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With over 25 years of
plant process computer experience, C3-ilex recognizes the unique
issues faced by Utilities with their existing systems. C3-ilex is an experienced team
working to provide tailored products and services to address these
issues with an overriding goal of reducing O&M costs and
improving plant performance. Our systems are designed to allow you to
choose the migration path that is most valuable to you. You can choose
a modular approach that leverages your legacy investment by phasing in
a new system within an obsolescence program or by making a full
investment to change out the entire system A sample of a number of
solutions developed by C3-ilex are discussed below.
 Transient
Recording & Event Knowledge (C3-TREK)
Data Acquisition System importer and exporter (DASie)
DASie
Data
Diode (DASieDD)
Plant Process Computer System (PPCS)
Control Rod Scram Timing
Control Room User Interface (CRUI)
NUMAC & Core Monitoring Interfaces (NI)
Quality Management System (QMS)
CROSSFLOW Integration
System Maintenance
Transient Recording and Event
Knowledge (C3-TREK)
C3-TREK is a high
performance Transient Recording and Event Knowledge solution developed
by C3-ilex as a replacement
product for outdated Nuclear Utility Monitoring systems. C3-TREK
interfaces with high-speed data acquisition systems, uses OSIsoft
Corporation's powerful ECHO Historian to archive large amounts of
high-resolution data, continuously monitors critical plant parameters,
generates event reports and imports/exports data to other plant
computer systems for further analysis. C3-TREK was designed for full
integration with OSIsoft's PI System products, enabling use of PI tool
sets for data presentation and analysis. C3-TREK features include:
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Data Acquisition Interface - Scans DAS hardware
devices using predetermined sample plans and inserts the resultant
high-speed data streams into C3-TREK ECHO Historians. |
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Performance Parameters - 1 millisecond data
resolution; 800,000 transactions per second data archival and retrieval
rates; 10 microsecond average data access time; archives up to
1,000,000 data streams with minimal storage space. |
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Event Monitoring - Checks for event occurrences via
analog or digital triggers, collects and archives designated data
values within a specified time window surrounding the event. |
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Immediate Change Reporting - Generates trip reports
for Operator Displays and Printer Logs. An enhanced sequence of events
function using both analog and digital point triggers. |
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High Speed Archive Access - Provides access to the
high-speed C3-TREK data archives using standard OSIsoft PI applications
such as PI ProcessBook and PI BatchView. |
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Process Computer Interface - High speed (1
millisecond resolution files) and/or low speed (1 second) data
interface with other Plant Process Computer Systems, supporting two way
data sharing. |
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TRA Importer - provides the capability to import
historical transient archive or tape back-up data from other systems to
the C3-TREK for subsequent analysis by PI Clients. |
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Operator Alarm Log & Display - A high
integrity alarm processing application for control room operations.
Provides a migration path for legacy Plant Process Computer Systems. |
C3-TREK provides a cost
effective, state-of-the-art solution for Plant Monitoring applications.
It represents a dependable resource for capturing and archiving
high-speed data essential for event detection, compliance reporting and
plant operational analysis.
Frequently
the need arises for the ability to interface legacy Data Acquisition
Systems (DAS) with upgraded, expanded or replacement Plant Process
Computer Systems (PPCS). The C3-ilex DASie offers a DAS
interface that can accept a network, serial, fiber or RS-485 device
input and translate the data stream to one that can be accessed by
network addressable computers.
The
DASie consists of one or more Serial Input/Output (SIO) cards installed
in a rack-mountable chassis. Using a sample plan downloaded to each SIO
card derived from the PPCS sample plan, the data stream is parsed, and
points are forwarded using TCP/IP. Data is scaled according to
information downloaded from the PPCS and inserted into the PPCS
databases for subsequent analysis using standard data presentation and
analysis tool kits.
The
C3-ilex DASie is based on
field proven technology and interfaces with multiple DAS
devices such as RTP, Analogic, Validyne, and GE NUMAC.
The
DASie, used in conjunction with C3-ilex's C3-TREK product,
provides an economical support path for those utilities choosing to use
a phased migration approach to replacement of obsolete Plant Process
Computer and Data Acquisition Systems.
