Workshop RPV-LTO

Experts discuss integrity assessments of reactor pressure vessels during life extension

The international RPV-LTO workshop will take place at GRS in Cologne (Germany) from July 9th to 10th, 2025. Online participation is also possible.

The topic of the workshop is the integrity assessment of reactor pressure vessels (RPV), especially in long term operation (LTO). In this interdisciplinary topic, the fracture mechanics aspects are in the foreground. However, material-specific and thermo-hydraulic aspects are also addressed. After introductory lectures presented by international experts, results from the research project FKZ 4723R01440 supported by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) will be put up for discussion by GRS employees. Details can be found in the enclosed preliminary agenda.

Background and objectives of the workshop

In many countries, nuclear facilities are being operated beyond their originally planned service life or there are plans to extend their service life. This raises country-specific regulatory and safety issues, particularly in connection with ageing aspects. Due to the material embrittlement of the RPV increasing with time of operation, its condition is of crucial importance when approving long-term operation. The evaluation of the RPV integrity is carried out based on the determined material embrittlement. In the various European countries, different, predominantly deterministic assessment approaches are used for this evidence. In addition, there is a different approach to verification with the US probabilistic evaluation methodology.

As part of the above-mentioned research project, the available data on RPV embrittlement of selected European nuclear power plants were analyzed. The aim was to determine material parameters for the RPV with a particularly high expected degree of brittleness and to use generic, realistic case studies to examine the consequences of the application of the different country-specific assessment approaches as part of the RPV integrity assessment against brittle fracture. The results were compared with each other and with regard to the determined safety margin to the respective acceptance criterion.

Following the lectures, there will be sufficient time for discussions and exchange of experiences.

Registration

Those interested can register for the event using the registration form by 6 June 2025. Participation is free of cost.