Technical Applications

Technical Applications

Submitted by pman004 on Mon, 07/29/2024 - 14:59

EPRI Technical Applications offer tailored support to implement EPRI R&D to address industry’s technical needs.  A listing of the current offerings is provided.  EPRI Technical Applications are open for procurement independently of EPRI membership funding cycle.  Please contact EPRI Member & Technical Services for more information.  

Assessments

  • Define current state

  • Benchmark current state against EPRI guidelines and industry best practices

  • Identify and prioritize actions and recommended next steps

Tactical Implementation

  • Direct technology transfer support with utility staff to apply research, innovation and technology to specific needs

  • Accelerates implementation of EPRI research

Strategic Assistance

  • Deeper engagement to understand member focused needs 

  • Develop the technical bases for business decisions

    ETA 1.01

    PWR Primary System Materials Aging Management

    The scope consists of a technical assessment of the topical areas associated with thermal fatigue, reactor pressure vessel integrity, reactor vessel internals, nickel-based alloys and other materials related issues.  The deliverable is an assessment report describing the status of utility/station materials programs and planned inspections related to the gaps identified in regulatory requirements, guidance, and industry best practices.

    ETA 1.02

    BWR Vessel and Internals Aging Management

    A technical assessment of member's aging management plans for the topical areas that are currently within the scope of the EPRI BWR Vessel and Internals Project (BWRVIP) is performed.  These include reactor pressure vessel integrity, management of intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) in reactor vessel internals, jet pump degradation, implementation of chemistry-based mitigation for IGSCC, and other materials related issues. The deliverable is an assessment report describing the status of utility/station materials programs and planned inspections and other activities related to the regulatory requirements, guidance, and industry best practices.

    ETA 1.03

    Concrete Structures & Components Aging Management

    A technical assessment is performed in the topical areas associated with aging management of concrete structures such as structural monitoring, reinforcement corrosion, alkali silica reaction, and irradiation of concrete.  The deliverable is an assessment report describing the review of utility/station aging management programs related to regulatory requirements, industry guidance, and industry best practices.

    ETA 1.04

    Inspection of Concrete Materials & Structures in Nuclear Applications

    The objective is to provide recommendations based on independent reviews performed on various processes to assist utilities to make informed implementation decisions.  The many technical areas that can be addressed include operating experience and data compilation, evaluation, and reviews to offer recommendations for NDE methods, consultation for specific programs or nondestructive evaluation techniques, training on NDE techniques for concrete (on EPRI Training and Development), procedure preparation, and service life modeling and evaluation for specific deterioration mechanisms including that for steel reinforcement.  The deliverable is report containing results of the review and recommendations.

    ETA 1.05

    Steam Generator Tube Integrity Applications

    The base scope provides utility with steam generator management program (SGMP) expertise during outages to help real-time understanding and effective implementation of the EPRI program guidelines, and provides enhanced knowledge transfer using industry guidance documents, including the EPRI Integrity Assessment Guidelines and the Examination Guidelines.  Degradation Assessment is reviewed prior to the outage and support offered during the outage to review all eddy current results. Scope is flexible to include in-situ support with repair lists, and support on root cause investigations.  Deliverables include verbal input on inspection, pressure test screening, tube plugging, data analyses, and technical review of startup reports.

    ETA 1.06

    LAMBDA Assessment and Replacement Strategy

    Utility decision makers will be provided with results from Long-term Asset Management Basis Design Application (LAMBDA) software to assist optimal strategic long-term decision making using specific assets and financial information.  LAMBDA incorporates scientifically developed standard degradation algorithms linked with station specific financials to enable better informed decisions regarding control of capital spending, including how to control and reduce capital spending, insight to potential capital costs for long term operation (LTO), and a framework for prioritizing capital spending (e.g., how to decide what to do and when).  Deliverables include assistance with optimizing long-term asset management strategy for capital spending and insights to capital costs for LTO.

