Learn how our recent installation provided our customer with significant lifespan extension.
The Challenge
Having achieved an initial license renewal, a fleet of U.S. nuclear plants entering extended operations needed a control assembly that could withstand renewed demands of durability and longevity.
Our Solution
The utility contracted us to install our Next-Generation Rod Cluster Control Assemblies (NG-RCCAs) in each unit, providing the required longevity of the control rod assembly. The new, simplified integral design drastically reduces the number of components, strengthens connections and optimizes absorber geometry, considerably improving lifetime and reliability. To further enhance performance, the NG-RCCAs utilize industrial hard-chrome plating on the surface of the absorber rodlets to provide reliable wear resistance for both the rodlets and the upper internals guide cards.
Our NG-RCCAs build on over 30 years of experience from previous designs, and includes innovative features developed for the AP1000® nuclear power plant.
The Impact
With the recently installed NG-RCCAs, the U.S. utility increased the warranted life of the components and will realize cost savings by reducing the frequency of discharge and replacement. Additionally, the installation of NG-RCCAs allows the utility the flexibility to plan for a subsequent license renewal (SLR) for base load or Flexible Power Operations (FPO).
