AREVA technology shines at NEI Top Industry Practice Awards

Two AREVA utility customers, each using AREVA technologies, were recently recognized with Top Industry Practice (TIP) awards at the annual Nuclear Energy Assembly, hosted by the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) last week in Charlotte, North Carolina (USA). The annual NEI conference is a reference in the nuclear sector and gathers industry leaders from all around the world.

Since 1993, the TIP awards recognize each year utilities and technologies through 14 categories – four vendor awards received by utilities in recognition of the implementation of the vendor’s innovative products or solutions, nine process awards for innovation to improve safety, efficiency and nuclear plant performance, a Vision & Leadership Award, and the B. Ralph Sylvia “Best of the Best” Award.

First, the installation of AREVA’s TELEPERM™ XS Digital Instrumentation and Control (I&C) system was first awarded both the Vision & Leadership Award as well as the B. Ralph Sylvia Best of the Best Award. Second, Constellation Energy Group employees at the R.E. Ginna Nuclear Power Plant received the TIP AREVA Vendor Award in recognition for implementing an innovative technique pertaining to baffle bolt non-destructive examinations, demonstrating incredible efficiency without losing sight of safety and structural integrity.

“It is an honor to have AREVA’s customers recognized by the industry along with our innovative technology,” said Mike Rencheck, CEO of AREVA Inc. “We always aim to meet our customers’ needs and exceed their expectations with safe, reliable, and affordable solutions. We congratulate all of the Nuclear Energy Institute TIP Award winners for their commitment to innovation and the industry. We also want to thank the AREVA employees who have helped develop, install and maintain these award-winning technologies”.

The June 2011 installation of the TELEPERM™ XS was the first comprehensive application of a safety-related Digital Instrumentation & Control (I&C) Reactor Protection System in the United States. The system enables state-of-the-art digital processing of functions for the Reactor Protection System (RPS) and the Engineered Safeguards Protection System (ESPS).

AREVA’s newly-designed probe technique and real-time statistical analysis for baffle bolt examinations eliminated the need to remove and replace additional bolts, making it feasible to reliably inspect this previously challenging bolt configuration. This innovative solution has helped Constellation Energy Group’s Ginna Nuclear Power Plant meet necessary requirements for ten more years of safe plant operation without additional interim inspections which would require defueling the reactor.