TAREG 2.01/00 Project - Validation of Neutron Embrittlement for VVER 1000 and 440/213 RPVs, with Emphasis on Integrity Assessment

The irradiation embrittlement and integrity of the VVER reactors has been an important issue in many EC supported TACIS and PHARE projects since 1990. In the EC annual programs two TACIS projects (TAREG 2.01/00 and 2.01/03) were launched on the issue in order to improve the neutron irradiation embrittlement databases, elaborate new trend curves for the embrittlement and to assess the integrity of the RPVs (Reactor Pressure Vessel) by analysing PTS transients (Pressurized Thermal Shock) for some selected Russian and Ukrainian VVER 1000 and 440/213 NPPs. In this paper the TAREG 2.01/00 project is briefly described with some details from the twin project 2.01/03, which served as a materials testing project, providing inputs for the 1st project. As a result of the project new trend curves for neutron irradiation embrittlement was elaborated based on upgraded and more reliable surveillance results databases. The PTS study show that the integrity of the selected VVER RPVs can be ensured to the end of RPV design life.JRC.F.5-Nuclear Reactor Safety Assessmen