Update on Canadian regulatory oversight of ageing management for nuclear power plants

An abstract of the technical paper presented to:
20th International Conference Structural Mechanics in Reactor Technology (SMiRT)
Espoo, Finland
August 17–19, 2009

Prepared by:
Ken Kirkhope, Andrei Blahoianu and Gerry Frappier
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
Ottawa (Ontario), Canada

Abstract

This paper provides an update on Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) staff perspectives on managing the safety aspects of ageing of structures systems, and components (SSC) of nuclear power plants (NPP). Managing the safety aspects of NPP ageing requires a proactive, systematic, and integrated ageing management approach for the coordination of all activities relating to the understanding, control, monitoring, and mitigation of ageing degradation of SSC through the lifecycle of a NPP. A CNSC regulatory document on ageing management based on modern international guidelines is described. In addition, the development of CNSC staff review guidelines for New Builds is included. Finally, CNSC participation in a number of ageing-management and structural integrity initiatives with industry and other national regulatory agencies both within Canada and at international level are presented.

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