Abstract
The Swedish reactor fleet consists of 7 BWRs and 3 PWRs which have been operating for up to 38 years and all have plans for long term operation (LTO).
The Swedish Radiation Safety Authority (SSM) has carried out an investigation to identify possible improvements to assessments for safe LTO. The study covered ageing mechanisms for metallic materials and polymers, concrete structures, electrical and I&C equipment, as well as in-service inspection. The paper will concentrate on metallic materials.
Most of the degradation mechanisms are controlled satisfactorily by the licensees through the existing inspection and ageing management programs. These should be intensified and reviewed with respect to LTO. The consequences of ageing degradation mechanisms for LTO should be analyzed and reported. Two ageing mechanisms are highlighted, low cycle fatigue in LWR environments and the embrittlement of RPV steels. However, analyses should be carried out for most of the ageing mechanisms to find early indications of degradation and thus ensure safety.
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© 2011 TMS (The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society)
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Ekström, P., Gott, K., Brickstad, B. (2011). Conditions for Long Term Operation of Nuclear Power Plants in Sweden. In: Busby, J.T., Ilevbare, G., Andresen, P.L. (eds) Proceedings of the 15th International Conference on Environmental Degradation of Materials in Nuclear Power Systems — Water Reactors. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-48760-1_2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-48760-1_2
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-48760-1
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