An important aspect of the qualification of safety related systems, is the assessment of the possibility and consequences of seismic or vibration induced relay chatter. The current rules, contained in ANSI/IEEE C37.98 and the SQUG GIP, consider as seismic induced ''failure'' of a relay, a chatter contact in excess of 2 milliseconds. While this rule is clear in defining ''failure'' of single relay, the definition of ''failure'' becomes more problematic when we consider the alignment of an assembly of relays in series or parallel, and the effects of chatter on the function of the system in which the relays are mounted. In this paper, we report a method, based on system test and probabilities analysis, used to assess ''failure'' by relay chatter in an assembly of relays which control an electric motor. 2 refs.
In the Zion and Indian Point Probabilistic Safety Studies, relay chatter was dismissed as a credible event and hence was not formally included in the analyses. Although little discussion is given in the Zion and Indian Point PSA documentation concerning the basis for this decision, it has been expressed informally that it was assumed that the operators will be able to reset all relays in a timely manner. Currently, it is the opinion of many professionals that this may be an oversimplification. The three basic areas which must be considered in addressing relay chatter include the fragility of the relays per se, the reliability of the operators to reset the relays and finally the systems response aspects. Each of these areas is reviewed and the implications for seismic PSA are discussed. Finally, recommendations for future research are given.
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