Search
Filters
Close

Regulatory Research On The Aging Management Of Structures, Systems, And Components In Nuclear Power Plants Supporting Long Term Operation

This paper will focus on ongoing regulatory research related to aging management of reactor vessel internals, including measuring stress corrosion cracking initiation and growth rates, and developing a mechanistic understanding of other potential degradation modes, with a particular focus on issues that may be more important for operation beyond 80 years of life.

Product Number: ED22-18639-SG
Author: Mark Yoo, Matthew Hiser, Eric Focht, Carol Moyer, Amy Hull, Robert Tregoning
Publication Date: 2022
$20.00
$20.00
$20.00

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has engaged with external stakeholders to solicit public feedback related to license renewal for nuclear power reactors, specifically the need (and timing) for the NRC to consider the potential technical issues and guidance document development related to license renewal that would authorize operation for up to 100 years. The NRC is conducting regulatory research on the aging management of plant systems, structures, and components and will continue during the evaluation of subsequent license renewal applications to confirm the adequacy of these guidance documents for long-term operation. Should regulatory research identify new or additional information related to aging management, regulatory guidance may be revised to reflect the new results. Regulatory research has been performed in the following four areas: reactor pressure vessel neutron embrittlement, irradiation-assisted degradation of reactor vessel internals and piping, concrete and containment degradation, and electrical cable qualification and condition assessment. Based upon public engagement regarding potential operation beyond 80 years, the NRC regards the consideration of the technical issues for operation beyond 80 years as an opportunity for the NRC to be proactive rather than reactive to applicant decisions on whether and when to pursue long-term operation. 

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has engaged with external stakeholders to solicit public feedback related to license renewal for nuclear power reactors, specifically the need (and timing) for the NRC to consider the potential technical issues and guidance document development related to license renewal that would authorize operation for up to 100 years. The NRC is conducting regulatory research on the aging management of plant systems, structures, and components and will continue during the evaluation of subsequent license renewal applications to confirm the adequacy of these guidance documents for long-term operation. Should regulatory research identify new or additional information related to aging management, regulatory guidance may be revised to reflect the new results. Regulatory research has been performed in the following four areas: reactor pressure vessel neutron embrittlement, irradiation-assisted degradation of reactor vessel internals and piping, concrete and containment degradation, and electrical cable qualification and condition assessment. Based upon public engagement regarding potential operation beyond 80 years, the NRC regards the consideration of the technical issues for operation beyond 80 years as an opportunity for the NRC to be proactive rather than reactive to applicant decisions on whether and when to pursue long-term operation.