Implementing a comprehensive and systematic PLiM programme involves systematic assessment technologies, detailed understanding of degradation mechanisms and of system/component design and supporting tools, procedures, and methods. For HWR plants, this programme has been developed and advanced via extensive development and implementation experience at various utilities over the past decade.

Many lessons have been learned on effective interfaces between the various disciplines and the organizations that will be involved in performing PLiM work. Efforts continue to improve and update this knowledge base, as experience continues to grow with PLiM at various plants. In particular efforts are underway to organize the large amount of ageing-related data in an easily accessible fashion for current PLiM efforts but to retain the knowledge for future use in PLiM programmes.

HWR NPP owner/operators and the design support organizations should work closely together on PLiM. Detailed and close collaboration at one plant can lead to on-going improvements, which can be applied to PLiM programmes at other plants or to better assessments within the same plant. There are many potential benefits of this collaboration to both parties.

For instance, design organizations can either undertake complete ageing assessments or support the utility ageing assessments; via direct experience in design, procurement, construction, commissioning and operations feedback from other HWR plants. Also a successful PLiM programme will utilize results from an active R&D support programme that focuses on plant ageing mechanisms, surveillance methodologies, mitigation methods, and improved inspection technologies. Another valuable input can come from the OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturer) who often have the most detailed information on a particular SSC. A mature PLiM programme takes an industry approach and utilizes the best expertise from various organizations.