An Equipment Reliability Strategy and Maintenance Program for Improving the Reliability of Cranes at Commercial Nuclear Power Facilities Available to Purchase

Many commercial nuclear power facilities have been in operation well over 20 years, and many facilities have been or will have their original 40 year operating license renewed for an additional 20 years. The anticipated stresses to plant equipment and the longer service life increase the challenge to maintain reliable equipment performance. Establishing equipment maintenance programs that are effective and compliant with applicable regulations is critical to avoid unplanned equipment unavailability and the potential costs of lost generation. An equipment reliability (ER) strategy for commercial nuclear power plant equipment is described that considers the programmatic recommendations of the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations ([1], [2]), Electric Power Research Institute ([3], [4], [5], [6]), Nuclear Energy Institute standard nuclear business model [7], Nuclear Regulatory Commission ([8], [9], [10], [11]), and industry societies and working groups, such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers ([12], [13]). All ER strategies must properly implement mandatory requirements and commitments ([14], [15], [16]). Additionally, ER strategies should also consider the appropriate manufacturer/vendor recommendations, industry and plant personnel operating experience feedback, equipment operating and maintenance history information, etc. As a result, the ER strategy includes reviewing multiple information sources to inform the decisions to either include or exclude the specific maintenance activities that impact reliability. Ultimately the maintenance program is tailored for each equipment application and implements the necessary maintenance activities while avoiding the cost of performing unnecessary maintenance activities.