Old blades renewed: Replacing pins and rollers at Leibstadt

摘要

In 2003, THE Leibstadt nuclear plant, I in Switzerland, undertook a difficult I and unusual operation in its workshops: the replacement of the pins and rollers on 96 control rod blades (CRB). The plant, operated by Kernkraftwerk Leibstadt AG (KKL), is an 1165-MWe (net) General Electric boiling water reactor that began commercial operation in 1984. The discovery of an increased concentration of boron in the reactor water was the first indication of boron carbide erosion of some CRBs. It soon became apparent that the problem was severe and that it would be necessary to change all of the plant's CRBs. Before deciding on the best approach, KKL devised and undertook a step-by-step strategic plan.