EDF – Expertise and testing for RIC temperature measurement lines life extension

EDF’s Technical Department, based in Lyon, France, appointed Amentum to carry out tests and examinations to qualify radial in-core temperature measurement lines (T-RIC) which continuously monitor the reactor core’s thermal state and neutron distribution.

Two core instrumentation measurement lines require analysis to determine whether they can be qualified up to 50 years in accident conditions, with a potential extension up to 60 years.

We are conducting sample expert analysis to characterize their aging condition and assess their remaining lifetime by comparing the results with reference “as-new” samples. The components to be analyzed include connectors, cables, bases, and jackets of the T-RIC system.

Amentum maintains advanced laboratory capabilities to perform comprehensive aging and material characterization studies to assess the long-term performance of components under operational and accident conditions. These include CT scan inspection, detailed optical examination of exposed surface, scanning electron microscopy, metallurgical analysis, polymer material analysis (over molding and interface layers), leak-tightness testing, measurement of cable insulation resistance, measurement of line resistance, dielectric strength testing, tensile strength testing, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.