Inspection Qualification at Paks NPP - First Steps
D. Szabó , J. Pinczés, G. Takács, J. Palasti, L. Sarkozi, Paks NPP, Hungary
ABSTRACT
Paks NPP has an active participation in projects and programs related to inspection qualification (IQ) (elaboration of IAEA guidelines; EU Phare projects; IAEA RER/4/20 project; ENDEF meetings; international NDT conferences; ENIQ) since 1996. In 2000 the Hungarian authority requested to start the IQ activities at Paks NPP. Paks NPP worked out a strategy for IQ including improvement of co-operation with other WWER-440 operators and organisation qualifications in two steps: pilot qualification 2001-2002 and certified qualifications from 2002. Main principles of the IQ program: the co-operation is open to all WWER-440 operators intending to join later; qualifications should be performed in line with IAEA and ENIQ methodology. Co-operation areas: harmonisation of IQ activities, exchange of IQ achievements (test blocks, working documents, results etc.), mutual recognition of qualifications performed in other countries, establishing common approach of definition of target flaw description and inspection performance requirements, nomination of contact persons from each co-operating plant, the setting up of common test piece database, organisation of expert meeting and initiation of mutual recognition of qualified ISI systems at national level. This co-operation is the decelerated at Paks, during the IQ workshop for WWER-440 operators, organised by Paks. Object of qualification: selection viewpoints of inspection to be qualified; safety significant component or weld; existing ISI procedure and equipment; existing test pieces; practical trials in Maintenance Training Centre. Three alternatives are proposed, final selection not yet decided (RPV butt weld/nozzle to safe end weld, SG primary collector flange). The final selection is, to qualify the SG primary collector flange area Mechanised UT inspection with Phased Array probes. Qualification Body is planned to set up an ad-hoc qualification body B type according to EN 45000. PAKS NPP will establish the QB on contractual basis with an independent authorised organisation. Because in Hungary there is no experience in inspection qualifications, Paks will contract with a highly competent expert to assist the project. Scope of pilot qualification: It is foreseen to qualify the inspection procedure and the equipment. (TJ + open trial) At the same time the first certified qualification is proposed to perform for the same inspection including personnel qualification. Planned start of qualification process is April 2001 and the scheduled finish of the project is May 2002. Between the outages there is a special program for practical trials to analyse the capability of inspection procedure. Using the Phare blocks with different reflectors have a good possibility to prepare necessary documentation.
Publication Source: 3nd International Conference on NDE in Relation to Structural Integrity for Nuclear and Pressurized Components, November 14-16, 2001, Seville Spain. Publisher: Tecnatom s.a. - [Homepage]
