ECCC History and Value of Work Done for the Introduction and Use of Newer Materials

Abstract

ECCC is a voluntary grouping formed in 1991 to co-ordinate Europe-wide development of creep data to be used to design components for high temperature plants, bases on a Memorandum of Understanding, signed by all partners. The ECCC is deeply involved in EU coordination for the development of knowledge on the damage caused by the creep phenomenon and the consequent reliability assessment activities. Strong links exist with the technical committees of the European Standard organizations, giving an efficient network to mutually exchange of technical information relating to current/future activities for the improvement or development of new materials. For several years ECCC (1991-2005) concentrated efforts by EU support. Nevertheless, revitalization of ECCC has been generated by definition of Joint Industrial Project (JIP) started in 2011 and still running (JIP4). ECCC has a very strong link to industrial applications and it is presently organized in four Work Packages: WG1 on common procedures, data generation/assessment and three material specific Working groups: ferritic steels, austenitic steels, nickel-based alloys. Two main outputs are ECCC data sheets and ECCC Recommendation Volumes. The ECCC activities are almost completely carried out by members’ contribution-in-kind. The ECCC plays a part of its role, in term of generation of design properties for new materials introduction into power plant and related applications. It therefore engages a crucial role in assessing and realising the potential of new developments.