Pressurized water reactor (PWR) plants have experienced primary water stress corrosion cracking (PWSCC) since the 1980s. PWSCC occurs in Alloy 82/182 welds as well as Alloy 600 components. Left untreated, PWSCC can compromise the operations and economics of light water reactors.

Westinghouse has teamed with AEA Technology Engineering Services Inc. (AEA) to provide the Mechanical Stress Improvement Process (MSIP®) –a long-term solution to PWSCC in reactor vessel hot-leg nozzle piping, pressurizer nozzles, and other small bore pipes.