Framatome Technologies Group (FTG) has teamed with Jeumont Industrie (JI) to offer a comprehensive inventory of reactor coolant pump (RCP) parts. JI is supplying these parts through FTG's Nuclear Parts Center (NPC) in accordance with the applicable portions of FTG's NUPIC audited 10CFR50, Appendix B QA Program.

"Jeumont has extensive design and engineering capabilities. All parts are certified to be in compliance with the customer's design based procurement requirements," according to John Shively, NPC project manager.

For more than 30 years, Jeumont's Nuclear Power Plant Equipment Division has been designing and manufacturing reactor coolant pumps, seals and drive motors. With 220 RCP sets (pumps, seals and drives) in service, the company has an accumulated experience feedback equivalent to 2100 years of operation.

"Over the years, Jeumont has
continued to expand and develop their capabilities through a high level commitment to R&D and innovative parts manufacturing technology," said Shively. "They analyze and evaluate their extensive performance data, perform ongoing research to extend seal life, and test various methods to improve pump longevity."

In addition to the supply of new parts, FTG/JI offers re-manufacturing of specific seal component assemblies in France at Jeumont's comprehensive Somanu facility. "The option of purchasing re-manufactured seals offers customers the opportunity for significant savings versus the cost of new seal components. All re-manufactured seals receive the same inspections, tests, warranties and certifications as new parts. In fact, some Jeumont re-manufactured seals have been in operation up to 18 years in France," Shively added.

Most Jeumont parts are available now
with all parts targeted for availability by the end of 2000. Subsequently, FTG plans to stock parts in Lynchburg, VA, allowing customers to reduce their inventories and utilize immediate just-in-time (JIT) deliveries from FTG. Parts descriptions and quantities on hand will be available via NPC's internet- based Customer Inquiry System (CIS). JIT deliveries will allow customers to help minimize inventory carrying costs, resulting in additional significant cost savings.

"JI supplied seal parts are currently in operation at several U.S. nuclear utility sites and procurements are in process with several additional utilities," said Shively.