ORNL, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
The Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory has been in operation since 2006. In order to achieve high operating reliability and availability as mandated by the sponsor, all systems participating in the production of neutrons need to be maintained to the highest achievable standard. This includes SNS integrated control system, comprising of specialized hardware and software, as well as computing and networking infrastructure. While machine upgrades are extending the control system with new and modern components, the established part of control system requires continuous modernization efforts due to hardware obsolescence, limited lifetime of electronic components, and software updates that can break backwards compatibility. This article discusses challenges of sustaining control system operations through decades of facility lifecycle, and presents a methodology used at SNS for continuous control system improvements that was developed by analyzing operational data and experience.
