Plant Ageing Adjustments to Maintain Reactor Power at Point Lepreau Generating Station

Abstract

This paper deals with a portion of the Point Lepreau ageing program that investigates the ageing behavior of the primary heat transport system (HTS) and its potential impact on the Critical Channel Power (CCP). It summarizes the current understanding and the actions taken to date to monitor, understand, correct and combat this aspect of plant ageing. It also shows that the program has led to improved analysis tools, enabling plant optimization as well as prediction of future requirements. The focus is on accurate tracking of ageing and periodic ageing adjustments such that safe reactor operation is ensured without unnecessary economic penalties.