    ETA 1.07

    Long Term Operation (LTO) Assessment and Program Review

    The scope consists of a technical assessment and program review of documents associated with plant LTO program such as sections of the license renewal application (LRA) or periodic safety review (PSR), supporting documents for the LRA/PSR such as the aging management review (AMR) reports, time limited aging analysis (TLAA) reports, aging management program reports, etc.  The EPRI expert review will rely on relevant EPRI guidance documents and other EPRI technical reports, regulatory guidance, and other relevant industry standards and guidance (e.g., NEI, ASME, IEEE, ACI, etc.).  Deliverable is an assessment report describing the scope of the review, observations and recommendations, and suggestions for follow-up actions, if needed.

    Program

    Operating Plant Initiatives

     

    ETA 1.08

    Long Term Operation (LTO) Workshop and Training Support

    An on-site or virtual LTO workshop is provided, covering mutually agreed upon topics such as development of a license renewal application (LRA) or periodic safety review (PSR) document, preparation of supporting documents for the LRA/PSR such as the aging management review (AMR) reports, time limited aging analysis (TLAA) reports, aging management programs, etc.  With hands-on application of the course material, the topics would be based on relevant EPRI guidance documents and other EPRI technical reports, regulatory guidance, and other relevant industry standards and guidance (e.g., NUREG-1801 & 2191, IAEA, NEI, ASME, IEEE, ACI, etc.).  Deliverable includes the workshop training material and a summary report describing the workshop, observations and recommendations from the workshop, and suggestions for follow-up actions, if needed.

    Program

    Operating Plant Initiatives

     

    ETA 2.01

    Decommissioning Project Assessment

    A comprehensive assessment (or multiple targeted assessments) of specific programmatic areas such as waste management; site characterization, environmental remediation; dismantlement of systems; and structures, components, consistent with EPRI guidance and industry best practices is provided.  Deliverables include reviews of planned/completed activities, and an EPRI report containing results of the assessment.  The report will identify strengths and weaknesses of the project in both planning and execution, provide recommendations for changes to programs and procedures, technology selection, resource management, and recommendations for risk mitigation.

    ETA 2.02

    Chemistry Optimization

    An assessment is performed to develop an implementation plan for optimizing one or more chemistry focus areas at the plant, based on the assessment results and onsite observations.  Documents are prepared and reviewed in advance, conducting review of the scope to provide input to the EPRI report that identifies potential areas for improvement, and collaboratively develops the implementation plan to update the station’s water chemistry strategic optimization plan.  The deliverables include a report documenting the observations and an action plan, where the action plan may be a revision to the station’s existing strategic water chemistry plan, or a similar member identified document.

    ETA 2.03

    Groundwater Protection Assessment

    In a scope-dependent manner, develops or reviews the site soil and groundwater remediation plans in preparation for a future, unplanned groundwater related events, develops or reviews soil and groundwater remediation plans addressing a specific groundwater related event at a plant site, or identifies the source of tritium or other radionuclides found in groundwater on-site in certain situations.  The deliverable is an assessment report containing the results of the on-site assessment that will also identify good practices, technical gaps, and potential areas for technical and efficiency improvements.

    ETA 2.04

    Flow-Accelerated Corrosion (FAC) Program Assessment and Mentoring

    A review is performed to assess plant program to control flow-accelerated corrosion (FAC).  The assessment evaluates the overall program status by following the guidance provided in CHUG Position Paper Number 7, Revision 1, Self-Assessment Guidance to Support Flow-Accelerated Corrosion Programs (3002013191).  This review will encompass the program to control FAC in both safety-related and non-safety related systems, including large-bore piping and small-bore piping.  The deliverable is an assessment report summarizing the findings from the assessments, categorized according to the station’s self-assessment procedure.  Detailed descriptions of the findings will be documented in an attachment to the report.

    ETA 2.05

    Buried Piping & Tanks Program Assessment and Mentoring

    An on-site assessment of the utility’s existing program and activities associated with the management of buried piping and tanks is performed.  The site-specific assessment would focus on a wide range of topics, addressing various aspects of developing, implementing, and maintaining an effective buried piping and tanks program that includes inspection, risk ranking and long-term asset management, corrosion control, repair and replacement, programmatic improvements, and training.  The deliverable is an assessment report and an implementation action plan to address the identified recommendations for improvement.

