AGEING ASSESSMENTS

The following sections summarize the different ageing assessment methodologies that are applied to components at multi-unit CANDU plants, depending on the component criticality. [5]

For major components that were considered potentially life limiting for a plant, such as fuel channels, steam generators and feeders, life cycle management plans (LCMPs) have been prepared. These component LCMPs are updated annually.

II. 2.1. CONDITION ASSESSMENTS

Component, system and plant condition assessment (CA) procedures were written in [Ш.2]. The focus of the CAs is to identify actions to address component ageing in the short term, and to also consider actions required to ensure the component reaches the target plant life. These steps are summarized below:

• Plausible degradation mechanisms are identified systematically by assessing material, design and environment. Components are grouped according to type for efficiency, provided the environment was similar. Degradation assessment matrices, such as shown in Table 3 below are used. •

Table 8. Typical Multi-unit CANDU degradation mechanisms matrix

Components

Corrosion

Stress

Corrosion

Fatigue

Creep

Erosion

Wear

Ageing of non­metallic

Over

heating

Obsolescence

Rotor

forging

M

L

M

N/A

N/A

L

N/A

L

N/A

Rotor

winding &

wedges

L

L

L

L

N/A

M

H

M

N/A

End cap

M

M

L

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Stator Core

L

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

L

M

N/A

Stator

winding

L

N/A

M

M

L

N/A

M

M

N/A

Static

Exciter

L

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

L

H

H — Has significant and potentially life limiting effect

M — Potential for degradation to affect service life, or mechanism inadequately understood L — Little or no concern for end of life N/A — Not applicable

• Programme costs are identified, programme activities/milestones scheduled, and assigned to a responsible individual.

• Condition assessment results are reviewed annually, updated as necessary based on inspection and operating experience over the year, and recommended actions input to other managed processes such as business planning, strategic planning and generation planning.