Introduction:

Nuclear power facilities are among the most complex and highly regulated industrial facilities in the world. Ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of these facilities requires a deep understanding of the maintenance processes and techniques specific to nuclear power plants. This 5-day course will provide participants with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively maintain nuclear power facilities. Topics will cover safety protocols, maintenance strategies, monitoring and diagnostics, and regulatory compliance. Through case studies, practical exercises, and expert lectures, participants will be equipped to handle the unique challenges of maintaining nuclear power facilities while ensuring safety, performance, and regulatory compliance.

Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will:

1. Understand the fundamental components of nuclear power facilities and their maintenance needs.
2. Learn best practices for preventive and corrective maintenance of nuclear power plant systems.
3. Gain knowledge of regulatory and safety requirements for maintenance operations in nuclear facilities.
4. Learn the techniques and tools used for monitoring, diagnostics, and performance analysis.
5. Understand the maintenance strategies for reactor systems, electrical systems, cooling systems, and instrumentation.
6. Develop the skills to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve common maintenance challenges in nuclear power facilities.

Who Should Attend:

This course is designed for professionals involved in the maintenance, operation, and safety management of nuclear power facilities, including:

• Nuclear Engineers and Technicians
• Maintenance Managers and Supervisors
• Reactor Operators and Control Room Personnel
• Safety Officers and Compliance Specialists
• Project Managers involved in nuclear facility operations and maintenance
• Plant Support and Equipment Reliability Engineers
• Contractors and Consultants working with nuclear facilities

Course Outline:

Day 1: Introduction to Nuclear Power Plants and Maintenance Requirements

• Session 1: Overview of Nuclear Power Plants
  • Basic Principles of Nuclear Power Generation
  • Key Components of a Nuclear Power Plant: Reactor Core, Steam Generators, Turbine, Cooling Systems
  • Types of Nuclear Reactors: PWR, BWR, CANDU, and Their Maintenance Needs
  • Operating Phases of a Nuclear Power Plant: Start-up, Full Power, Shutdown, Refueling
• Session 2: Importance of Maintenance in Nuclear Power Facilities
  • The Role of Maintenance in Ensuring Safety, Reliability, and Efficiency
  • Key Maintenance Challenges: Aging Equipment, Component Wear, Environmental Factors
  • Differences Between Nuclear Power Plant Maintenance and Conventional Power Plants
• Session 3: Regulatory Framework and Safety Standards
  • Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Guidelines and Codes
  • International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Safety Standards
  • Safety Culture in Nuclear Power Facilities: A Commitment to Operational Safety
• Activity: Group Discussion – Exploring the Role of Maintenance in Ensuring Safe Operations in Nuclear Plants

Day 2: Preventive and Predictive Maintenance of Nuclear Systems

• Session 1: Preventive Maintenance Strategies
  • Developing Preventive Maintenance (PM) Plans: Frequency, Scope, and Documentation
  • Key Systems Requiring Regular Preventive Maintenance: Reactor Cooling, Emergency Systems, Electrical Equipment
  • Spare Parts Management: Inventory, Procurement, and Storage Best Practices
• Session 2: Predictive Maintenance and Monitoring Techniques
  • Introduction to Predictive Maintenance (PdM) in Nuclear Power Plants
  • Techniques for Predictive Maintenance: Vibration Analysis, Thermography, Oil Analysis, Ultrasound
  • Condition-Based Monitoring: Integrating Sensors and Data Analysis for Performance Monitoring
• Session 3: Digitalization in Maintenance Management
  • Role of Digital Tools in Maintenance: SCADA Systems, CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System)
  • Real-Time Monitoring and Diagnostics
  • Data-Driven Decision Making and Analytics for Predicting Equipment Failures
• Activity: Hands-on Exercise – Analyzing Vibration Data for Fault Detection in Nuclear Equipment

Day 3: Corrective Maintenance and Troubleshooting

• Session 1: Corrective Maintenance: When and How to Act
  • The Role of Corrective Maintenance in Nuclear Power Facilities
  • Assessing the Severity of Failures and Deciding on Corrective Actions
  • Developing Effective Corrective Action Plans and Timelines
• Session 2: Troubleshooting Techniques for Reactor Systems
  • Identifying Common Issues in Reactor Systems: Cooling, Control Rods, Fuel Assemblies
  • Troubleshooting Steam Generators, Pumps, and Heat Exchangers
  • Repairing Common Reactor System Failures: Seal Leaks, Corrosion, and Cracking
• Session 3: Troubleshooting Electrical and Instrumentation Systems
  • Diagnosing Failures in Electrical Distribution and Control Systems
  • Troubleshooting Instrumentation and Control Systems: PLCs, Sensors, Actuators
  • Maintenance of Backup Power Systems: Diesel Generators and Batteries
• Activity: Case Study – Resolving a Cooling System Failure in a Nuclear Power Plant

Day 4: Reactor Systems and Cooling Systems Maintenance

• Session 1: Reactor Systems and Maintenance Procedures
  • Understanding Reactor Core Maintenance: Control Rods, Fuel Assemblies, and Coolant Flow
  • Regular Inspection and Maintenance of Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV)
  • Fuel Handling and Management During Refueling Outages
• Session 2: Maintenance of Nuclear Cooling Systems
  • Types of Cooling Systems: Primary, Secondary, and Emergency Cooling Loops
  • Preventive Maintenance of Pumps, Heat Exchangers, and Condensers
  • Cooling Tower Maintenance and Water Chemistry Management
• Session 3: Managing Thermal Fatigue and Stress in Reactor Components
  • Impact of Thermal Cycling on Materials: Expansion, Contraction, and Fatigue
  • Stress Relief Techniques and Maintenance Procedures for High-Temperature Systems
  • Predictive Maintenance for Reactor Cooling and Related Systems
• Activity: Workshop – Evaluating the Performance and Maintenance Needs of Cooling Systems in Nuclear Plants

Day 5: Safety, Reliability, and Future Trends in Nuclear Power Facility Maintenance

• Session 1: Safety Protocols for Maintenance Operations
  • Safety Standards for Working in Nuclear Power Plants: Radiation Safety, Lockout-Tagout Procedures
  • Hazardous Materials Handling: Asbestos, Lead, and Radioactive Waste
  • Worker Training and Certification for Nuclear Maintenance Activities
• Session 2: Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) in Nuclear Plants
  • Principles of Reliability-Centered Maintenance and Its Application in Nuclear Power Plants
  • Identifying Critical Components and Failure Modes for Maintenance Prioritization
  • Continuous Improvement through Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
• Session 3: Emerging Technologies and Future Trends
  • Robotic and Automated Maintenance Solutions: Remote-Controlled Robots and Drones for Inspection
  • The Role of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Predicting Equipment Failures
  • Future of Nuclear Power: Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Their Maintenance Requirements
• Activity: Group Brainstorming – Exploring the Role of Robotics and AI in the Future of Nuclear Plant Maintenance

Course Delivery:

• Interactive Lectures: Expert-led sessions explaining core concepts, principles, and techniques in nuclear facility maintenance.
• Case Studies: Real-world examples of nuclear facility maintenance, focusing on both successes and challenges.
• Hands-on Exercises: Practical activities for troubleshooting, predictive maintenance, and condition monitoring techniques.
• Workshops: Group projects that simulate maintenance planning, corrective actions, and system improvements.
• Technology Demonstrations: Practical demonstrations of monitoring systems, diagnostic tools, and digital maintenance platforms.