    ETA 2.06

    Main Reactor Pump (MRP) Seals – Subject Matter Expert (SME) Support for Failure Analysis

    A main reactor pump (MRP) failure analysis is performed to address prevention and mitigation strategies focusing on MRP seal degradation, characteristics, causes, and remedies, and identifies options to improve performance.  The deliverable is a report that contains results of the failure analyses, and mitigative and performance improvement options that include maintenance best practices on the installation and monitoring of seals.

    ETA 2.07

    Large Transformer - SME Support for Failure Analysis

    An assessment of the plant's large transformer maintenance program, including condition monitoring techniques for detecting the onset of adverse conditions is performed.  Key stressors that would shorten the expected life, and addresses the logistics associated with replacement during a planned outage or upon failure, enabling quick decision making to mitigate the risk of catastrophic in-service failures are identified.  The information generated would also help with preparing for replacement or refurbishment of the transformer and the development of contingency plans, if a failure occurs.  The deliverable is a report that documents the plant specific mitigative and performance improvement options and strategic guidance to manage failure events.

    ETA 2.08

    Cable Aging Management Program Assessment and Mentoring

    An on-site assessment of the existing Cable Aging Management Program (CAMP) at the utility is performed, and an actionable implementation plan to address identified gaps is developed.  A follow-up review option is also available to evaluate the completion of the implementation plan.  The deliverable is an assessment report and an action plan developed based on the results of the on-site assessment.

    ETA 3.01

    Procurement Engineering Assessment and Mentoring

    EPRI’s expertise is deployed to assess and improve one or more procurement focus areas.  This includes establishing the assessment scope, advanced preparation and review of documents, conducting the assessment, completion of an assessment report that identifies potential areas for improvement, and developing a plan to implement improvements and enhancements.  The deliverables are an assessment report and an action plan.

    ETA 3.02

    Equipment Reliability (ER) Initial Program Development and Implementation Mentoring

    The plant equipment reliability (ER) program is developed, and a plan to put in place the necessary procedures and instructions to achieve the safety, quality, and performance objectives is provided.  The scope includes providing dETA ils necessary to implement the recommendations.  The deliverable is a report that contains the ER plan and the recommendations for their implementation at the plant.

    ETA 3.03

    Equipment Reliability (ER) Program Assessment and Mentoring

    An assessment is performed on the implementation of an equipment reliability (ER) program at a plant, identifying gaps and areas for improvement by reviewing the related procedures and instructions.  The scope includes providing the mentoring necessary to maintain the ER program.  The deliverable is a report that contains the ER plan and recommendations for their implementation at the plant.

    ETA 3.04

    Single Point Vulnerabilities (SPV) Initial Program Development and Implementation Mentoring

    The scope is to systematically identify plant component single point vulnerabilities (SPVs) with potential to impact operability and safety system performance.  A graded approach to equipment reliability (ER) is applied to evaluate or create a plant's program to ensure that efforts are focused on the most important equipment.  In this graded approach, SPVs are prioritized, identifying a tier for elimination where practical, and additional SPVs for mitigation that cannot be fully eliminated.  A bridging strategy is developed for SPVs that have not yet been eliminated or fully mitigated.  The deliverable is a report that contains results of the evaluation and the bridging strategy.

    ETA 3.05

    SPV Program Assessment and Mentoring

    An assessment is performed on a plant’s existing component single point vulnerabilities (SPVs) program.  Assessment is performed through the application of a graded approach to equipment reliability (ER) to evaluate if efforts are focused on the most important equipment.  SPV prioritization, and identification for elimination and mitigation are reviewed along with any bridging strategies in place.  Deliverable is an assessment report and recommendations for improvement.

    ETA 3.06

    Valve Online Monitoring Technology Assessment and Recommendations

    Plant’s valve online monitoring program is evaluated to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement, and to propose technologies that can be implemented to improve plant availability through advanced surveillance techniques.  Deliverable is an assessment report and recommendations for improvement.

