US Department of Energy Nuclear Plant Life Extension Program

Conference · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:6517964

DuCharme, A R; Carlson, D D; Harrison, D L

Extended lifetime operations and renewal of nuclear power plant licenses will be accomplished in the US through an industry wide effort involving the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), utilities, the Atomic Industrial Forum (AIF), code and standard committee, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the DOE. The collective industry effort is being coordinated by the Nuclear Plant Life Extension (NUPLEX) Steering Committee. As an important first step in plant life extension research, the DOE, EPRI and plant owners are supporting two pilot plant studies. These studies thus far indicate no major obstacles to operating considerably longer than 40 years. Additional analysis and R and D are needed, however, to resolve generic uncertainties of degradation processes and to develop the technology for improved inspections, the repair and replacement of aged components and preventive alternatives. The DOE is currently supporting more broadly based variance studies to develop the technical basis for the extended life of specific critical components. Economic studies are also in process to facilitate decision-making for life extension on a national and regional basis. Further R and D is also under way on the predictive performance of key components affecting plant safety and availability. The DOE is also investigating the longer term deterioration of critical cables. Additional aspects of DOE research address data requirements for life extension as well as work to assist NRC policy development.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA); USDOE, Washington, DC
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• OSTI ID: 6517964
• Report Number(s): SAND-86-2869C; CONF-870756-2; ON: DE87010494
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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