International Generic Aging Lessons Learned (IGALL) Programme for CANDU/PHWR Reactors

Abstract

The International Generic Ageing Lessons Learned (IGALL) programme was developed by the International Atomic Energy Agency to assist Member States in ensuring that aging of structures, systems and components (SSCs) of nuclear power plants (NPPs) is well managed, so that safety levels are maintained during long-term operation. Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) staff have been strong supporters of the IGALL programme since its inception, and lead Canadian participation to ensure that it addresses current, proven best practices and knowledge on aging management for Canadian CANDU NPPs. Participation in IGALL also helps to ensure that Canadian utilities will benefit from international experience, proven practices, knowledge and lessons learned from Member States with similar CANDU / pressurized heavywater reactor (PHWR) or light-water reactor technologies. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the IGALL programme and to illustrate how it is applied to managing aging of mechanical, electrical and instrumentation and control (EI&C) components, and civil structures of CANDU NPPs. The aging management programs, time-limited aging analyses and aging management review tables for mechanical, EI&C and structural SSCs of CANDU NPPs are described. The application of the IGALL programme for implementation and compliance with CNSC REGDOC-2.6.3, Aging Management, and REGDOC-2.3.3, Periodic Safety Reviews, is also discussed. Finally, the paper outlines a few suggested areas for further enhancement of the IGALL programme.