The
DASieDD was developed to address the need to separate level 4 and
level 2 /3 systems. It provides for a local user interface that
replaces communication from level 2 or 3 systems and also adds the
capability to send data to the level 2 or 3 systems via a one way UDP
output via fiber optic cables. We have implemented interfaces to the
GEH PRNM system directly and via the GEH NIC. We have also
implemented the DASie DD for DNP3 protocol devices.
Plant Process
Computer System (PPCS)
When
considering a Plant Process Computer System replacement, the question
arises as whether or not to embark upon a wholesale or modular
replacement of its elements. More often than not, the case
for a phased migration approach will prevail.
A
phased, modular migration strategy for critical plant computer systems
is based on planned replacements of the most limiting technology pieces
driven by need and budget considerations.
The phased
migration approach offers a flexible, potentially lower cost
and lower risk solution than wholesale replacement, which is
generally associated with cost overruns and outage extensions.
The
core of a phased migration strategy hinges on a flexible modular system
that can accept data streams from multiple data acquisition systems and
computers and consolidate this data for presentation in control room
displays and for the plant historical archive. The ability to test the
new system in parallel with the existing system is also a key to a
smooth installation. C3-ilex through its C3-TREK,
DASie and CRUI products can help you implement a phased approach for
replacement of your obsolete Plant Process Computer System elements. We
have also developed software tools that simulate the legacy systems as
well as fiber optic splitters and switches to facilitate parallel
testing. Please contact us for additional information.
Nuclear plants require
ongoing monitoring of scram insertion times. This frequently requires
specialized tests. For Utilities in this situation, C3-ilex has developed a
Control Rod Scram Timing function for use in conjunction with the
C3-TREK system. The system constantly monitors the control rods and
captures the positions data with high resolution and automatically
calculate the insertion time and compares it against the technical
specifications. A visual and tabular pass / fail indication is
provided.
A description of the
functions and example screen shots are shown in the attached Brochure.
Many nuclear plant
control room information and display systems are in urgent need of
updating. However, re-engineering costs, identifying and qualifying
proven products, and system validation are a few reasons why
significant modifications to existing systems have been postponed. For
Utilities in this situation, C3-ilex can provide assistance
in formulating a solution and developing the business case required for
a Control Room User Interface (CRUI) replacement. The evaluation
includes:
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Resolving issues with present equipment/component
obsolescence and end-of-life cycle. |
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Improving HFE and documented design shortcomings. |
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Taking advantage of readily available and supported
hardware and software products. |
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Adding functionality and flexibility for future
expansion such as corporate applications. |
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Using products and suppliers that are already
utilized and recognized within your organization. |
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Considering user interface products employed during
implementation by others. |
A recent C3-ilex project involved a
CRUI replacement study based on utilization of OSIsoft's suite of PI
products. The objective was to resolve equipment obsolescence issues,
retain existing functionality, and support an integrated, common user
interface across the Utility organization (i.e., Operations,
Engineering, Management).
For
Nuclear Utilities using General Electric NUMAC devices, C3-ilex has developed
replacement software for legacy Core Monitoring System (CMS) data
interface applications. The C3-TREK-NI functions consist of Windows®
Services and Windows®
Client user-interface applications. The NUMAC Interface (NI) Services
will usually run on the Plant Process Computer (PPC) or alternatively
on a separate PC. Replacement applications are available for plants
using NUMAC RWM, ATIP and/or PRNM devices. In addition, C3-ilex has developed
communication diagnostic software for the /. that features a listen
mode allowing the capture of one or more specific NUMAC message
numbers. It is typically employed with a fiber optic splitter on the
transmit and receive pair. It enables the troubleshooting of NUMAC
message communication. Contact us for additional information on the
benefits of our solution which include;
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Modernizes the user interface to a standard Windows
look and feel |
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Retains the same NUMAC service actions and reports,
minimizes user retraining |
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Provides a replacement platform for obsolete
systems, reduces maintenance costs, improves system reliability |
In
addition to our solutions, C3-ilex has been involved with
the development and interfaces to a number of systems. C3-ilex, utilizing design
requirements specified by a major supplier of nuclear fuel, C3-ilex performed software
development and maintenance services for their core monitoring software
product. This product is used by the nuclear power industry to support
plant operation and to ensure that nuclear fuel thermal limits as
mandated by plant technical specifications are not exceeded. In
addition to supporting the base core monitoring software product,
development work included design of a windows-based graphical user
interface using object-oriented design techniques. Responsibilities
also included the development and implementation of software
development procedures and configuration control mechanisms consistent
with recommendations provided in Nuclear Regulatory Commission
guidelines. Related projects in this area involved the development of
Core Monitoring System interfaces with a variety of Plant Process
Computers and the Power Range Neutron Monitoring System.
