Patent ID: 7058154

Claim:
A method for managing internal components of nuclear reactor plants using a network-based system including a server system coupled to a centralized interactive database and at least one client system, said method comprising the steps of: receiving information relating to internal components of a specific plant; storing the information into a centralized database; updating the centralized database with information received; cross-referencing the information received against the specific plant; developing inspection recommendations for specific internal components based on information received and information stored in the database; determining cracking susceptibility for specific internal component welds based on information received and information stored in the database, wherein the cracking susceptibility determination is based on a base material of the internal component, a weld filler material, and a weld susceptibility index based on a configuration of a weld and historical information of similar internal components in similar reactors; developing contingency options for repair or mitigation of specific internal components based on the cracking susceptibility of specific component welds; generating contingency outage schedules for the contingency options; and providing information in response to an inquiry.