How Would The Implementation Of IEC 60987:2007 'Nuclear Power Plants – Instrumentation And Control Important To Safety – Electrical Equipment Condition Monitoring Methods' Impact The Periodic Maintenance And Testing Requirements For The 4160V Switchgear Buses In A Westinghouse PWR's Emergency Core Cooling System, Specifically In Regards To Partial Discharge Detection And Analysis?

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The implementation of IEC 60987:2007 for the 4160V switchgear buses in a Westinghouse PWR's ECCS would significantly enhance maintenance and testing protocols, particularly through partial discharge detection and analysis. Here's a structured summary of the impact:

  1. Proactive Maintenance Approach:

    • Shifts from routine to condition-based maintenance, using partial discharge detection for early issue identification, thus preventing unexpected failures.

  2. Enhanced Testing Requirements:

    • Adoption of standardized procedures for partial discharge detection, potentially increasing test frequency and detail.
    • Testing may become more stringent, with comprehensive analysis to ensure equipment reliability.

  3. Predictive Maintenance:

    • Allows for adjusting maintenance intervals based on equipment condition, optimizing resource use and reducing downtime.

  4. Training and Expertise:

    • Requires staff training on partial discharge techniques and data interpretation to ensure effective implementation.

  5. Documentation and Compliance:

    • Mandates detailed record-keeping and compliance reporting, facilitating tracking and regulatory audits.

  6. Integration and Planning:

    • Careful integration with existing systems to avoid operational disruption, with planned downtimes for testing.

  7. Cost Considerations:

    • Potential initial increases in costs for new techniques and testing, offset by long-term savings from failure prevention.

  8. Risk Management:

    • Emphasizes safe testing practices to avoid inducing faults, with established thresholds and response plans for partial discharge levels.

In conclusion, IEC 60987:2007 would modernize maintenance practices, enhancing safety and efficiency through proactive monitoring, while necessitating strategic planning and resource allocation.