Fast experimental reactor 'Joyo'. Maintenance/management of fuel handling and storage facilities

As the fast experimental reactor 'Joyo' has been suspended for a long time due to the response to the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011 and compliance with the new regulatory standards. As the results of conducting the necessary review on maintenance/management corresponding to the long-term suspension, the following results were obtained. (1) For fuel facilities, the inspection cycle was changed from fixed periodical inspection to elapsed time management, and by performing disassembly inspection before the wear and deterioration of parts have occurred, the designated function could be maintained. (2) With regard to fuel handling equipment, voluntary surveillance operation was conducted to maintain operation technology, and the functional function confirmation and necessary repair of the equipment were carried out, whereby maintenance of function of equipment and maintenance of operation technology could be achieved. (3) From the fact that the function maintenance could have been achieved through the inspection at the changed cycle, the prospect of finding further optimal inspection cycle can be expected while performing condition monitoring. (A.O.)