What is BS IEC 62397 - RTDs for NPP services about?
BS IEC 62397 series is an International Standard that discusses the instrumentation important to safety of nuclear power plants.
BS IEC 62397 describes the requirements for resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) suitable for nuclear power plant (NPP) services. The requirements of RTDs include design, materials, manufacturing, testing, calibration, procurement, and inspection. In nuclear application, both “direct-immersion” and “thermowell-mounted” RTD are commonly used; however, this standard does not exclude any other design of RTD which may be required for certain special applications in various types of reactors.
RTDs can be supplied in different internal constructions, which depend on the manufacture, qualifications, and applications. For RTD being used in an NPP, the design and structure of the RTD should consider the environmental conditions in which the detector is being used under normal operating and under design basis accident conditions, as well as the qualification tests specified by the user 1. The use of a flexible mineral-insulated (MI) cable between the RTD and the connector is commonly adopted, and the user may also adopt any other construction. A variation of this design may include a rigid exterior sheath over the MI cable between the RTD and the connector, these being welded to each other.
Note: The scope of BS IEC 62397 does not cover the design, material selection, and construction of the thermowell, the guide tube, the extension cable, and the temperature transmitter or bridge which may be associated with the RTD.
Who is BS IEC 62397 – RTDs for NPP services for?
BS IEC 62397 on RTDs for NPP services is useful for:
- Resistance temperature detectors manufacturers
- Atomic research organizations
- Nuclear power plants electrical systems and equipment manufacturers
- Operators of NPP, systems evaluators, and licensors
- Nuclear safety and regulatory authorities
Why should you use BS IEC 62397 – RTDs for NPP services?
This standard describes the requirements for the design, material selection, procurement, construction, and testing of RTDs being used in nuclear NPPs. These RTDs may be used in both the nuclear safety I&C systems and/or in the non-safety-related instrumentation systems.
BS IEC 62397 provides requirements on design and construction requirements, inspection, and tests, and technical information required for RTDs to ensure they are efficient and reliable for use.
The design philosophy for RTDs in an NPP requires a device which is capable of continuous successful operation at rated service conditions throughout the design life of the plant, which can be fulfilled when complied with BS IEC 62397.
Inspection and tests can also demonstrate the performance capabilities of RTDs and determine whether or not they are fit for the intended purpose. You can also evaluate all significant failure modes and their effects on the RTD and its operations.
Thus, BS IEC 62397 can help you achieve reliable and efficient operation of RTDs and ensure the safety and operational integrity of nuclear power plants and its systems is maintained.
