Are we making the most of advanced digital control systems?

Over the past decade, progress in instrumentation and control has been in leaps and bounds. Modern systems now perform functions that were previously considered infeasible. The advances in digital techniques cover: Inspections and failure detection (eg the detection of defective steam generator tubes). Human error prevention (eg through automation, computerised procedures or other computerised support). Fault identification (eg locating a leak in the system). Improvements in quality and economics (eg through the computerisation of planning schedules and the use of robotics). Information presentation (eg parameter/status displays and alarms). Despite the examples cited, which have the recognised potential for enhancing overall plant safety while minimising outages and maintenance requirements, and despite the fact that the limited experience with the use of such advanced systems is promising, the primary beneficiaries of these developments have mostly been industries other than nuclear. The reasons for this are examined. (author)