For
those Utilities struggling with managing internal software development,
C3-ilex has developed a
Quality Management System that simplifies the software development life
cycle. C3-QMS systematically tracks your software engineering process
from top level functional requirements through design specification,
module development, software build and testing. C3-QMS assures quality
driven software deliveries and establishes an ISO 9000 Compliant Audit
Trail. QMS utilizes Microsoft Access and can be loaded on a standard PC
or server.
QMS
is a user friendly tool that, in conjunction with the supplied user
manual, can be populated by any individual with basic computer skills.
However, the usefulness of QMS is dependent on the definition of the
functional requirements and software architecture. C3-ilex can also provide
support services to assist Utilities in establishing these input
parameters, and tailoring the QMS to match your specific software
development cycle. Contact us to see how this tool can help your
organization get your software development and integration activities
under control.
Utilities
worldwide are utilizing the Westinghouse CROSSFLOW system for reducing
core thermal power uncertainty. The CROSSFLOW ultrasonic flow
measurement system, developed by Westinghouse Electric Company, LLC and
Advanced Measurement & Analysis Group, Inc., enables Nuclear
Power generators to more accurately measure feedwater flow and reduce
the uncertainty associated with this measurement. A reduction in
feedwater flow uncertainty, applied as a correction factor to the Plant
Process Computer (PPC) feedwater flow readings, translates directly to
a reduction in the uncertainty of the calculated core thermal power,
allowing the plant to operate at a higher power rating. Providing an
interface between the CROSSFLOW system and the PPC, with the resultant
interface to other plant data and HMI systems, allows automatic
correction of PPC feedwater flow parameters and offers significant
benefits over a stand-alone system. These benefits include:
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Real-time correction factor adjustment to feedwater
flows. |
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Validity checking of correction factors for core
thermal power calculations. |
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Integration and Presentation of CROSSFLOW and
associated PPC data via proven main control room HMI. |
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Added functionality of CROSSFLOW system information
available to the PPC and other plant data and HMI systems. |
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Reduction of equipment and HMI systems in the
Control Room. |
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Use of existing operator interfaces. |
Integration
of multiple plant computer systems requires a well thought out project
plan, and an experienced system integration team. The C3-ilex team meets these
requirements. C3-ilex is an experienced
integrator of the Westinghouse/AMAG CROSSFLOW system and can provide
the services and software required to successfully interface your
CROSSFLOW system with other plant computer systems.
For those customers who
frequently look to outside resources for support of their Plant Process
Computer System operations, C3-ilex can provide this
assistance through a Software Maintenance Agreement program. This
program is structured to provide both rapid response to operational
problems and a vehicle to obtain software development support for minor
modifications or enhancements. A typical Software Maintenance Agreement
would include the following elements:
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Adjustable number of hours per quarter technical
support. |
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Help desk support during normal business hours. |
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24/7 hotline support via pager. |
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Remote connection and troubleshooting of software
problems. |
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Preferred pricing on additional support. |
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Web Site Technical Support. |
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Help desk |
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Users group information |
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Manual and software update downloads |
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Technical information |
 To download
PDF documents, you will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader.
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Copyright © 2011 C3-ilex, LLC
47009 Benicia Street, Fremont, CA 94538-7331
Phone: (510) 659-8300, Fax: (510) 659-8302
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