Framatome has received qualification in the US for its ultrasonic weld inspection technique for pressurised water reactor (PWR) core barrels. This will apply to all designs of PWR reactors currently operating in the US fleet.
Analyst certifications are managed through the US Electric Power Research Institute’s (EPRI’s) Performance Demonstration Initiative (PDI) programme, ensuring compliance with stringent industry standards. During the qualification process, Framatome analysts achieved a 100% pass rate.
“Our team of skilled analysts and engineers consistently tackle complex challenges and deliver innovative solutions that support the US nuclear fleet reliably and at scale,” said Tony Robinson, President & CEO, Framatome Inc. “By reaching this milestone, we are not only meeting our customers’ needs but setting a new standard for excellence in inspection technology.”
Framatome is already contracted to perform these inspections using this innovative technology seven times during the 2026 outage season at units with and without a neutron thermal shield.
Looking ahead, the qualification scope is set to expand in the second quarter of 2026, once EPRI provides the required demonstration components. This next phase supports emerging industry inspection requirements outlined in the Materials Reliability Program guidelines (MRP‑227, Rev. 2-A), which take effect in 2026.
The MRP-227, Rev. 2-A guidelines specifically target “primary” and “expansion” components that are most susceptible to degradation. This expansion marks a critical shift toward proactive ageing management for the global nuclear fleet. As plants push for 60- to 80-year life extensions, the internals of the reactor pressure vessel face unprecedented levels of neutron irradiation and stress corrosion.
The revised guidelines (Rev. 2-A) require more rigorous Non-Destructive Examination (NDE) techniques. Framatome’s qualification with EPRI ensures their robotic and ultrasonic tools can detect microscopic cracks in:
- Core Barrel Bolts: Checking for Irradiation-Assisted Stress Corrosion Cracking (IASCC).
- Baffle-Former Bolts: Identifying structural fatigue before it impacts core flow.
- Support Structures: Monitoring the integrity of the lower core plate and thermal shields.
Success in this phase allows Framatome to be officially “qualified” to perform these inspections during scheduled maintenance outages starting in late 2026.
