Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
Aim of inspection
To support ONRs permissioning of Hartlepool R2 return to service, ONR chemistry inspectors conducted an inspection of significant outage activities to enable continued chemistry compliance on return to service (PR-01241).
The inspection sampled completion of significant outage activities to enable continued chemistry compliance. Primarily, this was to understand the condition of the gas bypass plant and continued maintenance to ensure control of reactor chemistry. The inspection sampled safety case chemistry claims, demonstration of adequate chemistry control and completion of maintenance to enable continued chemistry compliance. The main Licence Conditions were therefore relevant aspects LC 28 (examination, inspection, maintenance and testing). Aspects of LC 23 (operating rules), LC 24 (operating instructions) were also considered. Ratings were only provided against LC 28 however.
The inspection was performed in line with ONR’s guidance (as described in our
technical inspection guides).
Subject(s) of inspection
- LC23 - Operating rules - Rating: Not rated
- LC28 - Examination, inspection, maintenance and testing - Rating: Green
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
I conducted a Chemistry inspection during a statutory outage in support of Hartlepool R2 return to service. This inspection focused on significant outage activities with the aim of providing confidence in the ability to maintain reactor chemistry. In particular, compliance against the following licence conditions Licence Conditions 23 – Operating Rules (LC 23) and Licence Condition 28 – Examination, Inspection, Maintenance and Testing (LC 28). The inspection was rated against LC 28 only.
The first day focussed on LC23 compliance and implementation in station operating instructions. While I observed discrepancies with technical governance regarding implementation of operating rules, I was content these were being addressed and chemistry compliance was adequate. I therefore judged that overall LC23 compliance was adequate.
The second day included a walkdown of the Gas Bypass Plant and chemistry labs, and LC28 compliance. Based on my sample, I was content appropriate EIMT was being conducted for bypass plant diverter valves important for maintaining gas chemistry compliance. While I identified significant ground water ingress challenges during my plant walkdown, I am content this is being followed up separately by ONR structural integrity specialists. I therefore judge a green rating to be appropriate for LC28.
Conclusion
Based on my sample, I was content appropriate EIMT was being conducted for bypass plant diverter valves important for maintaining gas chemistry compliance. While I identified significant ground water ingress challenges during my plant walkdown, I am content this is being followed up by ONR structural integrity specialists in IR-52756. I therefore have no objection to the HRA R2 Return to Service.