2. Fundamentals and implementation of in-service inspection

2.1 General

In view of the highly detailed design studies carried out on nuclear boilers, and the quality of the design and manufacture of components, materials and equipment, based on very strict acceptance criteria for manufacturing defects, in-service inspections are carried out a priori on those areas of the plant where there is reason to believe that the design studies do not offer a total guarantee against damage that may occur during service life, as well as on the most highly stressed areas, such as low-cycle fatigue.

Of course, during the operating phase, this vision is likely to evolve in line with the accumulation of data obtained from national and international experience feedback. Indeed, it would be unacceptable to public authorities and the general...