The research project on technical information basis for aging management in Fukui and Kinki area

The Research Project on Technical Information Basis for Aging Management was initiated in 2006 by the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), to promote aging management of domestic nuclear power plants. Its main objective was to improve the technical basis on which aging plants are regulated. Upon taking part in the R and D Roadmaps for Aging Management and Safe Long Term Operation, the experience and results of the participating organizations were considered and the following four topics were extracted. The regional characteristics of the Fukui and Kinki area where 15 nuclear power plants, mainly PWRs, and many nuclear related research institutes and universities are located, were also considered. (1) The improvement of pipe thinning management in nuclear power plants. (2) The development of inspection techniques to monitor the initiation and propagation of defects. (3) The development of a guideline for evaluating weld repair methods. (4) The development of a guideline for evaluating the degradation of main structures. To promote this research project, INSS has established a regional consortium (called the 'Fukui Regional Cluster' in coordination with universities, research institutes, electric utilities and venders in the Fukui and Kinki area. INSS is acting as of coordinator to make a contracts, facilitate execution, and compile annual reports. In FY2007, 13 research subjects were proposed for this project and all were accepted. Of these, 7 subjects were related to the first topic (pipe thinning), 4 subjects were related to the second topic (inspection technique) and 1 subject was related to each of the other two topics (weld repair and main structures). All were completed, fulfilling the requirements and expectations. (author)