Ageing Management for Nuclear Fuel Cycle Facilities

Book excerpt: The ageing of structures, systems and components is one of the major challenges faced by nuclear fuel cycle facilities worldwide. This publication is intended to provide information on methods, approaches, practices and strategies for ageing management of nuclear fuel cycle facilities. It provides practical information on the establishment of effective ageing management programmes for nuclear fuel cycle facilities in the operational stage and on ageing management considerations in different stages in the lifetime of a nuclear fuel cycle facility. It also addresses the interface of ageing management with other technical areas and programmes, including maintenance, periodic testing and inspection, equipment qualification and configuration management. Best practice examples on how Member States are addressing ageing issues in nuclear fuel cycle facilities are also provided in this publication.