SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 June 2023
STP164720220038

Embrittlement Trend Curves and Reactor Pressure Vessel Operation in Finland

Source

To evaluate embrittlement from neutron irradiation, Finnish regulations have required the use of surveillance programs in light water reactors since the 1970s. These are applied in the five operating reactors: two VVER-440s at Loviisa (LO1 and LO2), two boiling water reactors, and one EPR at Olkiluoto (OL1, OL2, and OL3). The same requirements apply to the power plants in the licensing phase (e.g., FH1). In Finland the embrittlement trend curves are experimentally quantified with the use of the master curve or qualitatively using impact toughness. The application of the master curve has been a particular success for the operating VVER-440 reactors. In new builds, lessons learned from the past are applied to ensure that the degree of embrittlement remains low. Several decades of domestic research programs have aimed at and continue to develop methods for the improved application of fracture mechanics for RPVs.

Author Information

Seppänen, Tommi
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., Espoo, FI
Lindqvist, Sebastian
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., Espoo, FI
Arffman, Pentti
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., Espoo, FI
Lappalainen, Petteri
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., Espoo, FI
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Details
Pages: 259–283
DOI: 10.1520/STP164720220038
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-7742-0
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-7741-3