These shall ensure the possibility to monitor and evaluate the effects of degeneration processes on the selected SSC's , to monitor the trends in the parameters measured and ensure the adoption of appropriate corrective actions in real time. The number of nuclear reactors, which are exceeding the originally assumed operational longevity, as defined by original project documentation, is rapidly increasing. It is to no surprise that the demand for their extended operational longevity is increasing hand in hand with the strengthening safety and regulatory requirements worldwide. Each nuclear power plant consists of, among others, kilometers and miles of electric and I and C cables. Their task is irreplaceable, and their excellent condition is vital for the safety and reliability of seamless power plant operation. Thus it is critical and essential to recognize and monitor the real performance of the cables, and to implement programs, which monitor their actual condition. A successful implementation of ageing programs is a cornerstone of safe power plant operations in a long run. The focus of this presented paper is the defined approach, stated goals, and the results achieved in the area of cable ageing and longevity monitoring in the environment of Slovak nuclear power plants.