Plant monitoring and diagnostic systems related to safety and operation

Stable function of plant systems, as specified by design, is essential for the operation of nuclear power plants for meeting all safety and reliability requirements. This goal can be efficiently supported by continuous monitoring of different plant systems and components during operation for early detection of malfunctions or changes in functional behavior. With the monitoring and diagnostic systems for detection of loose parts, leakages, vibration and fatigue and the diagnostic systems for valves, actuators and rotating machines like pumps and their motors, all major parts of the plant regarding a safe and reliable operation can be monitored. By continuously analyzing the signals and integrating data from all of these monitoring systems in a common software tool, the plant behavior in different load cases is well known. Deviations from normal operation will be detected in real time and information about diagnosis and prognosis is given to the operator automatically. Only components have to be repaired and maintained for which it is necessary. The maintenance program can be optimized as well as times for outages can be reduced to a minimum. (author)