The reliability of a nuclear power plant depends on the safe functioning of its components during its lifetime: from design through construction, operation and maintenance. This is valid for new build projects as well as for the current fleet. As plants undergo modifications for increased performance or extended lifetimes, component integrity becomes a critical factor in those efforts, particularly for safety-related plant functions. This paper focuses on the qualification of pumps and valves of the safety-injection path, considering new requirements. Going back to the Barsebäck event in the year 1992, it is known that insulation material may cause clogging. Consequently, the presence of debris material in the water may have an impact on the functioning of pumps and valves. For this purpose, AREVA has built new thermo-hydraulic test loops in its accredited test and inspection body (according to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 17025 and 17020) to consider this effect as it relates to components qualification (Ref. 1). The main relevant aspects of these tests will be discussed together with corresponding thermal shock tests.
Paper published with permission.
