In compliance with the Operating Order of November 1999, EDF must have formally qualified applications for the non-destructive examination of the areas to be monitored.

The welds connecting the flange to the pipes of the BR bushings of the VVP and ARE lines, for the 1300MW and N4 bearings, are subject to this requirement.

In order to reduce X-ray-type NDT during unit shutdowns as part of "the control of risks related to radiography", it is recommended that targeted welds be checked by volume examinations (100%) of the UT type.

This is the purpose of the process to be qualified and implemented for this contract.

Given the size and accessibility (piping under duct, the flange being located inside the double enclosure), the process chosen will have to be automated.

The contract concerns the in-service inspection of the connection welds of the VVP and ARE pipes to the BR bushing flanges of the 1300MW and N4 bearings.

The area to be inspected must cover the 360° of these welds.

The services concern:

- The development and qualification of the automated technical solution to carry out the inspection of the following welds:

• the connection welds of the BR outdoor VVP lines,

• the connection welds of the ARE BR outer lines,

- Weld inspection services during unit shutdown at site stress.

The number of welds to be inspected per unit shutdown is determined prior to the unit shutdown with regard to the maintenance schedule. It can be from 1 to 8 welds.

Depending on the industrial schedule, interventions may be carried out simultaneously on different sites.

Over the period set out in paragraph II.2.7, the maximum number of possible unit shutdowns under this Contract shall be 60.