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 (PFM) 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 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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June 2012
Research Papers
A Risk-Informed Methodology for ASME Section XI, Appendix G
Carol Heinecke
Carol Heinecke
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Ronald Gamble
William Server
Bruce Bishop
Nathan Palm
Carol Heinecke
J. Pressure Vessel Technol. Jun 2012, 134(3): 031002 (11 pages)
Published Online: May 18, 2012
Article history
Received:
January 5, 2011
Revised:
January 17, 2012
Published:
May 17, 2012
Online:
May 18, 2012
Citation
Gamble, R., Server, W., Bishop, B., Palm, N., and Heinecke, C. (May 18, 2012). "A Risk-Informed Methodology for ASME Section XI, Appendix G." ASME. J. Pressure Vessel Technol. June 2012; 134(3): 031002. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4006580
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