Monitoring radiation embrittlement during life extension periods

Abstract

This paper presents guidelines to monitor the radiation embrittlement of reactor pressure vessels (RPV) during life extension periods (to 60 or 80 years) or for the long term operation of nuclear power plants (NPPs). The guidelines were developed in 2012–2013 by a Task Group of the international project LONGLIFE. The work performed responds to the need for guidance to treat long term irradiation effects within the ageing management of NPPs, since the standard RPV surveillance programmes were designed only to cover a time period of 40 years. The guidelines are intended to support specialists in the field and managers in the plant to choose among the most adequate techniques and methods available today to extend the use of their current RPV surveillance programme beyond design life, or implement a new programme when needed. The study performed identifies weaknesses in the ability of the standard surveillance programmes to provide data needed for long term operation, and proposes solutions and tools to solve and/or mitigate the lack or scarcity of surveillance material for their use in life extension. Guidance is also given on methods and strategies to generate reliable surveillance data in the high fluence range.