    ETA 3.07

    Emergency Diesel Generator Operation & Maintenance Assessment and Mentoring

    An on-site assessment of the existing emergency diesel generator (EDG) operation and maintenance program at the utility is performed.  The assessment will include advance preparation, and an on-site assessment to identify an actionable implementation plan for addressing the identified gaps.  An optional follow-up review is also available to evaluate the completion of the implementation plan.  Deliverables are an assessment report and an implementation plan to address the identified gaps.

    ETA 3.08

    Developing Plant Main Condenser Integrity Assessment & Management Process

    The plant condenser integrity program is assessed, during and after outages where condenser inspection and work occurs, to provide input and guidance to aid effective implementation of the EPRI Condenser Integrity Program guidance and knowledge transfer, based on EPRI Condenser Integrity Assessment Guidelines, Non-destructive Examination Guidelines, and industry operating experience.  A second scope offered includes reviewing the post outage non-destructive evaluation (NDE) results and inspection findings.  The deliverable is a report containing results of the analyses and recommendations on the inspection scope, as well as bridging strategies if a mid-cycle leak occurs.

    ETA 3.09

    Foreign Material Exclusion Assessment and Mentoring

    The EPRI Foreign Material Exclusion (FME) Program Assessment Tool is used to identify and evaluate elements for continuous improvement to provide input for preventive maintenance and work planning programs.  Deliverables are an assessment report of the plant's FME program, and recommendations for improvements.

    ETA 3.10

    Preventive Maintenance Basis Database (PMBD) Site-Specific Application Training

    On-site training is provided on the use of the handheld device and data collection software tool, that allows leveraging the EPRI PM Basis Database (PMBD) as-found checklists to improve the data captured.  This enables systems engineers to influence changes in preventive maintenance (PM) task scope and/or frequency in maintaining the “Living” aspect of the PM program.  The deliverables are training material and an on-site training session.

    ETA 3.11

    Work Planning Best Practices Assessment and Mentoring

    Plant's existing work planning practices are evaluated to identify areas for improvement and/or develops a training program to train and qualify the organization's work planners.  The training program provides the fundamental knowledge and skills required to prepare consistent and high-quality work packages aligned with site-specific needs and industry standards using Systematic Approach to Training (SAT) methodology.  The deliverable is a report contains dETA ils of the training program.

    ETA 3.12

    Monitoring and Diagnostics (M&D) Program Assessment and Mentoring

    An on-site assessment of the existing Monitoring and Diagnostics (M&D) program at a utility and/or station is performed.  The initial site-specific or utility-specific assessment (and potentially follow-up assessments) will consist of advanced preparation, an on-site assessment, completion of an assessment report, and generating an actionable implementation plan for addressing the identified gaps.  This assessment will also evaluate business practices to support the economic viability of the M&D program and the business needs of the utility.  The deliverables are an assessment report and an action plan.

    ETA 3.13

    Flexible Power Operations (FPO) Implementation Workshop

    The scope of the Flexible Power Operation (FPO) Implementation Workshop is to identify a plant’s operational aspects impacted by shifting to FPO, so that the respective EPRI Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) can assist addressing areas of concern.  Assistance offered include operations, maintenance, engineering programs, chemistry, and radiation protection that are addressed in the EPRI FPO transition guide Transitioning Nuclear Power Plants to Flexible Power Operations-Experience Report Summary and Update of Approach to Transition Nuclear Power Plants to Flexible Power Operations (3002010414).  The deliverable is a report that describes plant-specific implementation of the EPRI FPO transition guide.

    ETA 3.14

    Welding Program Assessment

    An on-site assessment of the utility’s existing welding program and activities associated with the management of the welding program is performed.  The site-specific assessment will focus on a wide range of topics, addressing various aspects of welding program documents, weld process control development, filler issue and storage, etc.  An assessment can also be tailored to focus on certain activities or concerns.  The deliverable is an assessment report that will identify good industry practices, and areas for improvement and recommendations.

