AREVA’s Innovative Solution Selected for Life Extension at U.S. Nuclear Power Plants

Regulatory News:

AREVA (Paris:AREVA) and Exelon have signed a contract to implement a new component asset management process to significantly extend the life of nuclear reactor components. This process, known as cavitation peening, will be performed for the first time in the world on the reactor vessel closure heads of Exelon’s Byron and Braidwood nuclear power plants, located in Illinois.

Cavitation peening uses ultra-high-pressure water jets to work the surface of components in order to improve material properties and to enhance resistance to corrosion. Used preventatively, this process removes many causes of aging. It can be applied to components of both boiling water and pressurized water reactors.

"Developed as part of AREVA’s Forward Alliance program, this technology offers utilities an economical and innovative solution to reinforce the safety of nuclear components and to extend the lifetime of their operations,” said Philippe Samama, executive vice-president of AREVA’s Reactors & Services Business Group.

MORE ABOUT AREVA

AREVA is a world leader in nuclear power. The group’s offer to utilities covers every stage of the nuclear fuel cycle, reactor design and construction, and operating services. Its expertise and uncompromising dedication to safety make it a leading industry player.

AREVA also invests in renewable energies to develop, via partnerships, high technology solutions.

Through the complementary nature of nuclear and renewables, AREVA’s 45,000 employees contribute to building tomorrow’s energy model: supplying the greatest number of people with energy that is safer and with less CO₂.

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