Safety cases and peer review
Nuclear regulatory authorities in the UK and elsewhere impose a requirement on utilities and other licensees to have safety cases independently peer reviewed. This process is designed to challenge the robustness of the case and enable a fresh view to be taken. As an independent research and technology organisation, expert in the safety critical welded structures, TWI is well placed to undertake this role.
Commonly, TWI is asked to review key parts of safety cases relating to the achievement of sound welds and the demonstration of integrity of welded structures. For example, peer review can cover:
- Optimisation of welding process and procedures
- The effectiveness and reliability of inspection by non destructive testing
- Relevance of materials test data, particularly for welds and heat affect zone
- Magnitude and treatment of residual stress associated with welding and PWHT
- Assessments of structural integrity, flaws, and fitness for service
TWI has carried out peer review for utilities such as British Energy, BNFL, and Magnox Generation, and for
technical support companies such as Rolls-Royce. Peer review work has dealt with issues affecting the reactor plant at Sizewell, Wylfa, Oldbury, Hinkley and the UK submarine fleet. In addition, regulators such as the NII also ask TWI's
opinion on safety cases. For some years, TWI has been represented on the Industry's senior Technical Advisory Group on Structural Integrity (TAGSI) and its sub-groups.
Contact us at:
power@twi.co.uk
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