ARC has wide experience of undertaking engineering substantiations, for a variety of clients. Engineering substantiation is undertaken on existing plant, in support of periodic safety case reviews. Design substantiation, which ARC can also provide, is undertaken on new plant or new designs.
Engineering substantiation is undertaken based on the Safety Related Equipment (SRE) identified in the engineering schedule, which is produced based on the results of Hazard & Operability (HAZOP) study and the fault schedule. A safety classification is provided for each SRE, based on the consequences of failure. Safety functional and performance requirements are also identified.
The main element of engineering substantiation is plant walkdowns on each SRE item. The condition of each item is assessed to establish its suitability for future use, based on the experience of the engineers. Operational and maintenance histories are reviewed to establish the integrity of the equipment, and any historic pattern of failure. For higher classification items, an assessment is normally made against modern standards, and more detailed analysis, such as seismic assessment and SIL analysis may be undertaken.
Based on these deterministic assessments, an analysis is made of the capability of the Safety System, Structure of Component (SSC) to operate safely for the next safety case period (normally 10 years). Where necessary, recommendations for modifications to plant or maintenance requirements are made, to allow the safety case requirements to be met. Often these recommendations are the subject of ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable) Study, and are incorporated into the design if required.
Design substantiation follows a similar process, although walkdowns are not possible. A structured review of the design is undertaken to ensure safety functional requirements and modern standards are met.
The arc approach to Engineering Substantiation
ARC can provide both engineering substantiation and design substantiation. We employ an innovative approach, ensuring that a level of substantiation appropriate to the safety classification of each SRE is undertaken. We are proactive in proposing alterations to the engineering schedule, based on the experience of our engineers, where appropriate, to ensure that each SRE has the most appropriate safety classification. Often, we can identify urgent operational or health & safety concerns from the engineering schedule which may be of concern during the walkdown.
Experience
Our experience includes the following projects:
Structural substantial of the PFR at UKAEA Dounreay
Substantiation of various facilities in fuel cycle area at UKAEA Dounreay, including D2001 and D2670
Support to production of Design Substantiation Reports for ILW Store at Hunterston A
Production of Design Substantiation Report for Cartridge Cooling Pond Skip Disposal projects at Hunterston A
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