Evaluation of Fast Neutron Inserted to RPV Materials and Management of RPV Lifetime for PWR Power Plant

Abstract

For the PWR power plant in service, the lifetime of RPV is mainly determined by fast neutron (E>0.1MeV and E>1.0MeV) fluence. A new Low-Leakage Core Loading (LLCL) pattern is considered to prolong the lifetime of RPV to 60 years for Daya Bay nuclear power plant. Fast neutron (E>0.1MeV and E>1.0MeV) flux inserted to Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV) under LLCL pattern is calculate by MCNP and compared with that under Long-Short Alternating Core Loading (LSACL) pattern. The results show that fast neutron fluence over inner surface of RPV under LLCL pattern decrease 28.50% (E>1.0MeV) and 28.22% (E>0.1MeV) compared with LSACL pattern and it is feasible expand the life of LWR-RPV to 60 years by LLCL pattern.