Context and challenges

This client is a leader in the nuclear industry. It participates in a Tripartite Research Institute, I3P, with two other major actors specialised in nuclear.

This project is part of an approach called « Initiatives for nuclear plants of the future », launched by this tripartite institute. This project federates 9 companies bearing innovations in the nuclear industry, willing to mutualise their efforts in research and development. This research program aims at testing new operating concepts, developing digital twins and reinforcing interoperability of technological bricks developed by partners. Several concepts are tested in realistic environments, then are subject to a technical feasibility study before industrialisation by partners.

More specifically, this project aims at improving the interventions of operators on nuclear power plants and facilities, in the framework of a specific use case: the replacement of a fitting joint of a valve housing.

In this context, Assystem provided this client a data science approach to build a data model and analyse operational data using a specific use case. This could be transposed to other similar operations, in the framework of the standardisation of activities on nuclear sites.

Project scope

Preparation for standardisation of work tasks as part of the "Operation 4.0" plan, which includes a data architecture platform.

  • Deployment of a data model used to collect work operation data in real time, in order to structure the operational data. Data collection serves to feed an ontology created for the field of work operations on nuclear sites (with the definition of classes, sub-classes and their relationships). The data model is built in graphic language.
  • Construction of a database usable during valve seal replacement operations, to enable control of the data generated or used in the framework of an operator intervention on a nuclear site. This database is then re-used for all future work operations (type of tool needed, applicable safety standards, pooled information on specific aspects of unfamiliar work operations, etc.).

Results

  • Reduced maintenance non-quality and improved dependability of facilities through better pooling of technical information by aggregation in the database.
  • Gains in efficiency in terms of logistics management of work execution files, which are now digital and completed on site using a tablet, and directly feed into the database.
  • Improved communication and formalisation of dialogue through the use of the data model, which enables stakeholders to use the same codes and technical language.

In figures

  • 4
    project areas spread over 300 sqm
  • 6
    concept tested
  • 9
    partner companies

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