Flamanville EPR: qualification tests continue on reactor vessel

AREVA and EDF have informed the French Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) that a new series of tests is underway as of April 2015 for the qualification of the Flamanville EPR reactor vessel head and bottom. This series of tests follows chemical and mechanical tests performed on a representative model of the reactor vessel head and bottom.

Following the initial tests, the results communicated to the ASN by AREVA showed that one of the criteria was not met in an area with greater than average carbon content.

The EDF and AREVA teams are working to perform the additional tests as soon as possible, following approval by the ASN on the test conditions, and to provide the safety authority with all the necessary information to demonstrate the safety and quality of the corresponding equipment. In parallel, work continues at the Flamanville EPR.