Ageing Management

An abstract of the article published in:
Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) News
Journal Article:  vol. 27.1, June 2009 (PDF)
Paris, France

Prepared by:
Andrei Blahoianu
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC)
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Abstract

Ageing management is generally defined in a broad sense covering not only ageing management of “hardware” (structures, systems and components), but also management issues such as keeping up with developments in stateof-the-art technology and the latest management practices. The importance assigned to “traditional” ageing management, in terms of issues related to hardware degradation problems, is clearly very high. The other aspects, for example developments in engineering or management, are considered important as well, but are less emphasized.

Plant ageing management is composed of the following necessary elements, which are all linked together:

• understanding and knowledge of ageing-related damage mechanisms, including benchmarking of the consequences of damage mechanisms into macroscopic behaviour of materials and structures under applicable conditions;
• predictive models to extrapolate behaviour of systems, structures or components up to a defined time;
• qualified methods for detection and surveillance of ageing degradation;
• qualified mitigation, repair and replacements measures;
• reliable plant documentation, including optimization of the ageing management programme based on current understanding and knowledge and periodic self-assessment;
• availability of a technical service and knowledge base.

The subject of plant ageing management has gained increasing attention over the past years, notably as more nuclear power plants across the world are being considered for lifetime extension.  In this context, the NEA has conducted numerous technical studies to assess the impact of ageing mechanisms on safe and reliable plant operation. International research activities have also been initiated or are under way to provide the technical basis for decision making.

To obtain a copy of the abstract's document, please contact us at info@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca or call 613-995-5894 or 1-800-668-5284 (in Canada).   When contacting us, please provide the title and date of the abstract.