MECHANICAL COMPONENTS
Ensuring the safe function of mechanical components
Component test
Depending on their function and safety significance, specific safety and availability requirements apply to the design, manufacture and installation of nuclear mechanical components, such as pumps, valves, vessels, piping and also ventilation components.
TÜV NORD Nuclear has many years of experience in this area. Focus is on due consideration of the respective operational and accident loads and conditions in all stages of the component life cycle. In this area, the TÜV NORD Nuclear experts are involved in the design, manufacturing and operation supervision processes.
Recurrent in-service inspections aim at confirming the proper condition of the components during operation. In the event of damage, failure causes must be determined – often at short notice – and measures be defined to prevent reoccurrence. TÜV NORD Nuclear has gained comprehensive know-how to support its clients e.g. in damage assessment.
Specifications
It is common practice to define the requirements on component design, manufacture and operation performance in specifications. TÜV NORD Nuclear experts use to be involved already in the drafting stage of the specifications and to accompany the finalisation of these documents.
Design reviews of mechanical components
Documents such as drawings, calculations, materials lists, and inspection/quality plans are submitted for the design review. TÜV NORD Nuclear carries out a holistic inspection of the component manufacture documents under inclusion of the applicable loads and verifies the suitability of the design and the manufacturing process for the specific operational and accident conditions. Areas of specific concern are the
- constructional features,
- strength design,
- welding processes and materials,
- component materials,
- manufacture processes and related inspections,
- testability of the components during manufacture and later operation.
Construction and assembly
By means of independent inspections during manufacture and construction, TÜV NORD Nuclear experts verify the proper manufacture of the components at the manufacturer's shop and the correct installation on site in line with the specific requirements. The TÜV NORD Nuclear welding engineers assess the suitability of welding processes and accompany these processes with random testing during manufacture.
Planning and assessment of in-service inspections (ISI)
TÜV NORD Nuclear experts assess beforehand the concept and scope of the ISI to be carried out, e.g. non-destructive tests, under due consideration of their safety significance and their suitability for the respective purpose. The experts review the ISI procedures, supervise the ISI and evaluate the ISI results.
Compilation and assessment of the actual component loads
Assessing the consequences of normal and extraordinary component loads with regard to the service life and the ageing management of the components belong to the routine activities of the TÜV NORD Nuclear experts. They provide information on the potential hazards and risks in a preventive manner.
Damage assessment
If, despite all preventive measures, a component suffers damaging, TÜV NORD Nuclear experts would identify the causes and assess solution options to prevent reoccurrences.
Quality management
In addition to the technical design of the components (based on the loads to be considered) and their manufacture, the approach and the quality policy of the manufacturer are also decisive for the supplied quality. The respective TÜV NORD Nuclear activities aim at ensuring that the manufacturer is, in terms of human resources, equipment and quality management, able to supply the desired components in the required quality.
Involvement in rule-making committees
Based on their experience in mechanical components design, manufacture and operation performance gained over more than forty years, the TÜV NORD Nuclear experts are members of the relevant committees, such as DIN, ISO, KTA and RSK, and contribute to updating the national standards and directives for mechanical components. Moreover, the TÜV NORD Nuclear experts are also familiar with international standards, like ASME and RCC-M.
