10 C.F.R. § 50.55a
Link to an amendment published at 83 FR 2354, January 17, 2018.
(a) Documents approved for incorporation by reference. The standards listed in this paragraph (a) have been approved for incorporation by reference by the Director of the Federal Register pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. The standards are available for inspection, by appointment, at the NRC Technical Library, which is located at Two White Flint North, 11545 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland 20852; telephone: 301-415-7000; email: Library.Resource@nrc.gov; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030 or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
(1) American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Three Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016; telephone:
1-800-843-2763; http://www.asme.org/Codes/.
(i) ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section III. The editions and addenda for Section III of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (excluding Nonmandatory Appendices) (referred to herein as ASME BPV Code) are listed in this paragraph (a)(1)(i), but limited by those provisions identified in paragraph (b)(1) of this section.
(A) “Rules for Construction of Nuclear Vessels:”
(1) 1963 Edition,
(2) Summer 1964 Addenda,
(3) Winter 1964 Addenda,
(4) 1965 Edition,
(5) 1965 Summer Addenda,
(6) 1965 Winter Addenda,
(7) 1966 Summer Addenda,
(8) 1966 Winter Addenda,
(9) 1967 Summer Addenda,
(10) 1967 Winter Addenda,
(11) 1968 Edition,
(12) 1968 Summer Addenda,
(13)1968 Winter Addenda,
(14) 1969 Summer Addenda,
(15) 1969 Winter Addenda,
(16) 1970 Summer Addenda, and
(17) 1970 Winter Addenda.
(B) “Rules for Construction of Nuclear Power Plant Components:”
(1) 1971 Edition,
(2) 1971 Summer Addenda,
(3) 1971 Winter Addenda,
(4) 1972 Summer Addenda,
(5) 1972 Winter Addenda,
(6) 1973 Summer Addenda, and
(7) 1973 Winter Addenda.
(C) “Division 1 Rules for Construction of Nuclear Power Plant Components:”
(1) 1974 Edition,
(2) 1974 Summer Addenda,
(3) 1974 Winter Addenda,
(4) 1975 Summer Addenda,
(5) 1975 Winter Addenda,
(6) 1976 Summer Addenda, and
(7) 1976 Winter Addenda;
(D) “Rules for Construction of Nuclear Power Plant Components - Division 1”;
(1) 1977 Edition,
(2) 1977 Summer Addenda,
(3) 1977 Winter Addenda,
(4) 1978 Summer Addenda,
(5) 1978 Winter Addenda,
(6) 1979 Summer Addenda,
(7) 1979 Winter Addenda,
(8) 1980 Edition,
(9) 1980 Summer Addenda,
(10) 1980 Winter Addenda,
(11) 1981 Summer Addenda,
(12) 1981 Winter Addenda,
(13) 1982 Summer Addenda,
(14) 1982 Winter Addenda,
(15) 1983 Edition,
(16) 1983 Summer Addenda,
(17) 1983 Winter Addenda,
(18) 1984 Summer Addenda,
(19) 1984 Winter Addenda,
(20) 1985 Summer Addenda,
(21) 1985 Winter Addenda,
(22) 1986 Edition,
(23) 1986 Addenda,
(24) 1987 Addenda,
(25) 1988 Addenda,
(26) 1989 Edition,
(27) 1989 Addenda,
(28) 1990 Addenda,
(29) 1991 Addenda,
(30) 1992 Edition,
(31) 1992 Addenda,
(32) 1993 Addenda,
(33) 1994 Addenda,
(34) 1995 Edition,
(35) 1995 Addenda,
(36) 1996 Addenda, and
(37) 1997 Addenda.
(E) “Rules for Construction of Nuclear Facility Components - Division 1:”
(1) 1998 Edition,
(2) 1998 Addenda,
(3) 1999 Addenda,
(4) 2000 Addenda,
(5) 2001 Edition,
(6) 2001 Addenda,
(7) 2002 Addenda,
(8) 2003 Addenda,
(9) 2004 Edition,
(10) 2005 Addenda,
(11) 2006 Addenda,
(12) 2007 Edition,
(13) 2008 Addenda,
(14) 2009b Addenda (including Subsection NCA; and Division 1 subsections NB through NH and Appendices),
(15) 2010 Edition (including Subsection NCA; and Division 1 subsections NB through NH and Appendices),
(16) 2011a Addenda (including Subsection NCA; and Division 1 subsections NB through NH and Appendices), and
(17) 2013 Edition (including Subsection NCA; and Division 1 subsections NB through NH and Appendices).
(ii) ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section XI. The editions and addenda for Section XI of the ASME BPV Code are listed in this paragraph (a)(1)(ii), but limited by those provisions identified in paragraph (b)(2) of this section.
(A) “Rules for Inservice Inspection of Nuclear Reactor Coolant Systems:”
(1) 1970 Edition,
(2) 1971 Edition,
(3) 1971 Summer Addenda,
(4) 1971 Winter Addenda,
(5) 1972 Summer Addenda,
(6) 1972 Winter Addenda,
(7) 1973 Summer Addenda, and
(8) 1973 Winter Addenda.
(B) “Rules for Inservice Inspection of Nuclear Power Plant Components:”
(1) 1974 Edition,
(2) 1974 Summer Addenda,
(3) 1974 Winter Addenda, and
(4) 1975 Summer Addenda.
(5) 1975 Winter Addenda,
(6) 1976 Summer Addenda, and
(7) 1976 Winter Addenda.
(C) “Rules for Inservice Inspection of Nuclear Power Plant Components - Division 1:”
(1) 1977 Edition,
(2) 1977 Summer Addenda,
(3) 1977 Winter Addenda,
(4) 1978 Summer Addenda,
(5) 1978 Winter Addenda,
(6) 1979 Summer Addenda,
(7) 1979 Winter Addenda,
(8) 1980 Edition,
(9) 1980 Winter Addenda,
(10) 1981 Summer Addenda,
(11) 1981 Winter Addenda,
(12) 1982 Summer Addenda,
(13) 1982 Winter Addenda,
(14) 1983 Edition,
(15) 1983 Summer Addenda,
(16) 1983 Winter Addenda,
(17) 1984 Summer Addenda,
(18) 1984 Winter Addenda,
(19) 1985 Summer Addenda,
(20) 1985 Winter Addenda,
(21) 1986 Edition,
(22) 1986 Addenda,
(23) 1987 Addenda,
(24) 1988 Addenda,
(25) 1989 Edition,
(26) 1989 Addenda,
(27) 1990 Addenda,
(28) 1991 Addenda,
(29) 1992 Edition,
(30) 1992 Addenda,
(31) 1993 Addenda,
(32) 1994 Addenda,
(33) 1995 Edition,
(34) 1995 Addenda,
(35) 1996 Addenda,
(36) 1997 Addenda,
(37) 1998 Edition,
(38) 1998 Addenda,
(39) 1999 Addenda,
(40) 2000 Addenda,
(41) 2001 Edition,
(42) 2001 Addenda,
(43) 2002 Addenda,
(44) 2003 Addenda,
(45) 2004 Edition,
(46) 2005 Addenda,
(47) 2006 Addenda,
(48) 2007 Edition,
(49) 2008 Addenda,
(50) 2009b Addenda,
(51) 2010 Edition,
(52) 2011a Addenda (Excluding Article IWB-2000: IWB-2500 “Examination and Inspection: Examination and Pressure Test Requirements,” Table IWB-2500-1 “Examination Categories,” Item numbers B5.11 and B5.71), and
(53) 2013 Edition (Excluding Article IWB-2000: IWB-2500 “Examination and Inspection: Examination and Pressure Test Requirements,” Table IWB-2500-1 (B-F) “Examination Category B-F, Pressure Retaining Dissimilar Metal Welds in Vessel Nozzles,” Item numbers B5.11 and B5.71; Article IWB-3000 “Acceptance Standards,” IWB-3100 “Evaluation of Examination Results,” IWB-3110 “Preservice Volumetric and Surface Examinations,” IWB-3112 “Acceptance,” paragraph (a)(3); and Article IWC-3000 “Acceptance Standards,” IWC-3100 “Evaluation of Examination Results,” IWC-3110 “Preservice Volumetric and Surface Examinations,” IWC-3112 “Acceptance,” paragraph (a)(3)).
