Management of Nuclear Plant Operation by Optimising Weld Repairs

Objective

Development of advanced weld repair and assessment technologies will reduce unplanned outage time and thereby increase the economic performance and safety of the nuclear power industry. Optimised weld repair procedures and alternative post-weld treatments are to be developed that will shorten repair time-scales, minimise residual stresses and improve component life and integrity.

Assessment methodology for treating defects in residual stress fields will be refined to give more accurate and informed sentencing of defects in ageing plant; this will lead to fewer repairs (reducing outage times) and greater assurance of safety. State-of-art numerical methods will be used to develop the technologies and demonstrate structural integrity. Mock-up trials combined with conventional testing and advanced experimental methods(e.g. neutron diffraction, deep-hole drilling and laser strain scanning) will be used thunder write the new procedures. Guidelines for inclusion in Codes and Standards will deliver the new technologies to wider industry.

Programme(s)

• FP5-EAECTP C - Research and training programme (Euratom) in the field of nuclear energy (1998 to 2002)

Topic(s)

• 2.1.2.-1.1.2 - On-line monitoring, inspection and maintenance

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

INSTITUT DE SOUDURE

Address

Centre André Leroy Zone Industrielle Les Jonquièr
57365 Ennery
France

Participants (6)

BRITISH ENERGY GENERATION LTD

United Kingdom

Address

Barnett Way, Barnwood
GL4 3RS Gloucester

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES

Netherlands

Address

Westerduinweg 3
1755 ZG Petten

FRAMATOME ANP GMBH

Germany

Address

Freyeslebenstrasse 1
91058 Erlangen

INDUSTEEL FRANCE SA

France

Address

Rue Clémenceau 56
71200 Le Creus0t

MITSUI BABCOCK ENERGY LTD*

United Kingdom

Address

Porterfield Road
PA4 8DJ Renfrew

UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL

United Kingdom

Address

University Walk
BS8 1TR Bristol, Clifton