L-3 MAPPS hired to upgrade Argentina plant's full-scope simulator

L-3 MAPPS said on Monday that it has been contracted by Nucleoeléctrica Argentina SA (NA-SA) to upgrade its Embalse nuclear plant's full scope simulator.

The simulator upgrade will account for recent design changes of the nuclear plant through NA-SA's refurbishment plans.

"L-3 MAPPS has enjoyed an excellent relationship with NA-SA since we first took on the development of the Orchid-based Embalse full-scope simulator in 2010," Michael Chatlani, vice president of marketing and sales for L-3 MAPPS Power Systems and Simulation, said. "We are honored that NA-SA continues to place their trust in us to further develop the simulator, the most modern CANDU plant simulator in the world."

Interfaces and the main control room of the simulator will be updated to facilitate numerous changes and to address the addition of human-machine interfaces for turbine controls in the facility. The instructor's booth will also be outfitted with advanced audio and video recording and a playback system.

"NA-SA and L-3 MAPPS put the Embalse full-scope simulator into service in 2013, and we have experienced very positive training results since then," Rubén Semmoloni, Embalse NPP life-extension project director for NA-SA, said. "The simulator plays a key role in the ongoing training of our operators and will continue to be important as we extend the life of the plant for another 30 years."