(iv) ASME Operation and Maintenance Code. The editions and addenda for the ASME Operation and Maintenance of Nuclear Power Plants (various edition titles referred to herein as ASME OM Code) are listed in this paragraph (a)(1)(iv), but limited by those provisions identified in paragraph (b)(3) of this section.
(A) “Code for Operation and Maintenance of Nuclear Power Plants:”
(1) 1995 Edition,
(2) 1996 Addenda,
(3) 1997 Addenda,
(4) 1998 Edition,
(5) 1999 Addenda,
(6) 2000 Addenda,
(7) 2001 Edition,
(8) 2002 Addenda,
(9) 2003 Addenda,
(10) 2004 Edition,
(11) 2005 Addenda, and
(12) 2006 Addenda.
(B) “Operation and Maintenance of Nuclear Power Plants, Division 1: Section IST Rules for Inservice Testing of Light-Water Reactor Power Plants:”
(1) 2009 Edition; and
(2) 2011 Addenda.
(C) “Operation and Maintenance of Nuclear Power Plants, Division 1: OM Code: Section IST:”
(1) 2012 Edition.
(2) [Reserved]
(v) ASME Quality Assurance Requirements.
(A) ASME NQA-1, “Quality Assurance Program Requirements for Nuclear Facilities:”
(1) NQA-1 - 1983 Edition;
(2) NQA-1a - 1983 Addenda;
(3) NQA-1b - 1984 Addenda;
(4) NQA-1c - 1985 Addenda;
(5) NQA-1 - 1986 Edition;
(6) NQA-1a - 1986 Addenda;
(7) NQA-1b - 1987 Addenda;
(8) NQA-1c - 1988 Addenda;
(9) NQA-1 - 1989 Edition;
(10) NQA-1a - 1989 Addenda;
(11) NQA-1b - 1991 Addenda; and
(12) NQA-1c - 1992 Addenda.
(B) ASME NQA-1, “Quality Assurance Requirements for Nuclear Facility Applications:”
(1) NQA-1 - 1994 Edition;
(2) NQA-1 - 2008 Edition; and
(3) NQA-1a - 2009 Addenda.
(2) Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Service Center, 445 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08855; telephone: 1-800-678-4333; http://ieeexplore.ieee.org.
(3) U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Public Document Room, 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland 20852; telephone: 1-800-397-4209; email: pdr.resource@nrc.gov; http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/reg-guides/.
(b) Use and conditions on the use of standards. Systems and components of boiling and pressurized water-cooled nuclear power reactors must meet the requirements of the ASME BPV Code and the ASME OM Code as specified in this paragraph (b). Each combined license for a utilization facility is subject to the following conditions.
(1) Conditions on ASME BPV Code Section III. Each manufacturing license, standard design approval, and design certification under 10 CFR part 52 is subject to the following conditions. As used in this section, references to Section III refer to Section III of the ASME BPV Code and include the 1963 Edition through 1973 Winter Addenda and the 1974 Edition (Division 1) through the 2013 Edition (Division 1), subject to the following conditions:
(ii) Section III condition: Weld leg dimensions. When applying the 1989 Addenda through the latest edition and addenda incorporated by reference in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, applicants and licensees may not apply the Section III provisions identified in Table I of this section for welds with leg size less than 1.09 tn:
Table I - Prohibited Code ProvisionsEditions and addenda Code provision 1989 Addenda through 2013 EditionSubparagraph NB-3683.4(c)(1); Subparagraph NB-3683.4(c)(2). 1989 Addenda through 2003 AddendaNote 11 to Figure NC-3673.2(b)-1; Note 11 to Figure ND-3673.2(b)-1. 2004 Edition through 2010 EditionNote 13 to Figure NC-3673.2(b)-1; Note 13 to Figure ND-3673.2(b)-1. 2011 Addenda through 2013 EditionNote 11 to Table NC-3673.2(b)-1; Note 11 to Table ND-3673.2(b)-1.
(iii) Section III condition: Seismic design of piping. Applicants or licensees may use Subarticles NB-3200, NB-3600, NC-3600, and ND-3600 for seismic design of piping, up to and including the 1993 Addenda, subject to the condition specified in paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section. Applicants or licensees may not use these subarticles for seismic design of piping in the 1994 Addenda through the 2005 Addenda incorporated by reference in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, except that Subarticle NB-3200 in the 2004 Edition through the 2008 Addenda may be used by applicants and licensees, subject to the condition in paragraph (b)(1)(iii)(A) of this section. Applicants or licensees may use Subarticles NB-3600, NC-3600, and ND-3600 for the seismic design of piping in the 2006 Addenda through the 2008 Addenda, subject to the conditions of this paragraph corresponding to those subarticles.
(2) Conditions on ASME BPV Code, Section XI. As used in this section, references to Section XI refer to Section XI, Division 1, of the ASME BPV Code, and include the 1970 Edition through the 1976 Winter Addenda and the 1977 Edition through the 2013 Edition, subject to the following conditions:
(viii) Section XI condition: Concrete containment examinations. Applicants or licensees applying Subsection IWL, 1992 Edition with the 1992 Addenda, must apply paragraphs (b)(2)(viii)(A) through (E) of this section. Applicants or licensees applying Subsection IWL, 1995 Edition with the 1996 Addenda, must apply paragraphs (b)(2)(viii)(A), (b)(2)(viii)(D)(3), and (b)(2)(viii)(E) of this section. Applicants or licensees applying Subsection IWL, 1998 Edition through the 2000 Addenda, must apply paragraphs (b)(2)(viii)(E) and (F) of this section. Applicants or licensees applying Subsection IWL, 2001 Edition through the 2004 Edition, up to and including the 2006 Addenda, must apply paragraphs (b)(2)(viii)(E) through (G) of this section. Applicants or licensees applying Subsection IWL, 2007 Edition up to and including the 2008 Addenda must apply paragraph (b)(2)(viii)(E) of this section. Applicants or licensees applying Subsection IWL, 2007 Edition with the 2009 Addenda through the latest edition and addenda incorporated by reference in paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this section, must apply paragraphs (b)(2)(viii)(H) and (I) of this section.
