In-service inspection of PWRs

In-service inspection of pressurized water reactors (PWRs) is an important component of nuclear power reactor maintenance. Its aim is to prevent the appearance or development of damage (damage or degradation), one of the consequences of which is materialized by a discontinuity known as a fault, by means of in situ explorations, which in the vast majority of cases are non-destructive. This (these) damage(s) is (are) likely to reach such a degree that the installation could not operate without a high safety risk, during normal reactor operation and a fortiori in the event of an incident.

Periodic inspection of the materials making up the reactor components is therefore essential for :

• ensure that damage is taken into account in the design process;

• ensure, over time, that the aging of reactor components does not risk damaging structures and materials beyond limits that would be unacceptable for safety.

This means that in-service inspection is an ongoing activity that must be managed throughout the life of the plant, while maintaining a high level of quality in terms of both safety and competitiveness.