Maintenance management in nuclear power plants

Maintenance is often seen as a necessary evil. Its importance remains underestimated. It is a general feeling that periodic maintenance often leads to over maintenance. A comprehensive maintenance programme should LIse a combination of breakdown, preventive as well as corrective maintenance. In nuclear power plants (NPPs) radiological exposure to maintenance personnel places severe constraints on their maintenance activities and makes their task more demanding. Use of remote handling tools, training on mockups and use of proper procedures help in keeping the radiation exposure to “As Low As Reasonably Achievable” (ALARA) levels.

An effort has been made in this paper to discuss the mainlenance strategies adopted in maintenance of nuclear power plants with special reference to the operating plants within the country.