(D) Concrete containment examinations: Fourth provision. The applicant or licensee must report the following conditions, if they occur, in the ISI Summary Report required by IWA-6000:
(1) The sampled sheathing filler grease contains chemically combined water exceeding 10 percent by weight or the presence of free water;
(2) The absolute difference between the amount removed and the amount replaced exceeds 10 percent of the tendon net duct volume; and
(3) Grease leakage is detected during general visual examination of the containment surface.
(E) Concrete containment examinations: Fifth provision. For Class CC applications, the applicant or licensee must evaluate the acceptability of inaccessible areas when conditions exist in accessible areas that could indicate the presence of or the result in degradation to such inaccessible areas. For each inaccessible area identified, the applicant or licensee must provide the following in the ISI Summary Report required by IWA-6000:
(1) A description of the type and estimated extent of degradation, and the conditions that led to the degradation;
(2) An evaluation of each area, and the result of the evaluation; and
(3) A description of necessary corrective actions.
(ix) Section XI condition: Metal containment examinations. Applicants or licensees applying Subsection IWE, 1992 Edition with the 1992 Addenda, or the 1995 Edition with the 1996 Addenda, must satisfy the requirements of paragraphs (b)(2)(ix)(A) through (E) of this section. Applicants or licensees applying Subsection IWE, 1998 Edition through the 2001 Edition with the 2003 Addenda, must satisfy the requirements of paragraphs (b)(2)(ix)(A) and (B) and (F) through (I) of this section. Applicants or licensees applying Subsection IWE, 2004 Edition, up to and including the 2005 Addenda, must satisfy the requirements of paragraphs (b)(2)(ix)(A) and (B) and (F) through (H) of this section. Applicants or licensees applying Subsection IWE, 2004 Edition with the 2006 Addenda, must satisfy the requirements of paragraphs (b)(2)(ix)(A)(2) and (b)(2)(ix)(B) of this section. Applicants or licensees applying Subsection IWE, 2007 Edition through the latest edition and addenda incorporated by reference in paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this section, must satisfy the requirements of paragraphs (b)(2)(ix)(A)(2) and (b)(2)(ix)(B) and (J) of this section.
(A) Metal containment examinations: First provision. For Class MC applications, the following apply to inaccessible areas.
(1) The applicant or licensee must evaluate the acceptability of inaccessible areas when conditions exist in accessible areas that could indicate the presence of or could result in degradation to such inaccessible areas.
(2) For each inaccessible area identified for evaluation, the applicant or licensee must provide the following in the ISI Summary Report as required by IWA-6000:
(i) A description of the type and estimated extent of degradation, and the conditions that led to the degradation;
(ii) An evaluation of each area, and the result of the evaluation; and
(iii) A description of necessary corrective actions.
(D) Metal containment examinations: Fourth provision. This paragraph (b)(2)(ix)(D) may be used as an alternative to the requirements of IWE-2430. If the examinations reveal flaws or areas of degradation exceeding the acceptance standards of Table IWE-3410-1, an evaluation must be performed to determine whether additional component examinations are required. For each flaw or area of degradation identified that exceeds acceptance standards, the applicant or licensee must provide the following in the ISI Summary Report required by IWA-6000:
(1) A description of each flaw or area, including the extent of degradation, and the conditions that led to the degradation;
(2) The acceptability of each flaw or area and the need for additional examinations to verify that similar degradation does not exist in similar components;
(3) A description of necessary corrective actions; and
(4) The number and type of additional examinations to ensure detection of similar degradation in similar components.
(xii) Section XI condition: Underwater welding. The provisions in IWA-4660, “Underwater Welding,” of Section XI, 1997 Addenda through the latest edition and addenda incorporated by reference in paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this section, are approved for use on irradiated material with the following conditions:
(xv) Section XI condition: Appendix VIII specimen set and qualification requirements. Licensees using Appendix VIII in the 1995 Edition through the 2001 Edition of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code may elect to comply with all of the provisions in paragraphs (b)(2)(xv)(A) through (M) of this section, except for paragraph (b)(2)(xv)(F) of this section, which may be used at the licensee's option. Licensees using editions and addenda after 2001 Edition through the 2006 Addenda must use the 2001 Edition of Appendix VIII and may elect to comply with all of the provisions in paragraphs (b)(2)(xv)(A) through (M) of this section, except for paragraph (b)(2)(xv)(F) of this section, which may be used at the licensee's option.
(A) Specimen set and qualification: First provision. When applying Supplements 2, 3, and 10 to Appendix VIII, the following examination coverage criteria requirements must be used:
(1) Piping must be examined in two axial directions, and when examination in the circumferential direction is required, the circumferential examination must be performed in two directions, provided access is available. Dissimilar metal welds must be examined axially and circumferentially.
(2) Where examination from both sides is not possible, full coverage credit may be claimed from a single side for ferritic welds. Where examination from both sides is not possible on austenitic welds or dissimilar metal welds, full coverage credit from a single side may be claimed only after completing a successful single-sided Appendix VIII demonstration using flaws on the opposite side of the weld. Dissimilar metal weld qualifications must be demonstrated from the austenitic side of the weld, and the qualification may be expanded for austenitic welds with no austenitic sides using a separate add-on performance demonstration. Dissimilar metal welds may be examined from either side of the weld.
(B) Specimen set and qualification: Second provision. The following conditions must be used in addition to the requirements of Supplement 4 to Appendix VIII:
(1) Paragraph 3.1, Detection acceptance criteria - Personnel are qualified for detection if the results of the performance demonstration satisfy the detection requirements of ASME Section XI, Appendix VIII, Table VIII-S4-1, and no flaw greater than 0.25 inch through-wall dimension is missed.
(2) Paragraph 1.1(c), Detection test matrix - Flaws smaller than the 50 percent of allowable flaw size, as defined in IWB-3500, need not be included as detection flaws. For procedures applied from the inside surface, use the minimum thickness specified in the scope of the procedure to calculate a/t. For procedures applied from the outside surface, the actual thickness of the test specimen is to be used to calculate a/t.
(C) Specimen set and qualification: Third provision. When applying Supplement 4 to Appendix VIII, the following conditions must be used:
(1) A depth sizing requirement of 0.15 inch RMS must be used in lieu of the requirements in Subparagraphs 3.2(a) and 3.2(c), and a length sizing requirement of 0.75 inch RMS must be used in lieu of the requirement in Subparagraph 3.2(b).
