Prototype Computer Based Procedure Implementation At University of Missouri-Rolla Reactor

Paper-Based Procedures systems (PBPS) currently used by major parts of the nuclear power industry are rapidly becoming obsolete, inefficient and costly[l]. These inefficiencies will continue to grow as younger individuals, less tuned to paper-based procedures and more comfortable with computer consoles, continue to join the nuclear workforce. Therefore, there is a strong desire to modernize the operation system of existing nuclear plants by utilizing the advances in computer and information management technologies. Potential benefits of a well integrated and fully functional Computer Based Procedure System (CBPS) is obvious to both operators and management of nuclear power plants (NPPs). Obviously, there are risks associated with \u27first of its kind\u27 implementation and no single unit is willing or even capable of undertaking this major task. Therefore, most plants have successfully[2] implemented silos of computerization to assist in certain functions of the reactor operations. Yet to take full advantage of computerization, a comprehensive and well-integrated effort is required, which remains a huge undertaking for a single NPP. On the other hand, lessons learned during the first implementation will be useful for all subsequent computerization efforts and the entire nuclear power industry will benefit. To fill this void University of Missouri-Rolla has taken the initiative to implement a prototype CBPS at their research reactor. This micro-scale implementation will provide answers to some generic questions useful for the overall effort of procedure modernization