RTD Cable Assembly Failure & Replacement Project
RTD cable assembly failure & replacement at a major Canadian nuclear power plant.
Challenge and Solution
RTD cable assemblies are exposed to extreme temperatures and radiation. The boot on existing RTDs would separate from the connector causing it to bend up to 90°. As a result, the RTD circuit loop would either short or open. This prohibited the RTDs from accurately measuring the process temperatures
Kanata redesigned the RTD Cable Assembly. The new design used a 45° rigid backshell instead of the boot. The rigid backshell reduced the strain between the connector and cables. The cable assembly was also hermetically sealed.
Results
The new design was successfully EQ qualified for 30 years. The RTD Cable Assembly has not failed in service and is far exceeding administrative limits and past operational experience. The success of the new design led to all CANDU NPP operators to switch to the new design. Kanata regularly supplies RTD Cable Assemblies to CANDU Operators around the world.