(2) In lieu of the location acceptance criteria requirements of Subparagraph 2.1(b), a flaw will be considered detected when reported within 1.0 inch or 10 percent of the metal path to the flaw, whichever is greater, of its true location in the X and Y directions.
(3) In lieu of the flaw type requirements of Subparagraph 1.1(e)(1), a minimum of 70 percent of the flaws in the detection and sizing tests must be cracks. Notches, if used, must be limited by the following:
(i) Notches must be limited to the case where examinations are performed from the clad surface.
(ii) Notches must be semielliptical with a tip width of less than or equal to 0.010 inches.
(iii) Notches must be perpendicular to the surface within ±2 degrees.
(4) In lieu of the detection test matrix requirements in paragraphs 1.1(e)(2) and 1.1(e)(3), personnel demonstration test sets must contain a representative distribution of flaw orientations, sizes, and locations.
(D) Specimen set and qualification: Fourth provision. The following conditions must be used in addition to the requirements of Supplement 6 to Appendix VIII:
(1) Paragraph 3.1, Detection Acceptance Criteria - Personnel are qualified for detection if:
(i) No surface connected flaw greater than 0.25 inch through-wall has been missed.
(ii) No embedded flaw greater than 0.50 inch through-wall has been missed.
(2) Paragraph 3.1, Detection Acceptance Criteria - For procedure qualification, all flaws within the scope of the procedure are detected.
(3) Paragraph 1.1(b) for detection and sizing test flaws and locations - Flaws smaller than the 50 percent of allowable flaw size, as defined in IWB-3500, need not be included as detection flaws. Flaws that are less than the allowable flaw size, as defined in IWB-3500, may be used as detection and sizing flaws.
(4) Notches are not permitted.
(E) Specimen set and qualification: Fifth provision. When applying Supplement 6 to Appendix VIII, the following conditions must be used:
(1) A depth sizing requirement of 0.25 inch RMS must be used in lieu of the requirements of subparagraphs 3.2(a), 3.2(c)(2), and 3.2(c)(3).
(2) In lieu of the location acceptance criteria requirements in Subparagraph 2.1(b), a flaw will be considered detected when reported within 1.0 inch or 10 percent of the metal path to the flaw, whichever is greater, of its true location in the X and Y directions.
(3) In lieu of the length sizing criteria requirements of Subparagraph 3.2(b), a length sizing acceptance criteria of 0.75 inch RMS must be used.
(4) In lieu of the detection specimen requirements in Subparagraph 1.1(e)(1), a minimum of 55 percent of the flaws must be cracks. The remaining flaws may be cracks or fabrication type flaws, such as slag and lack of fusion. The use of notches is not allowed.
(5) In lieu of paragraphs 1.1(e)(2) and 1.1(e)(3) detection test matrix, personnel demonstration test sets must contain a representative distribution of flaw orientations, sizes, and locations.
(F) Specimen set and qualification: Sixth provision. The following conditions may be used for personnel qualification for combined Supplement 4 to Appendix VIII and Supplement 6 to Appendix VIII qualification. Licensees choosing to apply this combined qualification must apply all of the provisions of Supplements 4 and 6 including the following conditions:
(1) For detection and sizing, the total number of flaws must be at least 10. A minimum of 5 flaws must be from Supplement 4, and a minimum of 50 percent of the flaws must be from Supplement 6. At least 50 percent of the flaws in any sizing must be cracks. Notches are not acceptable for Supplement 6.
(2) Examination personnel are qualified for detection and length sizing when the results of any combined performance demonstration satisfy the acceptance criteria of Supplement 4 to Appendix VIII.
(3) Examination personnel are qualified for depth sizing when Supplement 4 to Appendix VIII and Supplement 6 to Appendix VIII flaws are sized within the respective acceptance criteria of those supplements.
(G) Specimen set and qualification: Seventh provision. When applying Supplement 4 to Appendix VIII, Supplement 6 to Appendix VIII, or combined Supplement 4 and Supplement 6 qualification, the following additional conditions must be used, and examination coverage must include:
(1) The clad-to-base-metal-interface, including a minimum of 15 percent T (measured from the clad-to-base-metal-interface), must be examined from four orthogonal directions using procedures and personnel qualified in accordance with Supplement 4 to Appendix VIII.
(2) If the clad-to-base-metal-interface procedure demonstrates detectability of flaws with a tilt angle relative to the weld centerline of at least 45 degrees, the remainder of the examination volume is considered fully examined if coverage is obtained in one parallel and one perpendicular direction. This must be accomplished using a procedure and personnel qualified for single-side examination in accordance with Supplement 6. Subsequent examinations of this volume may be performed using examination techniques qualified for a tilt angle of at least 10 degrees.
(3) The examination volume not addressed by paragraph (b)(2)(xv)(G)(1) of this section is considered fully examined if coverage is obtained in one parallel and one perpendicular direction, using a procedure and personnel qualified for single sided examination when the conditions in paragraph (b)(2)(xv)(G)(2) are met.
(K) Specimen set and qualification: Eleventh provision. When performing nozzle-to-vessel weld examinations, the following conditions must be used when the requirements contained in Supplement 7 to Appendix VIII are applied for nozzle-to-vessel welds in conjunction with Supplement 4 to Appendix VIII, Supplement 6 to Appendix VIII, or combined Supplement 4 and Supplement 6 qualification.
(1) For examination of nozzle-to-vessel welds conducted from the bore, the following conditions are required to qualify the procedures, equipment, and personnel:
(i) For detection, a minimum of four flaws in one or more full-scale nozzle mock-ups must be added to the test set. The specimens must comply with Supplement 6, paragraph 1.1, to Appendix VIII, except for flaw locations specified in Table VIII S6-1. Flaws may be notches, fabrication flaws, or cracks. Seventy-five (75) percent of the flaws must be cracks or fabrication flaws. Flaw locations and orientations must be selected from the choices shown in paragraph (b)(2)(xv)(K)(4) of this section, Table VIII-S7-1 - Modified, with the exception that flaws in the outer eighty-five (85) percent of the weld need not be perpendicular to the weld. There may be no more than two flaws from each category, and at least one subsurface flaw must be included.
(ii) For length sizing, a minimum of four flaws as in paragraph (b)(2)(xv)(K)(1)(i) of this section must be included in the test set. The length sizing results must be added to the results of combined Supplement 4 to Appendix VIII and Supplement 6 to Appendix VIII. The combined results must meet the acceptance standards contained in paragraph (b)(2)(xv)(E)(3) of this section.
