1 Jul (NucNet): Initial analysis of irregular findings in the manufacturing tracking records for nuclear power plant equipment manufactured at Areva’s Le Creusot facility in France has “not called into question” the mechanical integrity of the components, Areva said in a statement.
The company said initial analysis has been completed and has been given to the customers concerned, both in France and overseas.
The analysis concerned components delivered to nuclear reactors in operation and under construction, and transportation containers.
The audit of Le Creusot will continue, Areva said, with the analysis of findings for components that have not been delivered or installed at nuclear facilities.
Further analysis will include non-nuclear components. Areva said initiatives have been set up at Le Creusot to reinforce the safety and quality culture.
The audit has been expanded to include Areva’s Chalon Saint-Marcel and Jeumont facilities.
Problems with manufacturing records were first discovered at Le Creusot in April 2016.
Areva told the French nuclear regulator ASN that an internal audit had found irregularities in the manufacturing checks on about 400 parts produced since 1965, about 50 of which were still in use at French nuclear power stations.
The irregularities consisted of “inconsistencies, omissions or changes in manufacturing files”. They were discovered as part of a quality audit which began in 2015 at Le Creusot.
