What is BS IEC 62342 - Management of physical ageing of I&C systems of NPPs about?
BS IEC 62342 is an International Standard that discusses instrumentation and control systems important to safety of nuclear power plants (NPPs)
BS IEC 62342 provides strategies, technical requirements, and recommendations for the management of ageing of NPP instrumentation and control (I&C) systems and associated equipment. BS IEC 62342 also includes informative annexes on test methods, procedures, and technologies that may be used to verify the proper operation of I&C equipment and aim to prevent ageing degradation from having any adverse impact on the plant safety, efficiency, or reliability. BS IEC 62342 applies to all types of NPPs and relates primarily to safety.
The scope of BS IEC 62342 has been intentionally focused on the management of physical ageing of I&C systems where this may be considered as having a direct consequence on the safety of the NPP. It does not cover technology ageing aspects (i.e., obsolescence) in any detail.
Who is BS IEC 62342 - Management of physical ageing of I&C systems of NPPs for?
BS IEC 62342 on management of physical ageing of I&C systems of NPPs is useful for:
- Nuclear power stations
- Atomic energy agencies
- Atomic research organizations
- Nuclear power plants electrical systems and equipment manufacturers
- Operators of NPP, systems evaluators and licensors
- Nuclear safety authorities
- Regulatory authorities
Why should you use BS IEC 62342 - Management of physical ageing of I&C systems of NPPs?
With the majority of NPPs over 20 years old, the management of the ageing of instrumentation is currently a relevant topic, especially for those plants that have extended their operating licences or are considering this option. Ageing mechanism has to be prevented and thus detected by performance measurements. Aspects for which special recommendations have been provided in this Standard are:
- Criteria for evaluation of ageing of I&C equipment in NPPs
- Steps to be followed to establish an ageing management program for NPP I&C equipment
- Tracking of performance indices such as response time and calibration stability as the means to manage the ageing of sensors and transmitters
BS IEC 62342 provides you requirements for ageing management, requirements to address ageing effects and control for I&C systems important to safety of NPPs.
BS IEC 62342 provides you with minimum requirements aimed at ensuring that any potential impacts on NPP safety due to I&C ageing can be identified and that suitable actions are undertaken to demonstrate that the safety of the plant cannot be impaired.
To ensure that BS IEC 62342 will continue to be relevant in future years, the emphasis has been placed on issues of principle, rather than specific technologies.
