Fracture Mechanics Based Embrittlement, FRAME.

Abstract not availableJRC.F-Institute for Energy (Petten

Reactor pressure vessel surveillance

This publication summarizes the long term operation (LTO) conditions in European NPPs and provides recommendations on reactor pressure vessel (RPV) irradiation surveillance based on the work performed in the Work Package 7 “Surveillance Guidelines” of the LONGLIFE international project. The LONGLIFE project "Treatment of Long Term Irradiation Embrittlement Effects in RPV Safety Assessment" was 50% funded by the Euratom 7th Framework Programme of the European Commission. Specific scientific and technical issues addressed in this publication are the following: • Surveillance standards and procedures. • Reuse of tested irradiated surveillance specimens. • Transferability of test reactor results to LWR conditions. • Extension of RPV irradiation surveillance programmes. • Withdrawal scheme for LTO surveillance programmes. The objective of the surveillance guidelines is to support the potential end-user (utilities, nuclear power plants, research institutes, etc.) in selecting the appropriate strategy and technical approaches for RPV irradiation surveillance for LTO. In this way contributing to a reliable monitoring of long-term irradiation effects in RPV, and supporting the European efforts towards harmonisation of procedures for RPV surveillance and safety assessment in the light of LTO.JRC.F.5-Nuclear Reactor Safety Assessmen