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FeaturesFailure-Free Fuel Operationfor a Combined 26 YearsThe US’ PPL Susquehanna stationrecently received a Nuclear EnergyInstitute Top Industry Performance(TIP) award commemorating theoperation of Susquehanna Units 1 and2 with defect-free fuel performancefor a combined 26 years (since 1987on Unit 1 and 1992 on Unit 2).Framatome ANP began supplying fuelto PPL in 1984 and delivered thefirst domestic reload of ATRIUM 10fuel to PPL in 1997.John Kulick, PPL SusquehannaManager-Nuclear Fuels commented,“Our sustained level of defect-free fueloperation has been achieved through astrong, station-wide operational focuson fuel reliability. Reliable, defect-freefuel operation is recognized byeveryone as essential to the successof Susquehanna.”PPL credits a robust fuel design asa key element to this outstanding fuelperformance record. A cooperativepartnership between Framatome ANPand PPL has resulted in the developmentand implementation of severalfuel design improvements. Sinceintroducing the ATRIUM10 fuel in1997, Framatome ANP has extendedthe maximum assembly burnup limit,developed an advanced fuel channeland incorporated the FUELGUARD lower tie-plate.Other important factors in PPL’sfuel performance record includeregular irradiated fuel inspections,conservative operational strategies andthe use of advanced core monitoringand analysis methods. FramatomeANP performs regular irradiated fuelinspections at PPL, the most recentinspection being completed in June2003. PPL continually places fuelintegrity above generation revenuewhen making operational decisions.26 years of failure-free fuelperformance is a tribute to boththe operator and the fuel supplier.They incorporate conservative fuelconditioning criteria and analyzepower maneuvers using advancedFramatome ANP codes and methodsto ensure adequate margin to the fuellimits. PPL has recently introducedthe POWERPLEX-III core monitoringsystem software and MICROBURN-B2analysis methodology.Further, PPL has an aggressiveoversight program including vendorsurveillance at many of the engineeringand fabrication facilities. FramatomeANP facilitated and attended theseaudits and recently improved itsCorrective Action program to ensurethat customer concerns are addressedand resolved in a timely manner.PPL’s technical experts review allprocess change and design changereports provided by Framatome ANP.Technical experts from FramatomeANP and PPL work closely togetherto make sure that process and designimprovements are developed andimplemented effectively.The cooperative relationship betweenFramatome ANP and PPL hascontributed to the outstanding fuelperformance record at Susquehanna.In addition, stated Kulick, “Ourstation reactor engineers and controlroom operators have developed aclose working relationship in defininghow the fuel should be operated.”As a result of its defect-free fuelperformance, PPL has recognized lowerfuel costs, increased power generationand lower radiological exposure.PPL is in negotiations withFramatome ANP as the preferred fuelvendor for supply of the next sixreloads at Susquehanna. ■14 Advanced Nuclear Power N O 9 November 2003