Checworks: Integrated corrosion software

Corrosion is responsible for nuclear plant availability losses of nearly 5%, and its control is important in holding down O&M costs. As a result, EPRI continues to invest considerable resources in corrosion-related research. One forthcoming product - the CHECWORKS software - will provide an integrated approach to the control of corrosion in plant piping and in-line equipment. Using a series of modules that share a common database, utility personnel will be able to identify where a corrosion attack is occurring, what is causing it, and where the resulting corrosion waste is going. This predictive capability will be valuable in planning inspections to prevent failures, evaluating mitigation options, and developing new designs.