Session: MF-04-01 European Programs in Structural Integrity-NUCOBAM Project

Paper Number: 123276

123276 - Some Challenges Regarding Qualification of Additive Manufacturing Components for a Nuclear Use – Nucobam Project 

In the last decade, additive manufacturing (AM) technology has progressed significantly and thus found its way in a number of industries. AM is in particular interesting for manufacturing components with complex geometries, which if produced via conventional manufacturing methods involve significantly more manufacturing steps and longer lead times, and where number of pieces are limited. The nuclear industry is no exception and is studying the potential of AM to produce nuclear reactor components for some years now has developed roadmaps which steps to be taken to allow the usage of AM to produced reactor components.  In this context, standardisation can appear as a straightforward way to accelerate the qualification of these processes for a nuclear use. It is the overall goal of the project NUCOBAM (Nuclear Components based on Additive Manufacturing) to address the technical challenges associated with the production of reactor components via AM. The finality of the project is to develop a methodology for qualifying components produced via AM that comply with nuclear codes and standards. The AM method and alloy in scope of the project are Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) and the austenitic stainless steel 316L. The following paper will present more in detail the NUCOBAM project, what are the challenges regarding standardisation it reveals and what are the perspective of qualification methodology.

Presenting Author: Roxane Misler Tractebel Engie

Presenting Author Biography: Roxane Misler holds an engineering degree with the focus on material science. Roxane works since 2022 at Tractebel as quality surveillance inspector in the mechanical department for the nuclear industry. In this domain Roxane conducts quality surveillance inspections on nuclear classified equipment destined for repair replacement activities and spent fuel storage casks. Roxane also holds the degree of International Welding Engineer (IWE). As a welding engineer Roxane is consulted for the technical analysis of welding procedure specifications / welder & operator certifications for which compliance with client specifications and code requirements is to be ensured. Furthermore, Roxane has a detailed knowledge of additive manufacturing technologies, and her expertise is being sought for the European NUCOBAM project. She leads the work package focused on evaluating the performance of components, specifically valves. Roxane frequently presents the NUCOBAM project at conferences across Europe.

Authors:

Myriam Bourgeois CEA
Cécile Petesch CEA
Romain Verlet EDF Lab Les Renardières
Roxane Misler Tractebel Engie