- Site: Torness
- IR number: 22-032
- Date: June 2022
- LC numbers: 28
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
Site Licence Condition 30 requires EDF Nuclear Generation Limited to periodically shutdown. This is for examination, inspection, maintenance and testing of equipment important to nuclear safety.
This intervention was a Mechanical Engineering Licence Condition 28 compliance inspection. The intervention was at EDF Energy Nuclear Power Generation Limited’s Torness Reactor 2 during its periodic shutdown.
The intervention was part of the Office for Nuclear Regulation’s 2022/2023 Integrated Intervention Strategy planned inspection programme.
This report provides evidence to inform the Office for Nuclear Regulation’s decision regarding the issue of a Licence Instrument for Consent to return to service for Torness Reactor 2. This is in accordance with Licence Condition 30.
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
ONR Mechanical Engineering inspectors carried out inspections against Licence Condition 28. This considers examination, inspection, maintenance and testing of plant which may affect safety.
The intervention sampled Mechanical Engineering equipment important to nuclear safety. This included:
- gas circulators;
- reactor safety relief valves;
- control rod actuators; and
- lifting equipment.
Explanation of Judgement if Safety System Not Judged to be Adequate
This was not a system based inspection. Hence, no judgement regarding safety system adequacy has been made.
Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made
I consider that the licensee has adequately demonstrated its examination, inspection, maintenance and testing of mechanical engineering equipment. My judgement is based on sampling maintenance activities on the following equipment during the Torness Reactor 2 periodic shutdown (number S12R2):
- gas circulators;
- safety significant valves;
- control rods; and
- lifting equipment.
I also conducted a plant walkdown. The licensee adequately demonstrated that Torness maintenance facilities had:
- walkways that were clean and free from obstruction;
- adequate housekeeping and foreign material exclusion controls; and
- adequate tools and spares control.
During the intervention, several minor issues were identified. I consider that these were adequately addressed by the licensee.
Conclusion of Intervention
Based on my sampling undertaken during this intervention, I consider that the licensee has adequately demonstrated its Mechanical Engineering examination, inspection, maintenance and testing arrangements and their implementation.
Hence, during the Torness Reactor 2 periodic shutdown I consider the licensee has adequately demonstrated compliance with Licence Condition 28.
I have not identified any issues that would prevent EDF Nuclear Generation Ltd.’s Torness Reactor 2 from returning to service. I judge that a GREEN inspection rating is appropriate.