About SNUG:
The SNubber Users Group (SNUG) is an industry organization that
serves nuclear power facilities in areas of interest pertaining to the
utilization of dynamic restraint devices commonly referred to as “snubbers”. These devices (also referred to as “shock suppressors”) are designed to
limit the dynamic response of the supported pipe and equipment without
unduly restraining normal motion due to operational temperature changes.
The primary purpose of SNUG is to improve the reliability and cost
effectiveness of snubber programs across the industry by promoting
consistent and informed approaches to program implementation. This goal
is reflected in the SNUG Mission Statement. To accomplish this mission,
SNUG utilizes a variety of methods to coordinate the efforts and
resources of member plants as well as those of manufacturing and
service
vendors. The primary tools for sharing information are the two
conferences offered each year, generally known as the winter and summer
conferences. Two conferences are held in response to concerns regarding
scheduling conflicts with plant outages. By offering two opportunities,
most members can attend at least one conference each year and remain
abreast of current issues. In addition, history has shown that
resolution of concerns and issues is more successful when those involved
can meet face to face on more than an annual basis.
The two conferences also offer different information and serve
somewhat different needs with regard to the mission of SNUG. The Winter
Conferences are more technical in nature and do not include as high a
level of vendor participation. There are no displays and “sales”
presentations are not allowed. More of the conference sessions are
devoted to Working Groups addressing specific issues and concerns than
at the summer conference. Working Groups are assigned to address
both ongoing and emerging issues that are
significant to the industry. A Working Group may elect to meet more
frequently than twice per year if needed, but generally meet as part of
each of the general conferences.
The Summer Conferences and Trade Shows allow for much greater involvement on the
part of vendors. Display areas are provided and vendors are allowed to
discuss and showcase their products and services. The main conference
sessions are typically geared towards general discussion and question
and answer sessions. In addition, presentations by both vendors and
utilities on recent issues or topics provide information on the latest
technological advances available or methodology that has been used
successfully in the past in solving issues related to snubbers. If there
is a topic that requires greater attention, a working group will
generally be formed to work through the issue and may meet separately in
a breakout session to provide a concentrated effort to resolve the
issue.
In addition, the Summer Conference includes the annual business
meeting of SNUG, Inc. where organizational and corporate responsibilities are
addressed and fulfilled. SNUG is overseen by a Board of Directors, which
elects an Executive Committee consisting of a President, Vice-President,
Treasurer, and Secretary. The Directors are elected by the SNUG
membership in accordance with the SNUG By-Laws and Policy Statements.
In addition, SNUG provides a website for its members that contains a
forum section so that members can post questions on issues that arise at
the facilities between conferences. Other members can reply to these
postings and provide the questioning member with guidance so that they
can continue to effectively maintain their program until the issue can
be discussed face to face with their peers at the next conference.