| dc.description.abstract | Managing nuclear power plant aging is one of the important
technical issues which needs to be addressed by utilities in order to
extend the operating life of some of the early LWR power stations.
Plant managers must understand complex aging phenomena, identify aging
effects, anticipate failure, and mitigate the aging process.
Typically, the age-related design limits of crucial components are
not known, and this information usually does not appear to be easily
available from the equipment vendor. Electrical cables, insulation and
instrumentation are most susceptible to age-related degradation.
material degradation due to corrosion is the main costly problem
affecting a small but important portion of piping and major equipment.
Upgrading the plant, replacing aging equipment, and implementing
good maintenance, surveillance and spare parts inventory control
programs are actions a utility can take to extend the life of operating
nuclear plants.
Considerable institutional uncertainties are associated with
nuclear plant life extension. These spring mainly from the absence of
clearly defined policies by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
stating the technical and procedural requirements for plant life
extension.
From precedents established to-date, it is reasonable to expect
plant operation to be permitted for most plants for a total of 40 years
after start of commerical operation. As a large share of the net
discounted benefits of extended life operation may be derived from the
first decade of additional life, the basis for utility investments for
life extension is thus assured. | en |