(iii) For depth sizing, a minimum of four flaws as in paragraph (b)(2)(xv)(K)(1)(i) of this section must be included in the test set. Their depths must be distributed over the ranges of Supplement 4, Paragraph 1.1, to Appendix VIII, for the inner 15 percent of the wall thickness and Supplement 6, Paragraph 1.1, to Appendix VIII, for the remainder of the wall thickness. The depth sizing results must be combined with the sizing results from Supplement 4 to Appendix VIII for the inner 15 percent and to Supplement 6 to Appendix VIII for the remainder of the wall thickness. The combined results must meet the depth sizing acceptance criteria contained in paragraphs (b)(2)(xv)(C)(1), (b)(2)(xv)(E)(1), and (b)(2)(xv)(F)(3) of this section.
(2) For examination of reactor pressure vessel nozzle-to-vessel welds conducted from the inside of the vessel, the following conditions are required:
(i) The clad-to-base-metal-interface and the adjacent examination volume to a minimum depth of 15 percent T (measured from the clad-to-base-metal-interface) must be examined from four orthogonal directions using a procedure and personnel qualified in accordance with Supplement 4 to Appendix VIII as conditioned by paragraphs (b)(2)(xv)(B) and (C) of this section.
(ii) When the examination volume defined in paragraph (b)(2)(xv)(K)(2)(i) of this section cannot be effectively examined in all four directions, the examination must be augmented by examination from the nozzle bore using a procedure and personnel qualified in accordance with paragraph (b)(2)(xv)(K)(1) of this section.
(iii) The remainder of the examination volume not covered by paragraph (b)(2)(xv)(K)(2)(ii) of this section or a combination of paragraphs (b)(2)(xv)(K)(2)(i) and (ii) of this section, must be examined from the nozzle bore using a procedure and personnel qualified in accordance with paragraph (b)(2)(xv)(K)(1) of this section, or from the vessel shell using a procedure and personnel qualified for single sided examination in accordance with Supplement 6 to Appendix VIII, as conditioned by paragraphs (b)(2)(xv)(D) through (G) of this section.
(3) For examination of reactor pressure vessel nozzle-to-shell welds conducted from the outside of the vessel, the following conditions are required:
(i) The clad-to-base-metal-interface and the adjacent metal to a depth of 15 percent T (measured from the clad-to-base-metal-interface) must be examined from one radial and two opposing circumferential directions using a procedure and personnel qualified in accordance with Supplement 4 to Appendix VIII, as conditioned by paragraphs (b)(2)(xv)(B) and (C) of this section, for examinations performed in the radial direction, and Supplement 5 to Appendix VIII, as conditioned by paragraph (b)(2)(xv)(J) of this section, for examinations performed in the circumferential direction.
(ii) The examination volume not addressed by paragraph (b)(2)(xv)(K)(3)(i) of this section must be examined in a minimum of one radial direction using a procedure and personnel qualified for single sided examination in accordance with Supplement 6 to Appendix VIII, as conditioned by paragraphs (b)(2)(xv)(D) through (G) of this section.
(4) Table VIII-S7-1, “Flaw Locations and Orientations,” Supplement 7 to Appendix VIII, is conditioned as follows:
Table VIII - S7-1 - Modified[Flaw locations and orientations] Parallel to weld Perpendicular to weld Inner 15 percentXX Outside Diameter SurfaceX SubsurfaceX
(xvi) Section XI condition: Appendix VIII single side ferritic vessel and piping and stainless steel piping examinations. When applying editions and addenda prior to the 2007 Edition of Section XI, the following conditions apply.
(xviii) Section XI condition: NDE personnel certification.
(xxi) Section XI condition: Table IWB-2500-1 examination requirements.
(xxviii) Section XI condition: Analysis of flaws. Licensees using ASME BPV Code, Section XI, Appendix A, must use the following conditions when implementing Equation (2) in A-4300(b)(1):
For R < 0, ΔKI depends on the crack depth (a), and the flow stress (σf). The flow stress is defined by σf = 1/2(σys + σult), where σys is the yield strength and σult is the ultimate tensilestrength in units ksi (MPa) and (a) is in units in. (mm). For −2 ≤ R ≤ 0 and Kmax− Kmin ≤ 0.8 × 1.12 σf√(πa), S = 1 and ΔKI = Kmax. For R < −2 and Kmax− Kmin ≤ 0.8 × 1.12 σf√(πa), S = 1 and ΔKI = (1 − R) Kmax/3. For R < 0 and Kmax − Kmin > 0.8 × 1.12σf√(πa), S = 1 and ΔKI = Kmax−Kmin.
(xxxiv) Section XI condition: Nonmandatory Appendix U. When using Nonmandatory Appendix U of the 2013 Edition of the ASME BPV Code, Section XI the following conditions apply:
(xxxvii) Section XI condition: ASME BPV Code Case N-824. Licensees may use the provisions of ASME BPV Code Case N-824, “Ultrasonic Examination of Cast Austenitic Piping Welds From the Outside Surface Section XI, Division 1,” subject to the following conditions.
(3) Conditions on ASME OM Code. As used in this section, references to the ASME OM Code are to the ASME OM Code, Subsections ISTA, ISTB, ISTC, ISTD, ISTE, and ISTF; Mandatory Appendices I, II, III, and V; and Nonmandatory Appendices A through H and J through M, in the 1995 Edition through the 2012 Edition, as specified in paragraph (a)(1)(iv) of this section. Mandatory appendices must be used if required by the OM Code; nonmandatory appendices are approved for use by the NRC but need not be used. The following conditions are applicable when implementing the ASME OM Code:
(ii) OM condition: Motor-Operated Valve (MOV) testing. Licensees must comply with the provisions for testing MOVs in ASME OM Code, ISTC 4.2, 1995 Edition with the 1996 and 1997 Addenda, or ISTC-3500, 1998 Edition through the latest edition and addenda incorporated by reference in paragraph (a)(1)(iv) of this section, and must establish a program to ensure that MOVs continue to be capable of performing their design basis safety functions. Licensees implementing ASME OM Code, Mandatory Appendix III, “Preservice and Inservice Testing of Active Electric Motor Operated Valve Assemblies in Light-Water Reactor Power Plants,” of the 2009 Edition, 2011 Addenda, and 2012 Edition shall comply with the following conditions:
(iii) OM condition: New reactors. In addition to complying with the provisions in the ASME OM Code with the conditions specified in paragraph (b)(3) of this section, holders of operating licenses for nuclear power reactors that received construction permits under this part on or after the date 12 months after August 17, 2017, and holders of combined licenses issued under 10 CFR part 52, whose initial fuel loading occurs on or after the date 12 months after August 17, 2017, shall also comply with the following conditions, as applicable:
(iv) OM condition: Check valves (Appendix II). Licensees applying Appendix II, “Check Valve Condition Monitoring Program,” of the ASME OM Code, 1995 Edition with the 1996 and 1997 Addenda, shall satisfy the requirements of paragraphs (b)(3)(iv)(A) through (C) of this section. Licensees applying Appendix II, 1998 Edition through the 2002 Addenda, shall satisfy the requirements of paragraphs (b)(3)(iv)(A), (B), and (D) of this section. Appendix II of the ASME OM Code, 2003 Addenda through the 2012 Edition, is acceptable for use with the following requirements. Trending and evaluation shall support the determination that the valve or group of valves is capable of performing its intended function(s) over the entire interval. At least one of the Appendix II condition monitoring activities for a valve group shall be performed on each valve of the group at approximate equal intervals not to exceed the maximum interval shown in the following table:
Table II - Maximum Intervals for Use When Applying Interval ExtensionsGroup size Maximum interval between activities of member valves in the groups (years) Maximum interval between activities of each valve in the group (years) ≥44.516 34.512 2612 1Not applicable10
(v) OM condition: Snubbers ISTD. Article IWF-5000, “Inservice Inspection Requirements for Snubbers,” of the ASME BPV Code, Section XI, must be used when performing inservice inspection examinations and tests of snubbers at nuclear power plants, except as conditioned in paragraphs (b)(3)(v)(A) and (B) of this section.
