Experience with piping in German NPPs with respect to ageing-related aspects

Thirteen nuclear power plants (NPPs) with pressurized water reactors (PWRs) and six plants with boiling water reactors (BWRs) are currently in operation in Germany. For almost 25 years, GRS has been systematically evaluating the operating experience of these plants. In this paper, the operating experience relating to piping damage in safety-relevant systems of German plants with light water reactors (LWRs) is evaluated with respect to ageing-related effects. The experience with actions taken against piping degradation is illustrated by examples. The results of the evaluation confirm the conservativeness of the safety concept chosen for the design of German NPPs with LWRs, as well as the effectiveness of ageing management.