Key Technologies Research for the Implementation of In-Service Inspection Strategies Optimizing for the Reactor Coolant System of In-Service Nuclear Power Plants

Abstract The in-service inspection code for the M310 nuclear power plant in China is RSE-M. According to the standard, a periodic hydrostatic test of reactor coolant system is required every ten years, which reduces the economic efficiency of the plant. Based on current research results, the integrity of the pressure boundary of the reactor coolant system can be verified through system leakage testing after refueling outage combined with appropriate in-service inspection strategies. This paper is based on previous research results and focuses on the application research of periodic hydrostatic test and in-service inspection strategy optimization for a nuclear power plant. Key technical research during the application implementation process has been carried out and completed, including the applicability analysis of ASME standards and related regulations, the analysis of pressure boundary differences between system leakage test and hydrostatic test, and the mechanical analysis of nuclear safety class 1 pipelines, and analysis of the effect of related system equipment. Finally, the application and implementation of the optimization of the in-service inspection strategy for the reactor coolant system of the M310 nuclear power plant was completed.