Aging Management by Component
RPV Internals
RPV Baffle Bolts and Barrel Bolts
Assessment
Optimize the condition assessment of your
RPV baffle bolts
The challenge
In the frame of their long-term operations strategy,
utilities have to conform to several regulatory
procedures and provide the necessary studies,
inspections, component repairs & replacements to
support their License Renewal or Periodic Safety
Review efforts as well as their Aging Management
Program (AMP) commitments.
RPV internals aging effects have to be managed
by utilities through AMP which have to take into
account observed wear and degradation of components like baffle bolts.
The solution
AREVA developed several specifically designed
tools and methods to allow for state-of-the-art barrel
and baffle bolt condition assessments and upgrades:
• Aging management plans and studies
• Specifically designed inspection systems
• Engineering evaluation / analyses and models
• Bolt replacement tools and services
Following inspections, AREVA can prepare the justification files that review baffle bolt and core barrel
bolt cracking characteristics. This is used to assess
if the mechanical characteristics, the number and
location of the bolts ensure fit and safe long-term
operations. When necessary, AREVA can also provide bolt replacements.
Key features
Inspection
• The flexible multi-role underwater system
SUSI allows for extremely time-efficient
UT observation of activities and components inside the cavity. SUSI can also be
used as a carrier of the UT transducer
for performing Baffle Bolt inspections.
SUSI has a 5 cm positioning accuracy
which eradicates any potential bolt identification errors.
Baffle bolt cracking justification analysis
• Determination of the maximum acceptable use extension of bolts considering
current observed bolt degradation,
• Determination of the minimum number of
bolts needed and the corresponding
locations, for baffle plate securing
• Leading edge expertise in baffle assembly stress analysis and state of the
art modeling capabilities
• 1D and 3D predictive model for baffle
assembly aging using finite
Replacements
• In the context of justification files preparation, consequence analysis is being used
to develop minimum bolt patterns to minimize scope of baffle bolt replacements
• Required replacement can be performed
on all types of bolts using specifically
developed tools like the dual mast tool.
SUSI Inspection
3D models can be used for
justification files
RPV Baffle Bolts and Barrel Bolts Assessment
AREVA References:
• AREVA has inspected and exchanged over
7000 baffle bolts and core barrel bolts worldwide
• Recent references include baffle bolts inspections at Surry, Angra, North Anna, Oconee,
DC Cook and Ginna
Barrel bolts exchange
AREVA mast system and tools
Baffle bolts exchange
Your benefits at a glance
• Benefit from the integrated approach offered by AREVA which combines inspection,
justification file setup and bolt replacements
• Improve the accuracy of the condition assessment of your baffle bolts thanks to the
specifically designed AREVA inspection systems like our underwater system SUSI
• Optimize the aging management of your internals thanks to state-of-the art modeling
approaches that help you minimize your bolt replacements thanks to consequence
analysis used to develop minimum bolt patterns
The statements contained in this document are for information purpose only and shall under no circumstances be considered as a binding offer or an offer to contract.
In no event this document and any information included herein shall be construed as providing any warranties or performance guarantees either express or implied, including without
limitation warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Subject to any applicable law, AREVA and any AREVA group companies disclaim all responsibility in case
of error or omission and assume no responsibility to update any statements contained herein.
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