Successful Nuclear Construction A Regulator s Perspective

Transcription

1 Successful Nuclear Construction A Regulator s Perspective Victor McCree Region II Administrator ASME Nuclear Technical Seminars June 6, 2011

2 Overview Nuclear Construction History and Lessons Learned Nuclear Construction Current - Licensing - Inspection New Fuel Cycle Facility Construction Insights International Nuclear Construction Exchanges NRC Success Factors Industry Success Factors Summary 2

3 Nuclear Construction History Last nuclear plant construction period during the 1970 s Inefficient Many delays and construction problems Oversight issues Cumbersome licensing process Poorly structured inspection process We do not want to repeat that experience 3

4 Lessons Learned Man learns from history that man learns nothing from history. - Hegel s Paradox 4

5 Inspection Documentation Corrective Action Programs Nonconformance Reporting Licensee Audits Design & Construction Deficiencies Drawings Procedure Violations Specifications Procedures and Instructions Materials Control 5

6 Design Certifications Lessons from International Construction Exchanges 10 CFR Part 52 Current Nuclear Construction Lessons from New FF Construction ITAAC Improved Vendor Oversight Improved Construction Techniques 6

7 Design Certifications Currently Under Review AP1000 EPR US APWR ABWR ABWR ESBWR 7

8 Location of New Nuclear Power Reactors 8

9 Licensing Lessons 70 s & 80 s Lack of standardization Design-as-you-go Deferral of resolution of important safety issues Changing regulatory requirements Inefficient and duplicative hearing process 9

10 Licensing New Reactors More predictable process (10 CFR Part 52) Safety and environmental issues solved BEFORE authorizing construction Reduce financial risk to licensees Certified designs encourage standardization 10

11 ITAAC Inspections, Tests, Analyses and Acceptance Criteria ITAAC are required by 10 CFR Part 52 ITAAC are submitted by reactor vendors during the licensing process ITAAC verify that the plant has been constructed as designed and licensed 11

12 Example ITAAC Design Commitment Exterior walls and the basemat of the nuclear island have a water barrier up to site grade. Inspections, Tests, Analyses (ITA) An inspection of the as-built exterior walls and the basemat of the nuclear island up to floor elevation 100'- 0", for application of water barrier will be performed during construction before the walls are poured. Acceptance Criteria (AC) A report exists that confirms that a water barrier exists on the nuclear island exterior walls up to site grade. ITAAC= ITA + AC Standard 3 column format Design commitment» Taken from design documents Inspections, Tests, Analyses» Method for verification Acceptance criteria» Proof that design commitment was met 12

13 ITAAC Demonstration Project Test-run of a new process Table-top exercise to simulate inspection and disposition of a diverse set of ITAAC Identified the need for improvements in: - Infrastructure tracking system - Guidance for ITAAC closure submittals - Submittal of supporting documentation 13

14 Improved Vendor Oversight Coordinate with other NRC offices (NRO) Increase inspection effort Improve interface with industry s auditors Expand international cooperation 14

15 Resource and schedules Issues Safety culture New Fuel Facility Construction Insights Oversight of contractors Quality assurance/quality control 15

16 New Fuel Facility Construction Insights Active management oversight Clear roles and responsibilities Completed final design details 16

17 International Nuclear Construction Exchange China AP1000 Finland EPR France EPR Taiwan ABWR 17

18 Observe new construction techniques modular construction Gather lessons learned International Nuclear Construction Exchange 18

19 NRC Success Factors Inspect early in any new process Larger resident inspector presence Better integration of individual findings Prompt response to quality issues and allegations 19

20 NRC Success Factors (cont d.) Physical work observations rather than paper reviews Improved inspection planning and scheduling Closer relationship between inspection and licensing Complete and accurate inspection record Ensure effective corrective action program 20

21 Industry Success Factors Clear management expectations and oversight including QA/QC Experienced staff, vendors, contractors Self-critical approach Robust corrective action program 21

22 Industry Success Factors (cont d.) Clear communications Early completion of detailed design Respect for the hazard 22

23 Summary Lessons from previous construction era Improved licensing and inspection programs Insights from new construction Regulatory and industry success factors 23

24 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 24

25 Improved Construction Techniques Modular construction Offsite fabrication Onsite assembly 25

26 TVA Reactivation Efforts Watts Bar Watts Bar Nuclear Intent to complete WBN Unit 2 construction and request an operating license NRC has completed WBN Unit 2 Construction Inspection Manual NRC has begun construction inspection activity has increased significantly 26

27 TVA Reactivation Efforts Bellefonte Bellefonte TVA intends to evaluate feasibility of completing Bellefonte Units 1 and 2 27