Generic evaluation of operating experience with regard to the ageing behaviour of passive mechanical components in nuclear power plants

F. Michel; H. Reck; H. Schulz

doi:10.1515/kern-2002-0074

Article

Generic evaluation of operating experience with regard to the ageing behaviour of passive mechanical components in nuclear power plants

F. Michel , H. Reck and H. Schulz

Published/Copyright: March 14, 2022

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From the journal Kerntechnik Volume 67 Issue 4

Abstract

Since the mid-90s, GRS has been dealing systematically with the assessment of the influences of ageing on the safety of nuclear power plants. This also involves the generic evaluation of operating experience. In the following, the procedure, methodological approaches and relevant results are presented in an exemplary manner for passive mechanical components. The results show that the number of events influenced by ageing phenomena that have so far occurred in German plants is low and that measures were taken where necessary to detect, monitor and control any changes due to ageing. As new insights may emerge over time concerning the assessment of the ageing behaviour of the components, it is considered necessary to continue with the ongoing generic evaluation of operating experience in order to obtain timely indications of any safety-relevant changes.

Abstract

Seit Mitte der 90er Jahre beschäftigt sich die GRS systematisch mit der Bewertung von Alterungseinflüssen auf die Sicherheit von Kernkraftwerken. Hierzu erfolgt auch eine anlagenübergreifende Auswertung der Betriebserfahrung. Vorgehensweise, methodische Ansätze und wesentliche Ergebnisse sind im Folgenden exemplarisch für passive maschinentechnische Einrichtungen dargestellt. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die bisher in deutschen Anlagen aufgetretenen, durch Alterungsphänomene beeinflussten Ereignisse in ihrer Gesamtzahl gering sind und soweit erforderlich geeignete Maßnahmen zur Erkennung, Verfolgung und Beherrschung alterungsbedingter Veränderungen getroffen wurden. Da sich für die Einschätzung des Alterungsverhaltens der Einrichtungen im Laufe der Zeit neue Erkenntnisse ergeben können, wird eine zeitnahe und detaillierte anlagenübergreifende Auswertung der Betriebserfahrung, die es ermöglicht frühzeitig Hinweise auf sicherheitstechnisch bedeutsame Veränderungen zu erhalten, auch weiterhin für erforderlich gehalten.

Acknowledgement

The work on the basis of which this article was written was carried out as part of the BfS- and BMU-sponsored project SR 2319.

References

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Received: 2002-06-28

Published Online: 2022-03-14

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https://doi.org/10.1515/kern-2002-0074