APAL End user workshop – Towards the definition on best practice for advanced PTS analysis for integrity assessment of RPV
The recent End-User Workshop – Towards the definition on best practice for advanced PTS analysis for integrity assessment of RPV, held on May 14th and 15th, 2024 in Warsaw, Poland, was a significant event that focused on introducing and discussing the best-practice guide for assessing Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV) integrity under PTS using both deterministic and probabilistic methods. Organized as a hybrid event by Warsaw University of Technology (WUT), the workshop attracted a diverse group of stakeholders, including Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) owners, suppliers, and regulatory bodies.
Key Highlights: The workshop introduced a comprehensive best-practice guide aimed at improving the methods used for assessing Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV) integrity. This guide is expected to be a crucial resource for enhancing both deterministic and probabilistic analyses of RPV integrity under Pressurized Thermal Shock (PTS) conditions. Addressing this issue is essential for the long-term operation of existing nuclear facilities.
Engaging Discussions and Feedback: Participants engaged in detailed discussions about the guide, sharing insights and providing valuable feedback. This collaborative effort aims to refine the document to better meet the practical needs of end-users in the nuclear industry.
Participation Overview: Total Registered Participants: 103 Online Participants: 65 Onsite Participants: 38 Number of non-APAL organizations involved: 26
This diverse representation from leading global institutions underscores the workshop's significance and its impact on the international nuclear community. Notable participating institutions included: HUN-REN Centre for Energy Research, Vattenfall, Ringhals AB, EDF, CEZ, a.s., CEA, Jacobs, Fortum, Loviisa NPP, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, LTD., Rolls-Royce SMR, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, NRG, Netherlands, Polish National Atomic Energy Agency, Tractebel (ENERGIE), Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry, NCBJ, AGH University of Krakow, National Radiation Protection Institute, UPV/EHU, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Westinghouse, SCK CEN, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, ENSI, SUJB, MPA uni-stuttgart, IDOM
Workshop Outcomes: The workshop successfully created a collaborative environment where experts could share knowledge, address challenges, and contribute to the ongoing improvement of RPV integrity assessment practices. Participants also discussed the draft of the prefinal guidance on best practices, which incorporates the experience of professionals involved in the APAL project and advanced Pressurized Thermal Shock (PTS) analysis. This draft represents a culmination of insights and methodologies that have been refined over time. The feedback collected during the workshop will play a crucial role in finalizing the best-practice guide, ultimately enhancing the safety and efficiency of nuclear power plants worldwide.
The end-user workshop group
Attendees following the workshop presentation