Validation results of the pre-service ultrasonic inspections of the Sizewell B pressurizer and steam generators and reactor coolant pump flywheels

Conference · Tue Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1995

OSTI ID:86129

Conroy, P J; Leyland, K S ^[1]

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1. AEA Technology, Warrington (United Kingdom)

In the UK, concern over the safety issues associated with nuclear power generation resulted in a demand for a public inquiry into the construction and operation of Sizewell ``B``, Britain`s first PWR. This public inquiry was additional to the UK`s normal licensing process. The onus was placed upon the UK utility, CEGB (now Nuclear Electric plc) to provide evidence to the inquiry to support the case that the plant would be constructed and operated to a sufficiently high standard of safety. Part of the evidence to the inquiry (1) relied upon the ability of ultrasonic inspections to verify that the reactor pressure vessel and other safety critical components (collectively known as IoF components), were free from defects that could threaten structural integrity. At that time, the body of evidence showed that although ultrasonic inspection had the potential to satisfy this requirement, it would be necessary to validate the procedures and key operators used in order to provide assurance that they were adequate. Inspection validation therefore became an integral part of the UK PWR nuclear power program.

• OSTI ID: 86129
• Report Number(s): CONF-9505104--; ISBN 0-87170-548-6
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
DATA
FLYWHEELS
PERFORMANCE
PERSONNEL
PRESSURIZERS
PUMPS
REACTOR COOLING SYSTEMS
SIZEWELL-B REACTOR
STANDARDS
STEAM GENERATORS
ULTRASONIC TESTING
WELDED JOINTS