AMP 144 CANDU/PHWR AUXILIARY SYSTEM PUMPS (REV.

2015)
Programme Description
The main objective of the ageing management programme (AMP) is to provide for timely
detection and mitigation of the ageing related degradation mechanisms (ARDMs) for
pumps of auxiliary systems in order to preserve the structural integrity of the component
and ensure their appropriate response.
Evaluation and Technical Basis
1. Scope of the ageing management programme based on understanding ageing:
The scope of this programme is applicable to pumps of auxiliary systems including
centrifugal and positive displacement pumps, including but not limiting to centrifugal
horizontal-vertical units pumps with radial-flow, axial-flow or mixed-flow impellers.
2. Preventive actions to minimize and control ageing degradation:
The preventive actions are carried out during normal operation by established control and
monitor any adverse effects of the water chemistry conditions on the ageing mechanisms.
The programme description and evaluation and technical basis of monitoring and
maintaining reactor coolant chemistry are addressed in IGALL AMP103 Water
Chemistry .
Other preventive action is regular maintenance according to approved schedule (such as
pumps overhaul, mechanical seals and gaskets replacement and visual inspection of internal
parts), according the internal procedures of each site, lubrication and calibration, periodical
practice of oil filter change, and torque control of foundation bolts.
Prevention of qualification / environment i.e. weathering and atmospheric corrosion
3. Detection of ageing effects:
This section summarizes the ageing effects that are managed by this AMP. The ageing
evaluations include all the subcomponents that make up the pumps: casing, shaft, impeller,
seals, bearings, wear rings, and bolts/studs
Casing
Casings of pumps are made of carbon steel, and as such they are susceptible to general
corrosion and crevice corrosion, flow related ageing mechanisms like erosion, cavitation
erosion, FAC, liquid impact erosion, weathering and atmospheric corrosion can be detected.
Shaft
Shafts are made of stainless steel. Fretting/wear can occur in the seals and bearing area.
Pitting and Crevice corrosion, electrical pitting, dynamic loading/vibration and fatigue can
be detected.
Impeller

Cavitation erosion, liquid impact erosion, pitting, crevice corrosion, dynamic loading /
vibration and fatigue can be detected.
Suction and discharge Nozzle
Corrosion, crosion, FAC can be detected.
Pistons (positive displacement pumps [1])
Pistons are made of stainless steel in some cases with hard coatings. These components are
subjected to periodic surface treatment or periodic replacement programs.
Internals valves
Mostly made of stainless steel, the main degradation mechanisms are wear and fatigue.
Seals
Seals are replaced on a condition basis. Fretting/wear can be detected. Thermal
embrittlement in elastomeric compounds may occur.
Bearings
Fretting/wear, electrical pitting, dynamic loading/vibration and fatigue can be developed.
Wear Rings
Crevice corrosion and fretting/wear can be detected.
Bolts/Studs & Nuts/ Fastness
Weathering, atmospheric corrosion and dynamic loading/vibration can be developed.
Loosing and breakage
Parameters control

Vibration control of pumps according the internal procedures of each site which
should specify periodicity and check list of components.
Pressure and flow control online by plant operator.
Noise measure by ultrasound according the internal procedures of each site which
should specify periodicity and check list of components.

A representative sample of pumps are inspected and tested according to requirements of the
in-service inspection programme of each site, but following general guidelines (e.g. [2]).
Nondestructive methods such as visual examination, ultrasonic examination and
photographic records may be performed in the welds of main pumps of auxiliary system.
Plant walk downs during plant outages may also be performed.
Proper Lubrication and calibration is typically performed once a year. Visual inspection of
pump internals is typically performed based on manufacturer recommendations. Evaluation
and qualification of non-destructive tests (NDT) operators are performed according to
national standards (e.g., [3],[4],[5],[6]).
Bearing oil analysis

