3. Operator feedback on the AP913 approach

Since the first pilot implementations of the AP913 process in U.S. power plants in 2001, assessments have been carried out and presented in numerous papers at international conferences dedicated to AP913 maintenance (EPRI, IAEA). Results are often mixed, and depend to a large extent on the commitment of managers and executives to the long-term implementation of all the resources required to carry out the AP913 process. In general, we see a reduction in unplanned downtime and an increase in availability of between 3% and 5%. On the positive side, there are fewer interventions and replacements following unplanned shutdowns or the discovery of damage, better management of maintenance operations and improved equipment reliability over the lifetime of the plant. On the other hand, the number of condition monitoring tasks, preventive maintenance and systematic replacements is increasing significantly,...