    ETA 3.15

    Welding Program Support and Mentoring

    Remote and limited on-site support is provided to assist member welding personnel to address specific welding and repair issues.  Additionally, member welding personnel will work closely with EPRI staff to learn the available tools for addressing future issues and questions that may arise.  The main deliverable is direct member support, and potentially third-party reviews, with written deliverables specific to each situation.

    ETA 3.16

    Gleeble Welding Simulations

    Gleeble weld simulations are performed on specified materials.  EPRI will work with the member to determine the exact scope, as it would be highly dependent on materials and the desired objectives.  In general, the scope will include machining of cylindrical specimens, performing Gleeble simulations for up to 50 specimens, and performing roughly 20 Charpy V-Notch tests (if needed).  The deliverable will include raw data for all test results and data plots.

    ETA 3.17

    Regional Repair and Replacement Training

    The scope is to perform an on-site overview of ASME Section XI – Repair/Replacement Activities training that provides general information to assist Repair/Replacement (R/R) program owners.  It is a general overview of the requirements contained in American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Section XI and areas affecting the management and implementation of an R/R program.  The deliverables include training material, real life examples, as well as questions aimed at testing the students’ understanding of the training material.

    ETA 3.18

    ASME Section IX Training

    On-site training of ASME Section IX is offered.  This training course will provide general and dETA iled information regarding application of ASME BPVC Section IX.  The training is intended to help power plant personnel understand the qualification of welding procedures and welder performance.  The course provides a brief overview of ASME Section IX but is focused on learners that have some previous experience with and using ASME Section IX.  Deliverables include the training material that also contain examples and practice problems to reinforce concepts, and to increase knowledge during qualification activities or during reviews.

    ETA 3.19

    Welding Fundamentals Training

    This training course will provide general information to assist nuclear power plant workers in understanding the industry code requirements for a welding program, control of special processes, the welding processes typically used at site/construction, a general introduction to materials and welding mETA llurgy, typical heat treatments, cracking and degradation mechanisms, alternate repair methods, and filler material procurement and control.  Attendees will also learn general approaches for using various EPRI resources including guidance documents to address issues. Attendees will gain broader understanding of welding and repair at the site.  Main deliverable is the training that includes the training material.

    ETA 3.20

    Overview of Construction Code Training

    On-site training is offered with an overview of construction codes, providing information to assist nuclear power plant workers in understanding how construction codes are used to fabricate and install piping and components, as well as their supports.  The training is a general overview of select codes and their scope, and application in repair, maintenance, and modifications activities for operating facilities.  In additional to the main deliverable of providing the training, focused training is optional in select areas that may be necessary based on the individual level of knowledge and background.  

    ETA 4.01

    Risk-Informed in-service inspection (ISI) Benchmarking Existing Programs

    An on-site assessment of the existing in-service inspection (ISI) program at the utility and/or station is performed.  The site-specific or utility-specific assessment will consist of advance preparation, the on-site assessment, completion of a report, and an actionable implementation plan for addressing the identified gaps.  A follow-up review option is also available to evaluate the completion of the implementation plan.  The deliverables are an assessment report containing benchmarking results and an action plan.

    ETA 4.02

    Risk-Informed Categorization of Structures, Systems, and Components (SSCs)

    EPRI Alternative Treatment Program Guidance is applied to determine alternative treatments to RISC 3 Structures, Systems, and Components (SSCs) using specific requirements associated with the methodology, as well as technical bases such as ASME Code Case N660, passive categorization, piping and component support boundaries, and defense-in-depth.  Deliverables are a report and a risk matrix.

    ETA 4.03

    Peer Review / Focus Scope Peer Review

    The scope is to conduct a peer review or a focused scope peer review against ASME/ANS PRA Standard by independent qualified staff to satisfy supporting requirements and documenting Facts and Observations (F&Os) related to meeting elements of the ASME/ANS PRA Standard.  Assessment options include internal events (Part 2), internal flood (Part 3), internal fire (Part 4), and seismic (Part 5).  The peer review team makeup is dependent on the type of PRA reviewed.  The deliverables include a peer review and documentation of supporting requirements against the PRA Standard.

