Ageing Management For Nuclear Power Plants

Plant life management (PLiM) is a methodology focussed on the safety-first management of nuclear power plants over their entire lifetime. It incorporates and builds upon the usual periodic safety reviews and licence renewals as part of an overall framework designed to assist plant operators and regulators in assessing the operating conditions of a nuclear power plant, and establishing the technical and economic requirements for safe, long-term operation. Understanding and mitigating ageing in nuclear power plants critically reviews the fundamental ageing-degradation mechanisms of materials used in nuclear power plant structures, systems and components (SSC), along with their relevant analysis and mitigation paths, as well as reactor-type specific PLiM practices. Obsolescence and other less obvious ageing-related aspects in nuclear power plant operation are also examined in depth. Part one introduces the reader to the role of nuclear power in the global energy mix, and the importance and relevance of plant life management for the safety regulation and economics of nuclear power plants. Key ageing degradation mechanisms and their effects in nuclear power plant systems, structures and components are reviewed in part two, along with routes taken to characterise and analyse the ageing of materials and to mitigate or eliminate ageing degradation effects. Part three reviews analysis, monitoring and modelling techniques applicable to the study of nuclear power plant materials, as well as the application of advanced systems, structures and components in nuclear power plants. Finally, Part IV reviews the particular ageing degradation issues, plant designs, and application of plant life management (PLiM) practices in a range of commercial nuclear reactor types. With its distinguished international team of contributors, Understanding and mitigating ageing in nuclear power plants is a standard reference for all nuclear plant designers, operators, and nuclear safety and materials professionals and researchers. Introduces the reader to the role of nuclear power in the global energy mix Reviews the fundamental ageing-degradation mechanisms of materials used in nuclear power plant structures, systems and components (SSC) Examines topics including elimination of ageing effects, plant design, and the application of plant life management (PLiM) practices in a range of commercial nuclear reactor types

Effective management of the ageing of structures, systems and components has become an important issue for IAEA Member States, since out of the total number of nuclear power plants (NPPs) operating in the world, many have been in operation for more than 30 years and at least half for more than 20 years. Proactive management of ageing is a key element in ensuring the safe and reliable operation of NPPs. This publication supplements the Safety Guide, Ageing Management for Nuclear Power Plants and provides practical examples of how to manage ageing degradation effectively. It provides guidance and good practices for maintaining and enhancing the safety and performance of NPPs by facilitating the implementation of proactive ageing management throughout their lifetime.

The median age of nuclear power plants connected to the grid worldwide is increasing. Ageing management has become an important issue in ensuring the availability of required safety functions throughout the service life of a plant. This Safety Guide provides recommendations on meeting the requirements for safe long term operation and identifies key elements of effective ageing management for nuclear power plants.

This publication provides a common internationally agreed basis on what constitutes an acceptable ageing management programme, as well as a knowledge base on ageing management for the design of new plants and design and safety reviews, and aims to serve as a roadmap to available information on ageing management. It addresses ageing management of passive and active structures and components for water moderated reactors that can have an impact, directly or indirectly, on the safe operation of the plant and that are susceptible to ageing degradation. The information provided is relevant for plants under normal operation, for plants considering long term operation, as well as for new plants including new designs. It underlines that ageing management should be implemented from the start of operation of nuclear power plants and that adequate provisions to facilitate effective ageing management should be made during the plant design, construction, commissioning, operation, and decommissioning.

Provides guidance on data requirements and an effective and practical system for data collection and record keeping in relation to the evaluation and management of ageing and service life of nuclear power plant components. The application of the guidance will contribute to the safe and reliable operation of nuclear power plants.

This Safety Report provides detailed information on ageing management programmes and time limited ageing analyses to manage existing and potential ageing effects and degradation mechanisms of structures, systems and components (SSCs) that are important to the safety of nuclear power plants. It has been written to assist operating organizations and regulatory bodies by specifying a technical basis and providing practical guidance on managing ageing of mechanical and electrical instrumentation and control components, and civil structures. It also provides a common, internationally recognized basis of what constitutes an effective ageing management programme, a knowledge base on ageing management for design of new plants and design reviews, and a roadmap to available information on ageing management.

Provides information on ageing, obsolescence and performance monitoring of those items of instrumentation and control equipment that are classified as safety equipment and/or safety related equipment, are operated in harsh environments in NPPs, and are important to plant life extension.

This handbook on ageing management for nuclear power plants (NPPs) has been developed in compliance with relevant IAEA Safety Standards and draws on lessons learned from ageing management practices worldwide. It provides an overview of the topic and guidance on proactive ageing management within NPPs. The publication also collates information on ageing mechanisms, effects on structures, systems and components, the regulatory framework as well as some details on innovative techniques and research and development in the area. The information is presented concisely with clear flow charts and with structured reference to the underlying principles. The handbook will support NPP staff, maintenance managers, vendors, personnel at research organizations and regulators in their work related to the ageing of structures, systems and components.