Development of a Laboratory for Qualification and Dedication of Safety Components and Systems for the Nuclear Sector of Brazil
The most important safety principle for a nuclear reactor is the ability to shut down and safely maintain the nuclear plant even after an accident occurs. It is on this principle that all functions are categorized according to their relevance to reactor safety. To comply with this principle, all nuclear plant structures, systems and components must be properly classified following a clear and objective methodology that allows a correlation with technical and quality standards. This process is complex and not performed in Brazil. In Brazilian nuclear projects, nuclear safety structures, systems and components are imported. The cost of safety qualified components can be 5 to 10 times the cost of a technically equivalent components but not certified as qualified under national and international standards. This work aims to enable a laboratory in UFABC for qualification and dedication of components and systems for nuclear safety. The process of qualification and dedication of structures, systems and components for the nuclear sector has been studied and part of the overall objective has been achieved. The history of commercial dedication of important safety items at the national level was surveyed, as well as a methodology to establish an independent qualification laboratory. The complete demonstration of the qualification process is underway with a conector for signal cables.