Rod control cluster assembly lifetime management
A3280
The availability and planning of functional Rod Control Cluster Assemblies (RCCAs) are essential for the safe operation of PWRs. In addition to safety, operators must also prioritize cost-effectiveness and waste management.
The main factors that limit the lifetime of RCCAs can be categorized based on their predictability: Mechanical damage, Fluence restrictions, Cracks in the cladding, Wear of guide cards.
In response to these constraints, our solution aims to optimize the number of RCCAs required throughout the plant’s lifetime, ensure the optimal use of functional RCCAs to reduce nuclear waste, and mitigate the risk of RCCA shortages toward the end of the plant’s operational life.
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