A Regulator's Role in Research and Development – Status of Chemistry-Related Regulations and Research in the Canadian Nuclear Power Industry

Abstract of the technical paper presented at:
Nuclear Plant Chemistry Conference 2016
Brighton, UK
October 2–7, 2016

Prepared by:
Ram Kameswaran and Michael Yacyshyn
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission

Abstract:

The pressurized heavy water reactor (PHWR) CANDU system is a mature technology with more than 40 years of commercial operating experience. The chemistry control regime of the PHWR primary and secondary water system is well established. However, the aging fleet and many age-related degradation mechanisms continue to challenge plants’ chemistry control programs. The current focus of the CANDU operators worldwide is to better understand the degradation mechanisms and to develop chemistry optimization strategies to limit the degradation.

In Canada, industry groups and academia, such as the CANDU Owners Group (COG) and University Network of Excellence in Nuclear Engineering (UNENE), are engaged in nuclear and related research and development activities.

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has a mandate to protect health, safety, security and the environment; to implement Canada’s international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy; and to disseminate objective scientific, technical and regulatory information to the public.

This mandate demands objective scientific knowledge, which provides the foundation for clear legislation, relevant regulations and reliable, evidence-based decision making. The CNSC has sponsored several research activities to promote science-based regulatory decision making.

This paper attempts to provide the status of current research and development activities in the area of chemistry and the CNSC’s role in supporting and/or directing current and future research.

To obtain a copy of the abstract’s document, please contact us at cnsc.info.ccsn@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.