OREANDA-NEWS. AREVA NP signed a contract with Entergy Nuclear to conduct scheduled inspections of the reactor pressure vessel internals at Unit 1 of the Arkansas Nuclear One (ANO) power plant in Russellville, Ark.

For these inspections, AREVA NP will use non-destructive examination (NDE) techniques, including ultrasonic and visual examinations, to evaluate the reactor vessel internals. The objective of these inspections, scheduled to take place in the fall of 2016, is to verify the effectiveness of the facility’s existing aging management programs to ensure long-term equipment safety, performance and reliability. AREVA NP will complete this work in accordance with the Electric Power Research Institute’s Materials Reliability Program (MRP)-227.

"With AREVA NP’s NDE technology and expertise, Entergy can efficiently assess the integrity its components for safe, long-term reactor operations,” said Michael Cerruti Executive Vice-President of sales for AREVA’s Reactors and Services Business Group. “Our team’s know-how and dedication to operational excellence play a significant role in helping Entergy maintain and extend the life of this important power facility."

For more than 40 years, the low-carbon electricity generated by the ANO facility’s two pressurized water reactors has supplied more than 60 percent of the total energy demand of Entergy's customers in Arkansas.