Objective

The objective of this project was to implement a complete system of electric motorised valve diagnostic equipment which would allow the in-situ assessment of electrically operated valves of all types. The system was to be used to confirm the satisfactory condition of valves and actuators in order to justify their continued operation without dismantling. The system was also expected to provide permanent records of the histories of valves and actuators for long term trend analysis.

The system was intended to diagnose the presence of wear or deterioration to allow the remaining useful life of valve components to be estimated, and would reveal and identify failures in order to allow appropriate repairs to be carried out. The system would also allow the accurate setting of actuator control switches to avoid the possibility of overstressing the valve components.

The equipment would contribute to improving the safety and reliability of the plant by avoiding the need for unnecessary maintenance work. The system was planned for use initially at Smolensk NPP, but it was considered relevant for use at all Russian NPPs and it was intended to be rolled out to other NPPs following successful implementation at Smolensk NPP.

Scope

The scope of work included the provision of two portable valve diagnostic systems suitable for use on all types of electric motorised valves. The diagnostic systems consisted of the equipment for measuring the relevant valve parameters and also the analytical processes and long term data storage facilities to enable changes in significant parameters to be quantified and assessed within the acceptable tolerances.

The extent of supply was the design, manufacture, testing, provision of software, certification of equipment, delivery, installation, setting to work at site, documentation, provision of operating instructions, training of operators, supply of spare parts and provision of warranty.

The supply included the provision of operating instructions in the form of an engineering manual describing the procedures for defining and evaluating the valve and actuator performance for all types of valve and actuator used in the power plant.

Results

The contract was signed with on 17 April 2002. After significant delays the equipment was tested at the supplier's premises on 15 September 2004 where training of End User personnel was also provided immediately after testing. It was then delivered, installed and tested at site in December 2004 and the Provisional Acceptance Certificate was issued.