(4) Conditions on Design, Fabrication, and Materials Code Cases. Each manufacturing license, standard design approval, and design certification application under part 52 of this chapter is subject to the following conditions. Licensees may apply the ASME BPV Code Cases listed in NRC Regulatory Guide 1.84, as incorporated by reference in paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this section, without prior NRC approval, subject to the following conditions:
(5) Conditions on inservice inspection Code Cases. Licensees may apply the ASME BPV Code Cases listed in NRC Regulatory Guide 1.147, as incorporated by reference in paragraph (a)(3)(ii) of this section, without prior NRC approval, subject to the following:
(6) Conditions on ASME OM Code Cases. Licensees may apply the ASME OM Code Cases listed in NRC Regulatory Guide 1.192, as incorporated by reference in paragraph (a)(3)(iii) of this section, without prior NRC approval, subject to the following:
(c) Reactor coolant pressure boundary. Systems and components of boiling and pressurized water-cooled nuclear power reactors must meet the requirements of the ASME BPV Code as specified in this paragraph. Each manufacturing license, standard design approval, and design certification application under part 52 of this chapter and each combined license for a utilization facility is subject to the following conditions:
(2) Exceptions to reactor coolant pressure boundary standards requirement. Components that are connected to the reactor coolant system and are part of the reactor coolant pressure boundary as defined in § 50.2 need not meet the requirements of paragraph (c)(1) of this section, provided that:
(3) Applicable Code and Code Cases and conditions on their use. The Code edition, addenda, and optional ASME Code Cases to be applied to components of the reactor coolant pressure boundary must be determined by the provisions of paragraph NCA-1140, Subsection NCA of Section III of the ASME BPV Code, subject to the following conditions:
(d) Quality Group B components. Systems and components of boiling and pressurized water-cooled nuclear power reactors must meet the requirements of the ASME BPV Code as specified in this paragraph. Each manufacturing license, standard design approval, and design certification application under part 52 of this chapter, and each combined license for a utilization facility is subject to the following conditions:
(2) Quality Group B: Applicable Code and Code Cases and conditions on their use. The Code edition, addenda, and optional ASME Code Cases to be applied to the systems and components identified in paragraph (d)(1) of this section must be determined by the rules of paragraph NCA-1140, Subsection NCA of Section III of the ASME BPV Code, subject to the following conditions:
(e) Quality Group C components. Systems and components of boiling and pressurized water-cooled nuclear power reactors must meet the requirements of the ASME BPV Code as specified in this paragraph. Each manufacturing license, standard design approval, and design certification application under part 52 of this chapter and each combined license for a utilization facility is subject to the following conditions.
(2) Quality Group C applicable Code and Code Cases and conditions on their use. The Code edition, addenda, and optional ASME Code Cases to be applied to the systems and components identified in paragraph (e)(1) of this section must be determined by the rules of paragraph NCA-1140, subsection NCA of Section III of the ASME BPV Code, subject to the following conditions:
(f) Preservice and inservice testing requirements. Systems and components of boiling and pressurized water-cooled nuclear power reactors must meet the requirements for preservice and inservice testing (referred to in this paragraph (f) collectively as inservice testing) of the ASME BPV Code and ASME OM Code as specified in this paragraph (f). Each operating license for a boiling or pressurized water-cooled nuclear facility is subject to the following conditions. Each combined license for a boiling or pressurized water-cooled nuclear facility is subject to the following conditions, but the conditions in paragraphs (f)(4) through (6) of this section must be met only after the Commission makes the finding under § 52.103(g) of this chapter. Requirements for inservice inspection of Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, Class MC, and Class CC components (including their supports) are located in paragraph (g) of this section.
(3) Design and accessibility requirements for performing inservice testing in plants with CPs issued after 1974. For a boiling or pressurized water-cooled nuclear power facility whose construction permit under this part or design approval, design certification, combined license, or manufacturing license under part 52 of this chapter was issued on or after July 1, 1974:
(iii) IST design and accessibility requirements: Class 1 pumps and valves.
(iv) IST design and accessibility requirements: Class 2 and 3 pumps and valves.
(4) Inservice testing standards requirement for operating plants. Throughout the service life of a boiling or pressurized water-cooled nuclear power facility, pumps and valves that are within the scope of the ASME OM Code must meet the inservice test requirements (except design and access provisions) set forth in the ASME OM Code and addenda that become effective subsequent to editions and addenda specified in paragraphs (f)(2) and (3) of this section and that are incorporated by reference in paragraph (a)(1)(iv) of this section, to the extent practical within the limitations of design, geometry, and materials of construction of the components. The inservice test requirements for pumps and valves that are within the scope of the ASME OM Code but are not classified as ASME BPV Code Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3 may be satisfied as an augmented IST program in accordance with paragraph (f)(6)(ii) of this section without requesting relief under paragraph (f)(5) of this section or alternatives under paragraph (z) of this section. This use of an augmented IST program may be acceptable provided the basis for deviations from the ASME OM Code, as incorporated by reference in this section, demonstrates an acceptable level of quality and safety, or that implementing the Code provisions would result in hardship or unusual difficulty without a compensating increase in the level of quality and safety, where documented and available for NRC review.
(g) Preservice and inservice inspection requirements. Systems and components of boiling and pressurized water-cooled nuclear power reactors must meet the requirements of the ASME BPV Code as specified in this paragraph. Each operating license for a boiling or pressurized water-cooled nuclear facility is subject to the following conditions. Each combined license for a boiling or pressurized water-cooled nuclear facility is subject to the following conditions, but the conditions in paragraphs (g)(4) through (6) of this section must be met only after the Commission makes the finding under § 52.103(g) of this chapter. Requirements for inservice testing of Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 pumps and valves are located in paragraph (f) of this section.
