Main deficiencies and corrective measures of nuclear power plants in ageing management for safe long term operation

This paper presents the analysis of the main technical deficiencies of nuclear power plants (NPPs) in ageing management development, implementation, review and improvement to support safe long term operation (LTO) and the main corrective measures which are typically performed. It focuses on technical aspects connected with management of physical ageing of NPP structures, systems and components (SSCs). It uses as a basis results of IAEA Safety Aspects of Long Term Operation (SALTO) missions performed between 2005 and 2016 (see also paper NED8805 in Nuclear Engineering and Design in May 2016 and paper NED9185 in Nuclear Engineering and Design in March 2017) and the personal experiences of the authors with preparation of NPPs for safe LTO. Chapter 1 provides a brief introduction of the current status of the NPPs' ageing management in connection with LTO. Chapter 2 provides an overview of SALTO peer review service results with a focus on deficiencies related to ageing management and topics connected with development, implementation, review and improvement of systematic ageing management in NPPs. Chapter 3 discusses the main corrective measures NPPs typically face to develop, implement and review ageing management for safe LTO. Chapter 4 summarizes the current status of the NPP fleet in connection with LTO and outlines further steps needed in preparation for safe LTO.