Improving Global Quality of Life
Improving Global Quality of Life
Improving Global Quality of Life
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9 Needs and challenges <strong>of</strong> major industry sectors for future applications<br />
both globally and for specific countries. A nuclear reactor is far more environmentally friendly as compared<br />
to fossil power generating station, as it does not emit any potentially hazardous, green house gases such<br />
as CO 2<br />
, SO 2<br />
and oxides <strong>of</strong> nitrogen. Nuclear power can be generated using both the fusion and fission<br />
reactions, <strong>of</strong> which the fission based nuclear technology is well established. On the other hand, fusion which<br />
<strong>of</strong>fers limitless power resources, needs to overcome several challenges related to materials and associated<br />
technologies, in order to become commercially viable.<br />
For the sustained growth <strong>of</strong> nuclear energy, it is important to ensure that the cost <strong>of</strong> nuclear energy<br />
production is economical, as compared to other energy resources. For this purpose, research in welding<br />
technology is vital for the sustainable development <strong>of</strong> nuclear energy.<br />
Welding is a manufacturing process that is critical for the successful construction and safe operation <strong>of</strong><br />
nuclear power plants. With the prevalence <strong>of</strong> fabricated metallic components, such as pressure vessels,<br />
pipe work, liners and cable trays, the scale <strong>of</strong> the welding task is very large for both onsite and <strong>of</strong>fsite<br />
fabrication. For example, on the Olkiluoto EPR (French Nuclear reactor <strong>of</strong> 3d generation) build project there<br />
are approximately 200 km <strong>of</strong> piping and about 30,000 welds within the nuclear island alone. Industry and<br />
other stakeholders must be confident <strong>of</strong> the quality and integrity <strong>of</strong> welded joints, particularly as the next<br />
generation <strong>of</strong> nuclear power plants is expected to have a design life <strong>of</strong> at least 60 years.<br />
Ensuring welding quality is challenging and can be costly. Most <strong>of</strong>ten it is examined in the finished product<br />
and, in instances where quality criteria are not met, costly and time-consuming repair and rework can result.<br />
Approaches used in other industries that address quality assurance in the welding process may be applicable<br />
to the nuclear sector.<br />
Two sets <strong>of</strong> rules are in use worldwide which apply to nuclear pressurised components. In the nuclear industry<br />
these rules are published by American Society <strong>of</strong> Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and French Association for<br />
the rules governing the Design, Construction and Operating Supervision <strong>of</strong> the Equipment Items for Electro<br />
Nuclear Boilers (AFCEN).<br />
Both codes have significant implications for welding quality and integrity.<br />
ASME<br />
The fabrication and the installation <strong>of</strong> structures must meet the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code<br />
section III, and then once completed, the continuous in-service inspection and repair activities must meet<br />
Section X1 <strong>of</strong> the same code. The ASME standard for <strong>Quality</strong> Assurance Requirements for Nuclear Facility<br />
Applications (QA) - NQA-1 (2004) provides supplemental information and contract requirements.<br />
This standard provides guidance and methods for defining a quality system that would meet the US legislative<br />
requirements. It is also a globally recognised quality standard that organisations planning construction to<br />
the ASME code may want to adopt. This standard reflects industry experience and current understanding <strong>of</strong><br />
the quality assurance requirements.<br />
The RCC and ETC approach<br />
The Rules for Design and Construction (RCC) family and EPR Technical Code (ETCs) are design and<br />
construction or technical codes and standards corresponding to industrial practice implemented in the<br />
design, construction and commissioning <strong>of</strong> the 3 rd generation EPR reactor.<br />
The last upgrade <strong>of</strong> RCC-M takes into account the EU standards referenced in all chapters to ensure<br />
consistency with EU requirements, and to meet recognised international standards. RCC-M requires product<br />
and shop qualification and also prototype qualifications.<br />
As with ASME, NQA-1 RCC-M Section 1 specifies broad quality assurance and quality management<br />
requirements based on the ISO 9001 requirements.<br />
Through Optimum Use and Innovation <strong>of</strong> Welding and Joining Technologies<br />
<strong>Improving</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Quality</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Life</strong><br />
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