To avoid oil containment of water and bearing wear prediction

4. Monitoring and trending of ageing effects:

Timely and reliable detection of ageing degradation is provided by implementation of
inspection and testing schedules in accordance with attribute 3, reliable examination
methods, and qualified inspection personnel.
Performance indicators should be defined to enhance the assessment and improveing the
implemented programs. For example, statistics indicators like comparison between
corrective and preventive maintenance efforts (in man-hours terms), the number of
repetitive faults, etc. can be used.
5. Mitigating of ageing effects:
Recommendations for mitigation of ageing effects are based on results from performed
analyses of possible degradation developments.
6. Acceptance criteria:
It is considered that the component is not available for service if some of the following
defect is detected, in that case corrective actions should be implemented.

Pressure and flow below nominal values in 5%.

Abnormal vibrations and noises.
Abnormal current fluctuations
Significant leakage, the acceptance criteria of fluid leakage is 0.5 l/h, however if the
leakage is too small, can be expected the monthly rotation of equipment.
Indication of flaws above the acceptance criteria of ISI program.
7. Corrective actions:
If the component fails in meeting the acceptance criteria, corrective actions should be
taken:
The abnormal condition should be reported and a work order should be issued.
The condition should be evaluated and the possibility of online repair should be
addressed or the equipment should be isolated and the repair action delayed for
the next planned outage.
8. Operating experience feedback and feedback of research and development results:
Operating experience about hydrogen embrittlement, cracking in welds, failures due to
corrosion, and other relevant events in CANDU/PHWR auxiliary system pumps are
reported in CANDU Owners Group (COG) operational experience database.

Research and development efforts and an effective experience exchange are important
elements for implementing continuous improvement in this programme and in defining
adequate corrective actions.
9. Quality management:
Administrative controls, quality assurance procedures, review and approval processes, are
implemented in accordance with the different national regulatory requirements (e.g., CSA
N286-05 [7]).
References
[1] ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, Centrifugal and positive displacement
charging pumps, EPRI TR-107252, EPRI, Palo Alto, 1996.
[2] AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS, Section XI, Rules for Inservice Inspection of Nuclear Power Plant Components, The ASME Boiler and Pressure
Vessel Code, 2004 edition as approved in 10 CFR 50.55A, ASME, New York, NY.
[3] IRAM-CNEA Y 9712, Ensayos no destructivos. Calificacin y certificacin de
personal, Argentina.
[4] CANADIAN GENERAL STANDARDS BOARD, Qualification and Certification of
Nondestructive Testing Personnel, Can/CGSB-48.9712-2014, CAN/CGSB, Canada,
2014
[5] ATOMIC ENERGY REGULATORY BOARD, In-Service Inspection of Nuclear Power
Plants, AERB/NPP/SG-O2, AERB, Mumbai, India, 2004.
[6] ATOMIC ENERGY REGULATORY BOARD, Life Management of Nuclear Power
Plants, AERB Safety Guide AERB/NPP/SG/O-14, AERB, Mumbai, India, 2005.
[7] CANADIAN STANDARDS ASSOCIATION, Management System Requirements for
Nuclear Power Plants, CSA N286-05, CSA, Canada, 2007.

Measurable parameters
Casing
Appearance, leakage rate
Shaft
Rotational torque, rotor binding inspection, appearance, developed heat,
delivered flow, motor current & power, speed, vibration, balance, noise,
surface indication, dynamic pressure.

Impeller
Rotational torque, appearance, delivered heat, delivered flow, motor current &
pressure, speed, vibration, balance, noise, wear surface, fit clearance.
Fasteners
Bolt torque, vibration, axial position, noise
Bearing
Rotational torque, appearance, motor current power, vibration, lube oil purity,
axial position, wear surfaces, noise, fit clearance, oil quality.
Seals
All of bearing except oil & lube oil quality.
Coupling
Rotational torque, motor current & power, speed, vibration & noise.
Base frame
Appearance, vibration and noise