    ETA 4.04

    Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) / Human Reliability Analysis (HRA) Benchmarking

    Probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) model or human reliability analysis (HRA) and the supporting documentation are reviewed.  Any gaps identified, deficiencies, or new methodologies available that represent current state of practice are documented.  The deliverable is a report summarizing the benchmarking exercise.

    ETA 4.05

    Climate Hazard Projection Data (CHIP)

    Many nuclear power plants now intend to implement forward-looking vulnerability assessments of potential challenges due to extreme weather and climate change.  INPO, regulators, grid operators, and policy makers are also considering system resiliency to climate-related hazards.  Nuclear power plants will need improved information about climate hazards and potential changes at the local level.  Through this scope, EPRI will provide comprehensive climate projection data specific to a given nuclear plant location including analyses of both historical trends and projected changes in weather, and climate-related variables and extreme events at appropriate time scales for planning (e.g., 2030s, 2050s, 2070s). Deliverables are a report and data files.

    ETA 4.06

    External Flooding Walkdown Guidance

    Following the Fukushima event, nuclear power plants and regulators around the world have reexamined the risk of flooding from external sources, which includes a variety of flood-causing mechanisms.  This application will provide support in performing an external flooding walkdown to gather accurate information about the plant layout and operation, consistent with EPRI External Flooding Probabilistic Risk Assessment Walkdown Guidance.  This scope assumes that the necessary inputs including an external flood equipment list, topographical and hydrological assessment, etc. are available (scope does not include generating inputs).  The deliverable is a report.

    ETA 4.07

    High Winds Walkdown Guidance

    High winds may potentially be hazardous to nuclear power plant (NPP) sites in the form of tornados, hurricanes, and straight-line winds (thunderstorms and extra-tropical storms).  Some NPPs need to develop high-wind probabilistic risk assessments (HWPRAs), which requires the development of a list of vulnerable systems, structures, and components (SSCs) and a site missile survey.  The purpose of this application is to support the performance of an HWPRA walkdown with the aim of completing a site missile survey and supporting the high-wind equipment list (HWEL), which is a list of PRA related SSCs that should be evaluated for high-wind impacts through walkdowns of vulnerable SSCs, consistent with the EPRI report: Process for High Winds Walkdown and Vulnerability Assessments at Nuclear Power Plants, (3002008092).  This scope assumes that the necessary inputs including a HWEL are available (scope does not include generating inputs). The deliverable is a report.

    ETA 4.08

    Tornado Missile Strike Calculator (TMSC) Calculations

    Tornado Missile Strike Calculator (TMSC) is a program used to estimate the probability that a wind-borne missile will impact a defined target.  The primary application for the program is in the component fragility assessment portion of a high winds probabilistic risk assessment (PRA).  The program models tornado wind speeds according to the DBT-77 model with a stochastic sampling of tornado direction and origination point.  Missile injection and trajectories are then calculated at a small timestep as a function of the wind speed at the missile position and user inputs regarding missile characteristics.  The program records intersections of missiles with user-identified targets within a user-identified coordinate (zone) system.  This sampling is performed across a wind speed interval set by the user to give a probabilistic estimate of the fraction of tornadoes that result in strike events and the average number of strikes in a strike event.  The scope of this application is to build a site TMSC model.  The deliverable is a report and the TMSC model.

    ETA 4.09

    Climate Vulnerability Assessment

    Many owners/operators now intend to implement forward-looking physical climate risk assessments of potential challenges due to climate change.  This can guide decision making and improve plant resiliency, with the overall objective to minimize the risk of generation disruption.  Most recently, the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) requested that all U.S. nuclear power plants complete a climate vulnerability assessment.  The objective of this project is to complete a climate vulnerability assessment using the INPO 24-002 and EPRI report: Climate Vulnerability Assessment Guidance for Nuclear Power Plants (3002023814), along with site-specific climate hazard projections.  The scope is limited to identifying potential vulnerabilities for those components critical to operational continuity from climate related hazards (e.g., extreme heat, cold, drought, flooding, etc.).  The deliverable is a report. 

