Developmental technology of nuclear power plant maintenance to improve safety and reliability

Nuclear power plants have been designed and constructed by applying the latest technologies, which are to be improved day by day and be renewed in a few years, and become of age since starting their operation. Higher reliability in the aged plants as well as the latest ones have been required with the increased number and operating time of nuclear power plants. In order to keep sufficient reliability in plant performance, mature planning for preventive maintenances should be prepared and carried out based on the latest technologies and the reliable prediction of future degradations on plant equipment and materials. From the standpoint of the plant supplier which has much responsibility on not only designs and constructions but also plant maintenances, Hitachi is enthusiastically promoting research and development programs to establish the major technologies for preventive maintenance in cooperation with electric power companies. (author)