VALVES IN NUCLEAR
the UK, whereby the customer engages consulting expertise where they do not have their own expertise on a process by bringing in experts in welding, pressure equipment, nondestructive testing, or even casting homogeneity testing. They intend to give notes on every critical process to try and make sure the process is undertaken in the best way technically available. Standardised contract structure from RCC-M helps ensure documents or requirements aren’ t missed. Whereas ASME requires a design spec document, RCC-M requires a similar document termed the‘ equipment spec’, and then several levels of consistently termed design communications can be in place. First, beyond the PO itself is a‘ requisition file’ that is meant to contain all referenced requirement documentation with their versions controlled. CDM require a register of design risks for users be maintained for health and safety as well as standardised documentation resultant as a safety warning to operators in either manual or drawing of products produced for the market. The philosophy is‘ the right information to the right person at the right time’, which is applied using Safety Health and Environmental( SHE) boxes. These boxes are required in product documentation for workers’ risk involved in plant construction to decommission concisely( see Fig. 3). This standardised safety communication promotes more effective safety measures into every process with a consistent method.
Figure 3: An example SHE box from the National Archives
RCC-E in practice on some of these new projects has brought new tools to build a greater integration of design documentation
Figure 4: An example a reference file with cross-referenced modifications
using a‘ reference file’( see Fig. 4). Reference files document part numbers, drawings, processes, material documentation, and even aspects like detailing of lubricants used. Qualified equipment must be communicated to their effected customer along with the degree of change( i. e. major or minor). A key tool for the nuclear aftermarket is a statement of interchangeability of a spare part. From this tool a statement of interchangeability certifies the part meets the qualified service without issue.
Culture controls
Cultural emphasis of particular risk controls like CFSI has been advocated for by the NRC for many years, but it has not been contractualised beyond direct vendors of nuclear specific products. New specifications expect culture to be audited and checked for effectiveness, checking executive sponsorship, and workforce engagement. Personnel qualification is a standardized approach in most of Europe, where each person on staff has levels of qualification in various tasks as a SQEP contractual commitment. In its least complex state, where topics of qualification do not associate with a particular certification, it has been accomplished using a 3-level approach to identify qualification by employee( see Fig. 5). This level-based system gives a hierarchy of experience, and a clear mechanism of progression within a specialisation. Legislation in the UK such as CDM and the new standard for nuclear quality systems based on the foundation of ISO 9001, ISO 19443 require such personnel qualification.
Figure 5: An example personnel qualification record
A nuclear safety culture is an important control point for the US Nuclear industry, but in Europe they are extending these controls even further than just basic evidence. ISO has produced ISO 19443 to act as the current standard for this style of quality system. A clear showcase of such nuclear safety culture banner showcasing the safety policy that all personnel sign. This helps cover both advertising culture, as well as engaging a commitment from all employees. Cultural tools help keep all parties engaged with important control factors. Such controls can build a more intentional organisation to address problems at every level.
Conclusions
Project control mechanisms outlined in this paper help produce consistent outcomes and provide better visibility to all parties engaged to the value stream. The right application can hone a quality system to effectively actualise design goals and avoid risks. Investing in targeted inspections can yield considerable reduction in expensive problems in incoming inspection. A process is often undertaken more closely to specification with qualified customer oversite. Prioritised quality processes, tracing key dimensions, manufacturing steps, and mapping project risk give vendors clear priorities to align with expectations. Thorough design documentation using internationally understood terms, ensures nothing is lost in translation even with domestic contracts. Better communication means that end user goals are emphasised, and manufacturing is optimised to produce quality results throughout a supply chain. Empowering individuals involved in key parts of the supply chain to support project values is used to control the human factors. With minimal costs, major savings can be found through contractualised cultural requirements. New contract tools build a more integrated, intelligent supply chain. Whether used to control process results, secure proprietary information, or managing communications, it is important to be using the best tools available.
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