    ETA 4.10

    Fault Tree Evaluation and Restructuring

    The scope is to develop or enhance computer aided fault tree analysis (CAFTA) models, using the software for fault tree restructuring, gate expansion, subsuming, and data storage.  This effort can greatly accelerate the quantification process of a fault tree to generate millions of cutsets for typical PRA models.  The deliverable is a technical report containing the data, model, and results from exercising the model.

    ETA 4.11

    Integrated Risk Technologies (IRT) Quantifications (assessments/runs/improvements)

    The PRA model to determine the optimal settings for quantification when using FTREX as the quantifier is evaluated.  Optimization will include FTREX command line options, use of FTREX to apply recovery rules, use of FTREX for HRA dependency analysis, and assessment of how mutually exclusive rules are applied.  The deliverable is a technical report containing the model and settings used to optimize the quantification, with results showing the improvement in quantification speed from the options used.

    ETA 4.12

    RiskSpectrum or WinNUPRA Conversion to CAFTA

    The scope is to convert the PRA model from either RiskSpectrum or WinNUPRA to CAFTA.  Cutset results from the original model are compared to CAFTA model to either adjust the model to match or explain the difference as acceptable.  The deliverable is a technical report that includes the CAFTA model, a description of the changes in the model, any errors found in the model, and a comparison between the older model and the CAFTA model.

    ETA 4.13

    Flood propagation analysis for internal flooding

    Flood propagation analysis is a key element of internal flooding probabilistic risk analysis (PRA) development to identify failed equipment in various compartments resulting from a postulated flooding source.  This analysis has historically been performed using propriETA ry vendor methods or simple hand calculations which may not accurately capture the impacts of a given flood event.  However, using a thermal-hydraulic tool such as GOTHIC allows for a more rigorous evaluation of the flood propagation effects, such as the timing of equipment failure, and realistic transport of water between compartments through doors, floor drains, and other transfer mechanisms.  This application utilizes utility geometry and component locations to produce the necessary inputs for the internal flooding PRA based on the selected flooding scenarios.  The deliverable is a technical report containing results from the analysis and includes a spreadsheet with propagation and SSC inundation data.  The report may also include GOTHIC models, if used for the propagation analysis.

    ETA 4.14

    Risk Informed Aging Management

    Risk Informed Aging Management application utilizes operational experience, subject matter expertise, and EPRI publications to help members improve their proficiency in developing, executing, and maintaining aging management programs.  This application will evaluate the utility’s aging management program and the associated applicable risk tools to create a risk matrix to help optimize the aging management program.  Implementation of the Risk Insight Framework for Aging Management programs will enable EPRI to help members improve their programs and may benefit EPRI and its membership by revealing research gaps that EPRI can help address through its ongoing research programs.  The deliverable is a report containing the risk matrix.

    ETA 4.015

    Software Acceptance Testing

    As part of the final testing before an EPRI member begins utilizing an EPRI software version for their production applications, they must undergo software acceptance and regression testing for each code release.  This includes evaluating the code results between versions and dispositioning any differences based on the changes in the new code version being evaluated.  The scope allows EPRI to perform testing based on a given set of plant-specific input files and deliver a final report outlining the results of the testing and resolution of results which differed between versions.  This would streamline the acceptance of new code releases and allow for a higher level of confidence by the end-user that the new version is ready for use on their plant-specific models and applications.  The deliverable is a report containing results of the software acceptance and regression testing. 

    ETA 4.16

    Modular Accident Analysis Program (MAAP) Remote Calculations

    Sensitivity and uncertainty analysis is a common approach in severe accident analysis when applying codes such as EPRI’s Modular Accident Analysis Program (MAAP) to resolve plant-specific severe accident and thermal-hydraulic issues.  Depending on the extent of the sampling to be performed, MAAP users may need to run hundreds or thousands of calculations for their application, which can be challenging depending on the end-user's computational resources.  EPRI High Performance Computing (HPC) resources and severe accident expertise will be utilized to manage and execute these calculations to provide the results to the end-user.  The deliverables are MAAP output files. 

