On the implementation of disturbance analysis systems for detection and diagnosis of safety-related transients in a nuclear power plant

Considerable interest has developed in the last few years in the possible applications of a computerized disturbance analysis system (DAS) to nuclear power plant fault detection and diagnosis. The present paper, after introducing some general aspects of the DAS methodology, focuses specifically on the problems associated with its application to safety related malfunctions and transients. An approach called ‘significant event analysis’ is proposed for possible application when considerable diagnostic depth is deemed necessary from the DAS. A fairly detailed application of this approach to a particular class of disturbances potentially associated with power supply systems is then described. Finally, consideration is given to the relation between the specific types of failures actually recorded in electrical systems and the potential benefits from implementation of a DAS in those systems.