Methodology for qualification of in-service inspection systems for WWER nuclear power plants. A publication of the extrabudgetary programme on the safety of WWER and RBMK nuclear power plants

Program was initiated by IAEA in 1990 with the aim to assist the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and former Soviet Union in evaluating the safety of their first generation WWER-440/230 nuclear power plants. The main objectives were: to identify major design and operational safety issues; to establish international consensus on priorities for safety improvements; and to provide assistance in the review of the competence and and adequacy of safety improvement programs. The scope was extended in 1992 to include RBMK, WWER-440/312 and WWER-1000 plants in operation and under construction. Integrity of primary circuit is fundamental for the safe operation of any nuclear power plant. In-service inspection (ISI) in general terms and in particular, non-destructive tests (NDT) play a key role in maintaining primary circuit integrity. This report provides a methodology for qualification of ISI systems which might be used by WWER operating countries as a commonly accepted basis for further development of the necessary qualification related infrastructures. It also provides several qualification principles defining the administrative framework needed for the practical implementation of the methodology, a description of the process of qualification of an inspection system, specifying its minimum technical and documentation related requirements, as well as specific requirements with regard to the NDT procedures, equipment and personnel to be qualified and the test specimen to be used in practical trials. Finally, the report suggests an appropriate distribution of responsibilities among all the parties involved in a qualification process, based on international practice