    ETA 4.17

    Modular Accident Analysis Program (MAAP) Parameter File Updates for Power Uprates and Cycle Length Extensions

    This application will support plant-specific member model updates to Modular Accident Analysis Program (MAAP) parameter files for power uprate and cycle length extensions for a given MAAP version.  Along with the updated parameter files, regression testing will be performed to assess impact on success criteria or other MAAP applications based on member provided input files.  Deliverables include a test report and the associated MAAP parameter files.

    ETA 4.18

    Risk Informed Repair & Replacement Support and Optimization

    Initial training is provided on concepts of risk Informed repair and replacement activities (RI-RRA).  Includes determining and prioritizing the application of RI-RRA via N-752 for select ASME Class 2 and Class 3 items and components following EPRI guidelines.  Suggested alternative treatments in lieu of the requirements of ASME Sections III and XI for items and components categorized as Low Safety Significant is included.  Actual activities and resultant deliverables are highly dependent on the exact scope of work.  Deliverables such as initial training for site personnel, a report and a risk matrix are examples.

    ETA 4.19

    Risk Informed Digital I&C Engineering Capabilities Assessment and Mentoring

    The readiness and capabilities of a utility to implement a risk informed strategy and process to implement digital I&C technology are assessed.  This engagement will bring together engineering and risk professionals to assess and address the challenges and benefits of moving to a risk informed posture.  The deliverables include a report containing the findings, combined with mentoring that will assist with adopting a risk informed digital I&C strategy.

    ETA 4.20

    Digital I&C Systems Engineering Capabilities Assessment and Mentoring

    The scope is to identify and evaluate existing systems engineering capabilities, using the processes described in the EPRI publications: Digital Engineering Guide (DEG; 3002011816) and the US specific Nuclear Industry Standard Process (NISP)-EN-04 in order to identify and evaluate the goals and expectations for executing DEG/NISP activities.  Plans and efforts to implement the standard digital engineering process are evaluated to identify opportunities for improvement and to help achieve the desired objectives.  The deliverable is a report containing the findings, opportunities, and options for improvement, combined with mentoring that will assist with adopting system improvements.

    ETA 5.01

    Modernization Strategy Development

    Steps outlined in the EPRI report: Nuclear Power Plant Modernization-Strategy Development and Implementation Process (3002020908) are followed from initiation through selection of modernization improvements (Steps 1 – 4 of 3002020908) to develop the modernization strategy, define strategic inputs and business risks, investigate feasibility of improvements, and perform scoping evaluations to select improvements.  The deliverable is a report containing strategic inputs used, assumptions used, a list of potential improvements considered, and recommended business cases for further developments.

    ETA 5.02

    Digital I&C Lifecycle Strategy Capabilities Assessment and Mentoring

    The readiness and capabilities of an organization to develop a plant-specific lifecycle strategy by evaluating existing and proposed engineering and organizational processes are assessed.  The assessment will be based on the processes described in the EPRI Digital Systems Engineering: Digital Instrumentation and Control Lifecycle Strategy Guide (3002023438) to identify and evaluate the goals and expectations for a life cycle strategy.  The deliverables include a report containing the findings, as well as mentoring to assist with adopting a digital lifecycle strategy.

    ETA 5.03

    Cyber Security Assessment

    The scope is to perform a cyber security technical assessment using an engineering approach, focusing on the digital hazards and reliability.  This includes evaluating and identifying additional mitigation strategies to reduce the assessment burden.  The approach used is to develop a baseline system and/or a device configuration to provide a starting point for evaluation with the objective to reduce the attack surface as low as possible, while still achieving functional objectives.  The deliverable is a report containing the results of evaluation, vulnerabilities, and approaches to address them.

    ETA 5.04

    Condition Monitoring Technology Assessment and Recommendations

    Plant’s existing condition-based maintenance program is evaluated using EPRI’s Predictive Maintenance Guidelines.  This is followed by compiling recommendations for the development or improvement strategies to apply condition monitoring technologies, as well as any corrective actions or maintenance requirements of major/critical equipment.  The deliverable is a report containing the results of evaluation and opportunities for improvement.

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