In a time when utilities and power generation sources are under the microscope globally, smart decision-making and a push for innovation and cost management in nuclear power plants are more important than ever. While nuclear power plants are extremely complex structures with thousands of components, the task of working towards safer and more cost-efficient operations can start with examining the seemingly “small” elements. Hatches, seals, sensors and electrical penetrations all represent critical parts of the equation, in which small changes can have a large impact on overall safety and smooth, cost-effective operations.
A recent International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report entitled Assessment of Equipment Capability to Perform Reliably under Severe Accident Conditions details best practices for instrumentation and control (I&C) component selection in nuclear power plants. The report explains that severe accidents can ‘subject electrical and instrumentation and control (I&C) equipment to environmental conditions exceeding the equipment’s original design basis assumptions (DBA)’ and recommends I&C components used within nuclear power plants should demonstrate the ability to withstand severe accident conditions. Additionally, the report recommends the use of non-aging materials like ceramic, glass and steel to reduce total cost of ownership, as components made of these materials do not require maintenance or replacement.
Please click here to view the SCHOTT nuclear safety video feature, and visit the SCHOTT nuclear safety home page for more information on glass-to-metal sealed electrical penetration assemblies for nuclear power.
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