Principal factor analysis of the reactor coolant pump system

In today's nuclear power plant operating environment, set points are established for key plant parameters, such as temperature, pressure, or flow rate. When these set points are exceeded, it is common practice to scram the reactor, resulting in plant shutdown for those cases where extended maintenance and repair are necessary. Reducing excursions beyond these set points would save millions of dollars as a result of improved plant availability and improve plant safety as well. In a recently published case study, classical statistical process control techniques were implemented on actual plant data gathered in real time over a 121-day period for the reactor coolant pump (RCP) system. Analysis of the data showed the eventual plant trip could have been anticipated by at least 15 days by using statistical methods