Workshop on Condition-based Qualification of Equipment in Nuclear Power Plants

Background

Currently, the median age of operating nuclear power units worldwide is approximately 37 years, with about one-third of the 440 operational units undergoing long-term operation (LTO). Additionally, around 27 Member States have either implemented or are in the process of implementing LTO programs. Supporting our Member States in these efforts remains a critical mission for the IAEA.

Equipment Qualification (EQ) plays a vital role in ensuring the continued safe and reliable operation of nuclear power plants (NPPs), particularly as they enter LTO. Traditionally, EQ follows a time-based approach, demonstrated through the concept of "Qualified Life." Qualified Life refers to the period during which a structure, system, or component has been shown—through testing, analysis, or operational experience—to function within acceptable criteria under normal operating conditions while retaining its ability to perform during accident conditions, such as a design basis accident or earthquake.

While effective, this time-based approach can be - conservative, often leading to the premature replacement of equipment that remains fully functional. Moreover, it does not always account for actual field conditions or real-time degradation. This is why Condition-Based Qualification (CBQ) is gaining traction among Member States (MS), as it introduces a more advanced approach that integrates real-time monitoring, diagnostics, and actual performance data into the qualification process.

CBQ is based on the IEC/IEEE dual-logo standard 60780-323 (2016), widely recognized as the authoritative standard for equipment qualification in the nuclear industry. The CBQ methodology establishes the “qualified condition” of equipment using specific Condition Indicators (CIs), enabling utilities to monitor degradation and predict the remaining useful life of components, such as Class 1E cables. Key steps in the CBQ process include selecting appropriate Condition Monitoring (CM) techniques and correlating CIs with the functional integrity of safety-related equipment.

Recent research and practical applications highlight several key benefits of CBQ, including:

• Enhanced safety compliance for extended operations
• Elimination of time-based replacement schedules
• A cost-effective alternative to requalification

As part of its ongoing support for Member States in their LTO efforts, the IAEA officially launched the International Network on Life Management of Nuclear Power Plants (LMNPP) (website: LMNPP Public) in November 2022. Hosted on the IAEA CONNECT platform, the LMNPP Network fosters international cooperation, enhances knowledge-sharing in nuclear power plant life management, and establishes project-based Working Groups (WGs) to further support MS in LTO initiatives and knowledge transfer.

Among these efforts, WG5 focuses on equipment survivability under accident conditions. During its Kick-off Workshop in May 2024, Member State representatives identified CBQ as a key area of interest. In response, the IAEA has initiated actions to address these needs, reinforcing its commitment to advancing CBQ and related methodologies to enhance the safety and sustainability of nuclear power plant operations.

The IAEA held the first hybrid consultancy meeting on Condition-Based Qualification of Equipment in Nuclear Power Plants in Vienna from 25–27 February 2025. During the meeting, participants shared recent experiences, discussed gaps and barriers to CBQ implementation, and explored CBQ methodologies.

Objectives

The purpose of the event is to discuss the method of condition-based qualification in establishing a process for evaluating the remaining useful life of equipment, based on the use of specific condition monitoring methods.

During the event, the participants will exchange insights, recent experiences, and case studies on CBQ in nuclear power plants, ultimately contributing to the development of a forthcoming IAEA TECDOC on the topic. The following are examples of relevant presentations and discussion topics for the event:

1. Recent industry experience and R&D results on CBQ
2. Regulatory insights on CBQ
3. Gaps, barriers, and benefits of CBQ
4. CBQ methodologies

Nomination deadline: 22 April 2025

Register here →