Nuclear Plants can now install an LEFM® CheckPlus System and obtain a license amendment to increase power level.  A power uprate of up to 1.7% is possible. The requirements are defined in Caldon Ultrasonic Topical Report ER-80P and the associated Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Safety Evaluation.

CheckPlus Systems enhance plant safety because they reduce the uncertainty in the measurement of power by more than the increase, and reduce the possibility that the plant will operate at power levels higher than those used in the accident analysis. In addition, LEFM CheckPlus safeguards against measurement errors by the unique ability to verify measurements while on-line. This was an important consideration of the NRC when approving this uprate concept.

The LEFM uprate is financially attractive because there are no major plant modifications required and the scope of the supporting analysis is significantly reduced. The procedure for obtaining approval from the NRC for the power uprate is straightforward. Typical payback for an LEFM CheckPlus, including hardware, installation, engineering analysis, licensing and NRC fees, can be less than seven months, based upon the incremental revenues generated by the power uprate.

Texas Utilities Comanche Peak Unit 2 volunteered to be the lead plant for NRC review.  They have used the LEFM feed water flow system since 1992 to recover power lost because of venturi fouling.  They asked the NRC to review and approve a power uprate based on LEFM technology.  TVA’s Watts Bar Nuclear plant and Waterford 3 were also approved for power uprates based on LEFM technology.

The law firm of Winston & Strawn is available to provide legal and licensing services to assist in obtaining regulatory approval from the NRC.

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