Ageing Studies of Electrical Motor Operated Valves (MOVs) of NPPs

Nuclear Power Plant components are subjected to stresses arising from temperature and/or radiation depending on the environment it is deployed. This leads to ageing which impacts the functioning. In order to ensure sustained functionality, equipment qualification programme is in place. This paper presents the experience on “Ageing studies for Electrical Motor Operated Ball Valves (MOVs)” for Nuclear Environment, discussing the test plans, performance parameters for MOVs, degradation mechanism, etc. Test results from accelerated ageing test on MOVs provided an excellent guidance to the user for selecting appropriate components and materials and better planning for spare parts management.