ASN issues its opinion on the anomaly in the composition of the steel used for the Flamanville EPR reactor pressure vessel lower head and closure head

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On 10^th October 2017, ASN issued its opinion on the anomaly in the steel used for the Flamanville EPR reactor pressure vessel lower head and closure head. ASN considers that this anomaly is not such as to compromise the commissioning of the reactor pressure vessel, provided that specific checks are carried out during operation of the installation. As the feasibility of these checks cannot at present be confirmed for the closure head, ASN considers that the current closure head cannot be used beyond 2024.

Between 10^th July and 12^th September 2017, ASN made its draft opinion on this anomaly available for public consultation on its website. It also made the examination report produced by ASN and IRSN available to the public, along with the opinion of its Advisory Committee for nuclear pressure equipment.

This consultation attracted more than 13,000 comments, indicating the public's keen interest in this subject. The summary of this consultation is available on the ASN website.

Following this consultation of the public and that of the High Council for the Prevention of Technological Risks, ASN supplemented its opinion in order to clarify certain points concerning the justification approach, the applicable regulatory framework and the reliability of the data supplied by Areva NP and EDF.

The commissioning of the Flamanville EPR reactor pressure vessel will also require authorisation, issued more specifically in the light of the results of a hydrotest on the entire main primary system.

ASN, with the support of IRSN, is also continuing with its review of the Flamanville EPR reactor commissioning authorisation application, as and when it receives the files transmitted by EDF.

To find out more: 

Further informations: (in french) 

Published on 28/06/2017 at 16:00

L’ASN présente sa position sur l’anomalie de la cuve du réacteur EPR de Flamanville

L’ASN a présenté le 28 juin 2017 sa position sur l’anomalie de la cuve du réacteur EPR de Flamanville. L’ASN s’est appuyée sur l’analyse des dossiers transmis par Areva NP et EDF, menée par sa direction des équipements sous pression nucléaires et son appui technique l’IRSN, et sur l’avis de son groupe permanent d’experts pour les équipements sous pression nucléaires.