The continued operation and the ability to eventually retrieve and transport spent fuel in dry storage systems is dependent upon being able to demonstrate that on-going safety and operability related systems, structures and components (SSCs) are still fit for purpose/compliant with the original safety justification (and assessed against any revision in safety standards). With storage duration continuing to increase as a result of the lack of availability of reprocessing and disposal routes it is expected that the original licences will need to be renewed and/or the original design life of these systems will be exceeded. As SSCs are subjected to degradation mechanisms and ageing processes, then a sound knowledge of how these evolve with time is required. The CRP is aimed at collecting and sharing up to date R&D on SSCs, monitoring, inspection and surveillance programmes in support of spent fuel dry storage. How this information is used in licence or safety justification renewal and collating experiences in developing ageing management programmes (AMPs) for spent fuel dry storage systems.
To develop the technical basis and methodology to enable guidance to be provided to Member States on how to generate an ageing management programme for spent fuel dry storage systems.
To establish the technical basis for components used in spent fuel dry storage systems which do not need to be monitored or maintained
To identify monitoring and inspection techniques used in participant countries
To harvest participants’ approaches, constraints and timeframes to ageing management programmes for spent fuel dry storage systems
To identify the systems, structures, and components (SSCs) to ensure spent fuel dry storage systems are safe, retrievable and transportable
To describe techniques for monitoring SSCs in spent fuel dry storage systems
To identify life limiting SSCs in spent fuel dry storage systems
To report R&D in support of continued use of spent fuel dry storage systems
Inspection tools are being developed to monitor dry storage systems.
Special focus is given to effects occurring during extended long term storage and transport after long storage durations.
To collect and exchange relevant experience of ageing management for dry storage systems already in place.
To evaluate material performance of dry storage system components and monitor possible ageing effects.
The CRP collected valuable information on the status of ageing management programmes (AMPs) in the participating MSs. The final report will provide relevant guidance on how AMP for dry storage spent fuel facilities could be developed and implemented.
The CRP has already triggered significant actions in one of the participating countries with respect to monitoring and inspections. Thanks to this CRP the operator of a storage facility has now acquired the knowledge on which inspection technique is available, proven and best suited for his dry storage system.
Effective and successful transfer of knowledge and operational experiences occurred during the CRP duration.
The CRP is highly relevant as SNF storage duration, and therefore storage system operational lifetimes, are increasing worldwide. This CRP enabled collaboration and information sharing between involved organizations, which is essential for ensuring safe and secure management of spent fuel in dry storage systems.