Flamanville EPR Reactor Vessel: Chronology of Events Confirms AREVA's Transparency

Regulatory News:

Recent assertions in the press oblige Areva (Paris:AREVA) to make the following clarification.

Two carbon content measurements were carried out in 2007 on shavings from the forging. The purpose of these two measurements, performed during an intermediate phase of manufacture, was to check the orientation of the part in the steel ingot, not to verify the carbon content of a zone deemed without risk at that stage. The results of these measurements were in fact communicated to the authorities as of 2008.

Moreover, AREVA has taken the initiative to appoint an independent expert to conduct an additional quality review of its industrial practices at Le Creusot site. The review will provide all the answers to the questions raised by the authorities. It will in particular establish whether or not the prevailing quality culture has been found at fault in analyzing the consequences of the results obtained on the vessel shavings in 2007.

Only the results of "resilience" measurements carried out on the metal in 2014 made it possible to conclude that the carbon content level called for further studies. These results were submitted to the authority at the end of the analyses, then made public.

MORE ABOUT AREVA

AREVA supplies high added-value products and services to support the operation of the global nuclear fleet.
The company is present throughout the entire nuclear cycle, from uranium mining to used fuel recycling, including nuclear reactor design and operating services.
AREVA is recognized by utilities around the world for its expertise, its skills in cutting-edge technologies and its dedication to the highest level of safety.
Through partnerships, the company is active in the renewable energy sector.
AREVA’s 44,000 employees are helping build tomorrow’s energy model: supplying ever safer, cleaner and more economical energy to the greatest number of people.

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