Plant life-cycle information management in nuclear new build

Abstract

This paper considers the challenges to the UK nuclear programme, such as data integration across the project life cycle and a limited skilled workforce, and presents a point of view and strategy for future new build projects. A systems integration approach is suggested to help the industry meet the safety, programme, budgetary and quality needs of this major infrastructure programme. This integrated platform approach, called Plant Lifecycle Information Management (PlantLIM), is designed to manage the transition of data across the design, construction, commissioning, and operation phases of the plant life cycle, thus maintaining data quality and integrity through the life of the plant. Data relate to: (a) process, with robust configuration management to maintain design control through the plant life cycle; (b) technology, with configuration management information systems for a single version of the truth, clear requirements management and traceability; (c) collaboration, where construction control centres are provided for supply chain collaboration; and (d) resource optimisation, comprising technology-based solutions to make best use of a limited workforce. Although the focus is on new build, the approach is equally relevant to plant life extensions and on-site projects.