Inspection of nuclear power plants
The European Commission, DG XI, has published an invitation to tender for a study to develop a risk-based approach for in-service inspection of the components of nuclear power plants. The study will cover the following objectives: - To identify, analyse and assess existing and ongoing risk-based methodologies for application to ISI of safety-related components of light water reactors (LWR). The project will compare these methodologies, including the comparative advantages between them, and outline differences between risk-based and deterministic methods. The project should establish criteria for selecting those methodologies which are most consistent with current practices, ISI codes and standards and requirements applied in the EU; - To provide a specific application for a typical safety system of an LWR, in order to establish feasibility and completion of selected methodologies identified; - To provide conclusions and recommendations for potential harmonisation of risk-based methodologies and proposals for future programmes building up a European methodology. The study shall contain a state-of-the-art review and comparative analyses of risk-based methodologies for ISI of LWR components. This task should encompass existing and ongoing projects for nuclear applications as well as other industrial programmes. Criteria for selection of methodologies and choice of components/systems for practical application should also be included. The study should contain conclusions and recommendations for a future European programme to be developed in conjunction with ENIQ (European Network on Inspection Qualification) and its task group TG on risk-informed analysis, and ongoing progress obtained by European regulators in connected areas. For further information, please contact, quoting reference XI/C2/ETU/980080: European Commission DG XI - Environment, nuclear safety and civil protection Mr. B. Sinnott 200 rue de la Loi B-1049 Brussels Tel. +32-2-2960008/2966190; Fax +32-2-2994449