IG reports that there are more 'fraudulent' parts in US nuclear power plants than known

Pictured is a counterfeit Walworth gate valve out of specification with two genuine valves on either side.
Most, if not all, U.S. nuclear power plants contain counterfeit, fraudulent and questionable components, according to two reports released by the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.The agency’s regulator has proposed changes to increase oversight of existing plants and future facility projects.
The IG report states that fraudulent components are more likely to fail, leading to potential safety issues.
Although an analysis suggested the NRC define the term more clearly, the investigation pointed to unauthorized copies of actual components, possibly for deception purposes.According to the Electric Power Research Institute, fraudulent components were found in hard-to-find plant areas such as valves and bearings and structural steel.Even electronic components such as circuit breakers are increasingly being counterfeited.
There have been few documented cases of component fraud since 2016, with nuclear sector groups identifying around 10 potential component cases.
But according to the IG analysis, the actual number may be greater than the known number, as factories are usually only required to report to the NRC in critical situations, such as failure of critical safety equipment.Still, IG investigators were unable to give a specific number of instances of fraudulent components, blaming lax reporting standards by nuclear power plant licensees.
In one case highlighted in the report, a counterfeit pump shaft broke off after a short period of use at an unspecified power plant.The plant’s compliance manager, however, did not report to the NRC because reporting requirements only apply to in-service parts.
In another instance, instruments used to identify broken steam lines had “significantly increased failure rates,” possibly due to defective parts being used in repairs, IG said.Fraudulent components were suspected, but investigators were unable to confirm this because little information was available about repairs performed over several years and no reporting was required.
The second IG report proposes actions recommended by the NRC to ensure that nuclear power plants can reduce the risk of fraudulent components in operating reactors and those still under construction.It recommended agency executive director Daniel Dorman, who was appointed to the role last October, conduct an overhaul of the system and develop a process for the committee to collect and share fraudulent parts information.
The IG asked Dorman to share information on any planned actions related to the recommendations within 30 days.
In a statement, NRC Inspector General Robert Fettel said it was the first time its audit and inspection divisions had cooperated at this level, and it was a sign of changes to the committee.
“These comprehensive reports are just one example of a new era [for IG] where our talented team of auditors and investigators will continue to work together in an integrated fashion to deliver on our mission to ensure the integrity, efficiency and effectiveness of audits NRC ,”He said.
The industry’s trade group, the Nuclear Energy Institute, said in a statement it was “still reviewing the findings” but said “the industry has a robust and extensive set of practices to ensure the safe operation of plant components, including the use of valid qualifications. .supply processes, supplier quality assurance requirements, reliance on OEMs, and strong procurement and maintenance controls.¡± The group said it was ¡°committed to working with the NRC as they review these findings.¡±
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