The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code [1], Section XI, Appendix G provides a deterministic procedure for defining Service Level A and B pressure-temperature limits for ferritic components in the reactor coolant pressure boundary. An alternative risk-informed methodology has been developed for ASME Section XI, Appendix G. This alternative methodology provides easy to use procedures to define risk-informed pressure-temperature limits for Service Level A and B events, including leak testing and reactor start-up and shut-down. Risk-informed pressure-temperature limits provide more operational flexibility, particularly for reactor pressure vessels with relatively high irradiation levels and radiation sensitive materials. This work evaluated selected plants spanning the population of pressurized water reactors (PWRs) and boiling water reactors (BWRs). The evaluation included determining appropriate material properties, reviewing operating history and system operational constraints, and performing probabilistic fracture mechanics analyses. The analysis results were used to define risk-informed pressure-temperature relationships that comply with safety goals defined by the United States (U.S.) Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). This alternative methodology will provide greater operational flexibility, especially for Service Level A and B events that may adversely affect efficient and safe plant operation, such as low-temperature-over-pressurization (LTOP) for PWRs and system leak testing for BWRs. Overall, application of this methodology can result in increased plant efficiency, and increased plant and personnel safety.
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ASME 2009 Pressure Vessels and Piping Conference
July 26–30, 2009
Prague, Czech Republic
Conference Sponsors:
- Pressure Vessels and Piping
ISBN:
978-0-7918-4364-2
PROCEEDINGS PAPER
A Risk-Informed Methodology for ASME Section XI, Appendix G
Ronald Gamble,
Ronald Gamble
Sartrex Corporation, Rockville, MD
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William Server,
William Server
ATI Consulting, Pinehurst, NC
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Bruce Bishop,
Bruce Bishop
Westinghouse Electric Company, Monroeville, PA
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Nathan Palm,
Nathan Palm
Westinghouse Electric Company, Monroeville, PA
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Carol Heinecke
Carol Heinecke
Westinghouse Electric Company, Monroeville, PA
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Ronald Gamble
Sartrex Corporation, Rockville, MD
William Server
ATI Consulting, Pinehurst, NC
Bruce Bishop
Westinghouse Electric Company, Monroeville, PA
Nathan Palm
Westinghouse Electric Company, Monroeville, PA
Carol Heinecke
Westinghouse Electric Company, Monroeville, PA
Paper No:
PVP2009-77778, pp. 671-685; 15 pages
Published Online:
July 9, 2010
Citation
Gamble, R, Server, W, Bishop, B, Palm, N, & Heinecke, C. "A Risk-Informed Methodology for ASME Section XI, Appendix G." Proceedings of the ASME 2009 Pressure Vessels and Piping Conference. Volume 1: Codes and Standards. Prague, Czech Republic. July 26–30, 2009. pp. 671-685. ASME. https://doi.org/10.1115/PVP2009-77778
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