All projects in the safety and integrity cluster combine experimental and theoretical research actions with the co-ordination, management and operation of European networks. The networks include the establishment and maintenance of European reference laboratories and are primarily targeted at providing an international platform for achieving consensus on technical and safety matters, and developing accredited testing methodologies for lifetime assessment of components used in critical industrial applications.
Highlights of activities from the projects within this cluster include:
- The Network for the Evaluation of Steel Components (NESC): Over 100 delegates
attended the seminar Structural Integrity Assessment - How Safe Is It?, held in Paris at the end of March – which showcased the results of the unique NESC-1 spinning cylinder study, designed to evaluate the integrated approach to structural integrity assessment of industrial plant suspected to contain defects.
The focal point was a large-scale test that showed that defects of up to 74-mm depth in material related to that of an ageing reactor pressure vessel would not propagate to cause catastrophic failure under a severe pressurised thermal shock. This outcome underlines the benefits of the network approach to tackling multi-disciplinary problems. It was fully in line with the pre-test analysis forecasts, which combined the defect sizing information supplied from blind inspections trials, a comprehensive materials data set and a range of structural analysis tools.
The NESC-1 results can benefit non-nuclear as well as nuclear industries, by providing benchmark data relevant to a wide spectrum of structural integrity applications.
- The European Network for Inspection Qualification (ENIQ) is particularly concerned with
underpinning the internationally recognised European Methodology for Inspection Qualification. Following the successful first pilot study with its numerous recommended practices, a second study has been launched in order to explore the potential of technical justifications, aiming at reducing the need for expensive qualification test blocks.
In March 2000, ENDEF, the networks extension concerning Eastern Europe, held a meeting with Ukrainian experts to discuss Non-destructive Evaluation–related training, qualification, and equipment maintenance issues in Ukraine. In June 2000, a joint European Plant Life Assessment Forum/European Non destructive Evaluation Forum (EPLAF/ENDEF) meeting was organised in JRC Petten to discuss two new Tacis/Phare projects prepared by the IAM as part of a technical assistance contract with External Relations DG.
- AMES: During 2000 AMES continued with the Definition of new Task Groups and R&D
tasks including: the successful start of 4 new SCA projects on Irradiation embrittlement mechanisms, NDT for steel ageing monitoring, Validation of Master Curve, VVER-440 surveillance temperature.
Studies on model alloys have been successfully completed and interesting results were obtained on 32 Fe-based alloys with parametric contents of Ni, Cu, P. The alloys were irradiated at the HFR and tested by Charpy-impact and NDT methods. The results represent the basis for the understanding of the influence of P, Cu and Ni on neutron embrittlement and vessel lifetime management.
The Development of the STEAM Techniques (Seebeck and Thomson Effects on Aged Materials) for ageing monitoring was continued, with in parallel the development of instrumentation for electrical resistivity measurements, and encouraging results are obtained. The Involvement of non-EU partners is progressing to Bulgaria, the Slovak Republic and Turkey. Involvement of Russia and Ukraine has been further developed.
IAM Irradiation facilities for embrittlement studies were updated to improve their loading and operational capabilities.
- The European Pressure Equipment Research Council (EPERC) has performed a study
aimed at establishing guidelines for applying design by analysis to typical pressure vessel structures. This was one of series of measures to promote the Pressure Equipment Directive (97/23/EC). A manual has been issued and distributed to EPERC members at the beginning of 2000. Dissemination of these important results through seminars is now organised throughout Europe.
In January 2000, the decision was taken to create a new technical task force (TTF7) on hydrogen damage. The main target of TTF7 is to support safe and sustainable industrial development in those fields where hydrogen-related processes are involved, or damage and hazards can arise from hydrogen-related problems. This research theme is therefore an important issue to various industrial sectors such as energy production, petroleum refining, chemical, petrochemical, transport, steel production and others. The launch of TTF7 was arranged for 26 and 27 October 2000 at Petten.
Finally – in response to automotive, gas and tank manufacturing industries –the IAM initiated in May 2000 the procedure to identify European key R&D issues in the field of storage tank technologies for alternative-fuels vehicles (hydrogen, natural gas). This new activity in the transport sector will be supported by the two new IAM facilities: High Pressure Gas Cycling, and Gas Permeation of full-scale vehicle tanks for alternative fuels, to be installed in the IAM reference laboratories at the end 2000/early 2001.
- EPG-Fossil: In a concerted effort to improve the efficiency of fossil-fired steam plant within Europe, the IAM has secured key roles in two multinational networked projects:
1. The first of these is COST 522, geared towards increasing the steam temperatures of plant by at least 50oC – hence increasing efficiency by some 5%, with concomitant major economical and environmental benefits. Here, the IAM has been able to take on the role of co-ordinating and executing the high pressure verification testing on newly developed large- scale components constructed by welding advanced high temperature alloys. These tests will commence before the end of 2000, lasting between one and two years and are expected to provide confidence in the approach of the international network.
2. An even more ambitious networked project, sponsored largely by the Energy and Transport DG, promises a potential rise in steam temperatures of 150oC above the most efficient European plants of today. Bringing an efficiency increase of up to 15%, this could lead to the construction of a pilot plant by around the year 2015. Yet again, the IAM is involved in verification testing of newly developed austenitic and nickel- based alloys, which will be required to survive the very high temperatures and pressures envisaged.
- Plant Life Assessment Network (PLAN): In a network embracing both nuclear and non- nuclear applications, the 70-member PLAN was launched under IAM co-ordination to initiate, maintain and monitor a fruitful co-operation process between completed and on-going Commission-funded projects promoting industrial exploitation of R&D results.
In addition to many useful deliverables, the network has developed further in forging strong links with the innovation process via the horizontal marketing theme. The goal was to provide project leaders and the Commission with a guide for marketing project results.
The activity has grown from strength to strength via surveys and presentations, as well as through interaction with the EC LIFT initiative (linking innovation with finance), and with the Enterprise DG (encouraging innovation among SMEs). Now awaiting approval is a proposal submitted by PLAN for a major EC-sponsored innovation project developing the methodology needed to link research results with the market place in strong co-operation with SMEs.
EMISSION REDUCTION TECHNOLOGIES AND INCREASED EFFICIENCY