Understanding Aging Phenomena Plant Life Management

摘要

Plant aging results in particular from system or component material properties degradation,rnmainly due to irradiation, corrosion or fatigue. Due to potential impact of aging on plant safetyrnand availability, Framatome-ANP has developed a structured approach to address plant agingrnissues. Plant Life Management (PLIM) comprises the following phases:rn1. Identification of material degradation mechanisms,rn2. Knowledge of actual component conditions,rn3. Prediction of component service life,rn4. Implementation of the necessary aging countermeasures (modification of plant operation,rnon-line aging monitoring, repair or replacement of the affected component, etc).rnThe paper presents the general methodology for aging management, and illustrates itsrnapplication to various components/aging aspects. Available Framatome-ANP tools, such asrnsoftware and services dedicated to the management of these aspects are presented.