(4) Inservice inspection standards requirement for operating plants. Throughout the service life of a boiling or pressurized water-cooled nuclear power facility, components (including supports) that are classified as ASME Code Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 must meet the requirements, except design and access provisions and preservice examination requirements, set forth in Section XI of editions and addenda of the ASME BPV Code (or ASME OM Code for snubber examination and testing) that become effective subsequent to editions specified in paragraphs (g)(2) and (3) of this section and that are incorporated by reference in paragraph (a)(1)(ii) or (iv) for snubber examination and testing of this section, to the extent practical within the limitations of design, geometry, and materials of construction of the components. Components that are classified as Class MC pressure retaining components and their integral attachments, and components that are classified as Class CC pressure retaining components and their integral attachments, must meet the requirements, except design and access provisions and preservice examination requirements, set forth in Section XI of the ASME BPV Code and addenda that are incorporated by reference in paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this section, subject to the condition listed in paragraph (b)(2)(vi) of this section and the conditions listed in paragraphs (b)(2)(viii) and (ix) of this section, to the extent practical within the limitation of design, geometry, and materials of construction of the components.
(v) Applicable ISI Code: Metal and concrete containments. For a boiling or pressurized water-cooled nuclear power facility whose construction permit under this part or combined license under part 52 of this chapter was issued after January 1, 1956, the following are required:
(ii) Augmented ISI program. The Commission may require the licensee to follow an augmented inservice inspection program for systems and components for which the Commission deems that added assurance of structural reliability is necessary.
(C) Augmented ISI requirements: Implementation of Appendix VIII to Section XI. (1) Appendix VIII and the supplements to Appendix VIII to Section XI, Division 1, 1995 Edition with the 1996 Addenda of the ASME BPV Code must be implemented in accordance with the following schedule: Appendix VIII and Supplements 1, 2, 3, and 8 - May 22, 2000; Supplements 4 and 6 - November 22, 2000; Supplement 11 - November 22, 2001; and Supplements 5, 7, and 10 - November 22, 2002.
(2) Licensees implementing the 1989 Edition and earlier editions and addenda of IWA-2232 of Section XI, Division 1, of the ASME BPV Code must implement the 1995 Edition with the 1996 Addenda of Appendix VIII and the supplements to Appendix VIII of Section XI, Division 1, of the ASME BPV Code.
(D) Augmented ISI requirements: Reactor vessel head inspections - (1) Implementation. Holders of operating licenses or combined licenses for pressurized-water reactors as of or after August 17, 2017 shall implement the requirements of ASME BPV Code Case N-729-4 instead of ASME BPV Code Case N-729-1, subject to the conditions specified in paragraphs (g)(6)(ii)(D)(2) through (4) of this section, by the first refueling outage starting after August 17, 2017.
(2) Appendix I use. Appendix I of ASME BPV Code Case N-729-4 shall not be implemented without prior NRC approval.
(3) Bare metal visual frequency. Instead of Note 4 of ASME BPV Code Case N-729-4, the following shall be implemented. If effective degradation years (EDY) < 8 and if no flaws are found that are attributed to primary water stress corrosion cracking:
(i) A bare metal visual examination is not required during refueling outages when a volumetric or surface examination is performed; and
(ii) If a wetted surface examination has been performed of all of the partial penetration welds during the previous non-visual examination, the reexamination frequency may be extended to every third refueling outage or 5 calendar years, whichever is less, provided an IWA-2212 VT-2 visual examination of the head is performed under the insulation through multiple access points in outages that the VE is not completed. This IWA-2212 VT-2 visual examination may be performed with the reactor vessel depressurized.
(4) Surface exam acceptance criteria. In addition to the requirements of Paragraph -3132.1(b) of ASME BPV Code Case N-729-4, a component whose surface examination detects rounded indications greater than allowed in Paragraph NB-5352 in size on the partial-penetration or associated fillet weld shall be classified as having an unacceptable indication and corrected in accordance with the provisions of paragraph-3132.2 of ASME BPV Code Case N-729-4.
(E) Augmented ISI requirements: Reactor coolant pressure boundary visual inspections 10 - (1) All licensees of pressurized water reactors must augment their inservice inspection program by implementing ASME Code Case N-722-1, subject to the conditions specified in paragraphs (g)(6)(ii)(E)(2) through (4) of this section. The inspection requirements of ASME Code Case N-722-1 do not apply to components with pressure retaining welds fabricated with Alloy 600/82/182 materials that have been mitigated by weld overlay or stress improvement.
(2) If a visual examination determines that leakage is occurring from a specific item listed in Table 1 of ASME Code Case N-722-1 that is not exempted by the ASME Code, Section XI, IWB-1220(b)(1), additional actions must be performed to characterize the location, orientation, and length of a crack or cracks in Alloy 600 nozzle wrought material and location, orientation, and length of a crack or cracks in Alloy 82/182 butt welds. Alternatively, licensees may replace the Alloy 600/82/182 materials in all the components under the item number of the leaking component.
(3) If the actions in paragraph (g)(6)(ii)(E)(2) of this section determine that a flaw is circumferentially oriented and potentially a result of primary water stress corrosion cracking, licensees must perform non-visual NDE inspections of components that fall under that ASME Code Case N-722-1 item number. The number of components inspected must equal or exceed the number of components found to be leaking under that item number. If circumferential cracking is identified in the sample, non-visual NDE must be performed in the remaining components under that item number.
(4) If ultrasonic examinations of butt welds are used to meet the NDE requirements in paragraphs (g)(6)(ii)(E)(2) or (3) of this section, they must be performed using the appropriate supplement of Section XI, Appendix VIII, of the ASME BPV Code.
(F) Augmented ISI requirements: Examination requirements for Class 1 piping and nozzle dissimilar-metal butt welds - (1) Implementation. Holders of operating licenses or combined licenses for pressurized-water reactors as of or after August 17, 2017, shall implement the requirements of ASME BPV Code Case N-770-2 instead of ASME BPV Code Case N-770-1, subject to the conditions specified in paragraphs (g)(6)(ii)(F)(2) through (13) of this section, by the first refueling outage starting after August 17, 2017.
(2) Categorization. Full structural weld overlays, authorized by the NRC staff in accordance with the alternatives approval process of this section, may be categorized as Inspection Items C-1 or F-1, as appropriate. Welds that have been mitigated by the Mechanical Stress Improvement Process (MSIP TM) may be categorized as Inspection Items D or E, as appropriate, provided the criteria in Appendix I of the code case have been met. For the purpose of determining ISI frequencies, all other butt welds that rely on Alloy 82/182 for structural integrity shall be categorized as Inspection Items A-1, A-2, or B until the NRC staff has reviewed the mitigation and authorized an alternative code case Inspection Item for the mitigated weld, or an alternative code case Inspection Item is used based on conformance with an ASME mitigation code case endorsed in NRC Regulatory Guide 1.147 with any applying conditions specified in NRC Regulatory Guide 1.147, as incorporated by reference in paragraph (a)(3)(ii) of this section. Paragraph -1100(e) of ASME BPV Code Case N-770-2 shall not be used to exempt welds that rely on Alloy 82/182 for structural integrity from any requirement of paragraph (g)(6)(ii)(F) of this section.
