NUCLEAR Nine stations are concerned: Blayais, Bugey, Chinon, Civaux, Dampierre, Fessenheim, Gravelines, Saint-Laurent-des-Eaux and Tricastin …

Steam Generators equipping 18 French nuclear reactors are believed to be affected by a similar anomaly to that of the tank of the EPR in Flamanville (Manche).

These steam generators exchange heat between the water of the primary circuit of the reactor and the water of the secondary circuit, which turns into steam to power turbines that generate the electricity.

An important carbon concentration zone

The Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) has “asked EDF to conduct further investigations on primary fund [the lower part of the generators] concerned” according to a document released Thursday.

Thus, “analyzes by EDF since 2015 concluded that some primary funds generators could have a significant carbon concentration zone may lead to lower mechanical properties than expected,” said ASN. However, these components are “essential for security”.

Nine named plants

Thursday, the nuclear policeman said these steam generators, manufactured in Le Creusot or Japan, 18 reactors were fitted with 900 or 1,450 megawatts (MW), of the 58 that make up the French nuclear fleet. Nine stations are concerned: Blayais, Bugey, Chinon, Civaux, Dampierre, Fessenheim, Gravelines, Saint-Laurent-des-Eaux and Tricastin.

On the side of EDF, it is stated that “the margins were taken on the equipment during the production.” The French electrician added that “the operation in safety is assured,” and decided to maintain the equipment involved in service.

Other components that may be affected

ASN also indicated that analyzes other forged components of the vessel, pressurizer and steam generators, “likely to be affected by this anomaly,” continued.

The file must be on Friday a meeting of the standing group of experts for the nuclear pressure equipment to ASN.

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