Design Basis vs. Beyond Design Basis Considerations in Nuclear Plants  

A Practical, Lessons Learned, Case Study and Example-based Training Program Led by:

 

Ram Srinivasan, Ph.D., P.E.  

7.5 Hours • .75 CEUs • 7.5 PDHs  

About this Master Class (MC120)

As a result of the lessons learned from the Fukushima Accident 2011, the US NRC has issued various orders requiring plant licensees to evaluate the current design to cope with beyond design basis events (BDBE) (seismic, flooding, tsunami, etc.), provide mitigation strategies (FLEX) for responding to Loss of Offsite Power, provide hardened containment vents (BWR plants), enhance emergency preparedness, etc. In response to the US NRC orders, nuclear plants are having to make evaluations of the current design bases and in some instances make improvements/modifications to plant structures, systems, and components (SSCs). However, since these modifications are being implemented to cope with a BDBE, the design criteria are different than those required for the plant design basis events (DBE). Plant engineers need to be aware of these differences in making decisions affecting design, procurement, and implementation of plant modifications. This master class reviews typical plant design basis and beyond design basis considerations including the design acceptance criteria, configuration management and quality assurance. Typical examples of BDBE are presented highlighting the differences in the design approach between DBE and BDBE. Case studies are also included involving assessment of an existing nuclear plant to an earthquake event that exceeded plant’s design basis earthquake, and a flooding event that nearly challenged a plant’s design basis.

For more information and to register, visit http://go.asme.org/mc120

The ASME Master Class Series focuses on applications and case studies of a particular topic. Each Master Class is led by an ASME Master, an expert in his professional discipline, who brings a wealth of knowledge and practical examples to the forum. Participants are expected to have prior knowledge of the topic area to gain the most from this interactive environment.

 

Sessions are focused on real world examples and case studies, with active class discussion

and analysis.

 

About this MasterClass

This one-day MasterClass provides a review of the differences between the Design Basis Events (DBE) and Beyond Design Basis Events (BDBE) as they apply to the post-Fukushima evaluation of nuclear power plants. The focus of the DBE and BDBE would be on external events (seismic, floods, etc.) based on the lessons learned from the 2011 Fukushima Accident. The applicable US NRC orders and regulatory and industry guidance documents addressing the various lessons learned would be reviewed. Examples of the post-Fukushima evaluation would include: seismic and flooding evaluations, mitigation strategies (FLEX), and BWR containment hardened vent. Differences in the Quality Assurance (QA) considerations affecting DBE and BDBE would also be reviewed. Upon completion, attendees will be able to

Evaluate differences between plant design basis and beyond design basis events

Examine lessons learned from the 2011 Fukushima Accident and the current US NRC orders affecting evaluation/upgrade of nuclear plants

Apply appropriate design and acceptance criteria for design basis and beyond design basis events in plant design/modifications

Who Should Attend

This MasterClass is intended for nuclear power plant staff engineers, designers, equipment vendors, and regulators who desire a practical understanding of the differences between Design Basis Events (DBE) and Beyond Basis Events (BDBE), particularly external events such as seismic and flooding, applicable to Nuclear Power Plants.

About this ASME Master

Dr. Ram Srinivasan, Ph.D., P.E., is an international seismic expert with over 42 years of experience in the seismic analysis and design of nuclear power plants, having worked for A-E firm, consulting

companies, EPRI and equipment vendors. Recently retired from AREVA, he is currently working with utilities as a Technical Consultant & Senior Expert. Dr. Srinivasan has presented numerous training sessions on the subject of special structural analysis of nuclear power plant structures. He has presented ASME workshops on Post- Fukushima Seismic Hazard Assessment in 2012 and 2013 and other ASME sponsored workshops on the analysis and design of nuclear power plants structures, systems and components (SSCs). He is actively involved in the Post-Fukushima Seismic Assessments (NRC NTTF 2.1) and is a member of the NEI Seismic Task Force. Dr. Srinivasan is a contributing member in the ASME/NQA-1 Sub-Committee on Engineering and Procurement Processes.

MasterClass Requirements

This MasterClass is structured on the assumption that participants have a basic knowledge of ASME and other Industry Nuclear Codes & Standards. Participants are encouraged to bring examples of particularly challenging issues encountered on the job for in-class discussion.

Design Basis vs. Beyond Design Basis Considerations in Nuclear Plants (MC120) 

AGENDA 

The contents are presented in several sessions tentatively organized as shown below. The schedule allows for ample discussion and interaction with attendees. The instructors reserve the right to modify the content to address the audience’s needs and preferences.

 

  AGENDA 

Overview of Design Basis and Beyond Design Basis

8:00 – 8:45

Lessons Learned from Fukushima Dai-ichi Accident: a brief summary of the Great Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Event of 2011, US NRC Near Term Task Force (NTTF) Lessons Learned Program and Implementing Actions

8:45 - 9:45

BREAK

9:45 – 10:00

Example 1: Beyond Design Basis Seismic Re-Evaluation

10:00 – 11:30

Discussion

11:30 – 12:00

LUNCH

12:00 – 1:00

Case Study: Plant Assessment for an Actual Earthquake Exceeding Design Basis Earthquake

1:00 – 1:30

Example 2: Mitigation Strategies (FLEX)

1:30 – 2:45

BREAK

2:45 – 3:00

Example 3: External Flooding

3:00 – 4:00

Quality Assurance Considerations

4:00 – 4:30

Discussion and Wrap-up 4:30 – 5:00