(3) Baseline examinations. Baseline examinations for welds in Table 1 of ASME BPV Code Case N-770-2, Inspection Items A-1, A-2, and B, if not previously performed or currently scheduled to be performed in an ongoing refueling outage as of August 17, 2017, in accordance with paragraph (g)(6)(ii)(F) of this section, shall be completed by the end of the next refueling outage. Previous examinations of these welds can be credited for baseline examinations only if they were performed within the re-inspection period for the weld item in Table 1 of ASME BPV Code Case N-770-2 and the examination of each weld meets the examination requirements of paragraphs -2500(a) or -2500(b) of ASME BPV Code Case N-770-2 as conditioned in this section. Other previous examinations that do not meet these requirements can be used to meet the baseline examination requirement, provided NRC approval in accordance with paragraph (z)(1) or (2) of this section, is granted prior to the end of the next refueling outage.
(4) Examination coverage. When implementing Paragraph -2500(a) of ASME BPV Code Case N-770-2, essentially 100 percent of the required volumetric examination coverage shall be obtained, including greater than 90 percent of the volumetric examination coverage for circumferential flaws. Licensees are prohibited from using Paragraphs -2500(c) and -2500(d) of ASME BPV Code Case N-770-2 to meet examination requirements.
(5) Inlay/onlay inspection frequency. All hot-leg operating temperature welds in Inspection Items G, H, J, and K shall be inspected each inspection interval. A 25 percent sample of Inspection Items G, H, J, and K cold-leg operating temperature welds shall be inspected whenever the core barrel is removed (unless it has already been inspected within the past 10 years) or within 20 years, whichever is less.
(6) Reporting requirements. For any mitigated weld whose volumetric examination detects growth of existing flaws in the required examination volume that exceed the previous IWB-3600 flaw evaluations or new flaws, a report summarizing the evaluation, along with inputs, methodologies, assumptions, and causes of the new flaw or flaw growth is to be provided to the NRC prior to the weld being placed in service other than modes 5 or 6.
(7) Defining “t”. For Inspection Items G, H, J, and K, when applying the acceptance standards of ASME BPV Code, Section XI, IWB-3514, for planar flaws contained within the inlay or onlay, the thickness “t” in IWB-3514 is the thickness of the inlay or onlay. For planar flaws in the balance of the dissimilar metal weld examination volume, the thickness “t” in IWB-3514 is the combined thickness of the inlay or onlay and the dissimilar metal weld.
(8) Optimized weld overlay examination. Initial inservice examination of Inspection Item C-2 welds shall be performed between the third refueling outage and no later than 10 years after application of the overlay.
(9) Deferral. Note (11)(b)(1) in ASME BPV Code Case N-770-2 shall not be used to defer the initial inservice examination of optimized weld overlays (i.e., Inspection Item C-2 of ASME BPV Code Case N-770-2).
(10) Examination technique. Note 14(b) of Table 1 and Note (b) of Figure 5(a) of ASME BPV Code Case N-770-2 may only be implemented if the requirements of Note 14(a) of Table 1 of ASME BPV Code Case N-770-2 cannot be met.
(11) Cast stainless steel. Examination of ASME BPV Code Class 1 piping and vessel nozzle butt welds involving cast stainless steel materials, shall be performed with Appendix VIII, Supplement 9 qualifications, or qualifications similar to Appendix VIII, Supplement 2 or 10 using cast stainless steel mockups no later than the next scheduled weld examination after January 1, 2022, in accordance with the requirements of Paragraph -2500(a).
(12) Stress improvement inspection coverage. Under Paragraph I.5.1, for cast stainless steel items, the required examination volume shall be examined by Appendix VIII procedures to the maximum extent practical including 100 percent of the susceptible material volume.
(13) Encoded ultrasonic examination. Ultrasonic examinations of non-mitigated or cracked mitigated dissimilar metal butt welds in the reactor coolant pressure boundary must be performed in accordance with the requirements of Table 1 for Inspection Item A-1, A-2, B, E, F-2, J, and K for 100 percent of the required inspection volume using an encoded method.
(h) Protection and safety systems. Protection systems of nuclear power reactors of all types must meet the requirements specified in this paragraph. Each combined license for a utilization facility is subject to the following conditions.
(z) Alternatives to codes and standards requirements. Alternatives to the requirements of paragraphs (b) through (h) of this section or portions thereof may be used when authorized by the Director, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, or Director, Office of New Reactors, as appropriate. A proposed alternative must be submitted and authorized prior to implementation. The applicant or licensee must demonstrate that:
(2) Hardship without a compensating increase in quality and safety. Compliance with the specified requirements of this section would result in hardship or unusual difficulty without a compensating increase in the level of quality and safety. Footnotes to § 50.55a:
1 USAS and ASME Code addenda issued prior to the winter 1977 Addenda are considered to be “in effect” or “effective” 6 months after their date of issuance and after they are incorporated by reference in paragraph (a) of this section. Addenda to the ASME Code issued after the summer 1977 Addenda are considered to be “in effect” or “effective” after the date of publication of the addenda and after they are incorporated by reference in paragraph (a) of this section. 2-3 [Reserved]. 4 For ASME Code editions and addenda issued prior to the winter 1977 Addenda, the Code edition and addenda applicable to the component is governed by the order or contract date for the component, not the contract date for the nuclear energy system. For the winter 1977 Addenda and subsequent editions and addenda the method for determining the applicable Code editions and addenda is contained in Paragraph NCA 1140 of Section III of the ASME Code. 5-6 [Reserved]. 7 Guidance for quality group classifications of components that are to be included in the safety analysis reports pursuant to § 50.34(a) and § 50.34(b) may be found in Regulatory Guide 1.26, “Quality Group Classifications and Standards for Water-, Steam-, and Radiological-Waste-Containing Components of Nuclear Power Plants,” and in Section 3.2.2 of NUREG-0800, “Standard Review Plan for Review of Safety Analysis Reports for Nuclear Power Plants.” 8-9 [Reserved]. 10 For inspections to be conducted once per interval, the inspections must be performed in accordance with the schedule in Section XI, paragraph IWB-2400, except for plants with inservice inspection programs based on a Section XI edition or addenda prior to the 1994 Addenda. For plants with inservice inspection programs based on a Section XI edition or addenda prior to the 1994 Addenda, the inspection must be performed in accordance with the schedule in Section XI, paragraph IWB-2400, of the 1994 Addenda.
[79 FR 65798, Nov. 5, 2014, as amended at 79 FR 66603, Nov. 10, 2014; 79 FR 73462, Dec. 11, 2014; 82 FR 52825, Dec. 15, 2017; 83 FR 2526, Jan. 18, 2018]