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ASME Section XI Meeting Notes - December 2002

Site Updates

Prepared By: Dajun Song and Jerry Crider

Company: Progress Energy

Meeting Dates: December 9 - December 12, 2002

Meeting Location: Orlando, Florida

1. Next Section XI meeting is in San Francisco, CA. The meeting dates, 02/24/03 – 02/28/03. The San Francisco Hilton & Towers, (415) 771-1400. $179.00/night. Please make your reservations as soon as possible.

2. NRC Report

• EPRI Risk Informed HELB/BER methodology approved.
• Final report on Davis-Besse on NRC web site.
• Final Code Case on Regulatory Guides will be published end of February/beginning of March 2003.

3. The Code is going metric. Any code action item going to SCXI beginning in February has to have metric and English units. It will be a "hard" conversion. The goal is to have metric units appear starting with 2004 Edition.

4. Code Committee is looking at situations where the Code Committee approves and publishes a Code Case that the NRC does not like. In the future, the Code Committee will consider NRC’s comments/position when taking code action.

5. There will be only one Code Edition and two Code Addendum.

6. ASME Code is going to hold six 1 hr. training sessions for all code committee members. The topic of training will be on administrative requirements of ASME Code. The training will start with February 2003 meeting on Tuesdays at 10:30 am. The training session will not be held at the April 2003 Hawaii meeting.

7. The process of annulling code cases has changed. Currently, any code cases that have been incorporated into a code edition and addenda that the NRC has endorsed through 10CFR50.55a are annulled. Typically, the rulemaking is way ahead of Code Case Regulatory Guides approval process. Thus, there is a chance that NRC endorsed (thru regulation) code cases are annulled prior to showing up in the Regulatory Guide. The new process will require code cases to be in the Regulatory Guide for one year, AND have been incorporated in the code edition/addenda that NRC has endorsed before they can be annulled. This will give the end users the opportunity to include the approved code cases to their ISI plan.

8. Another initiative for Risk Informed technology. Dr. Spence Bush reported that Risk Informed is being considered for piping design.

A quick lesson on code committee protocol. Typically, a code item starts at Task Group (TG) level and must work its way through BNCS before it gets published. Here is the pecking order.

Some popular "Groups";

1. Task Group on Alternative NDE Methods for Repair/Replacement/Modification (RRM) Activities

The TG decided to pursue an ASME XI Code Case. Draft code case will be prepared for next meeting. The code case will be drafted using the following criteria:

• Section XI acceptance criteria will be used.
• Exam volume will be 0.5" or 1/2T (whichever is smaller).
• For carbon and stainless steel welds only. Not for cast or dissimilar welds.
• Will allow two separate exams (XI and III) with separate procedure, or one exam with one procedure.
• Allow manual method for evaluation/characterizing indications.
• Manual/semi-automatic scan allowed as long as permanent record can be established.

Steve McCraken of Calloway has submitted a relief request to NRC for approval. The code case will be very similar to Calloway’s relief.

2. Task Group on Risk-Informed Containment Examination

• The charter of this Task Group is to advance the use of risk-informed and performance-based methodologies to determine appropriate examination requirements for containments.
• Met with Working Group on Implementation of Risk Based Examination. The Working Group agreed to develop risk-informed classification requirements for containments and to provide several members to support the Task Group.
• Herman Graves, Han Ashar, and Syed Ali will be representing the NRC.
• The Section XI Subcommittee approved the charter for Task Group. Developing a Code Case to implement alternative examination requirements for containments is considered a high priority.
• Developing alternate examination requirements for large dry containment types will be the priority for the Task Group.

3. Working Group on General Requirements (WGGR)

• Because several members were not present, the review of the proposed changes to Code Case N-532 was rescheduled to the San Francisco meeting.
• The priorities for 2003:
  - Revise Code Case N-532 to eliminate current reporting requirements of corrective measures.
  - Evaluate the need and develop documentation requirements to support life extension / license renewal.
• The deletion of ASME Section III reference from IWA-1320(d) was discussed. The goal of this action is to remove the reference to ASME Section III since this code does not specify classification requirement. No action was taken.
• Members of the PLEX Special Working Group presented actions to have ASME Section XI revised to address managing effects of age-related degradation mechanisms. The Special Working Group is requesting changes to the Code to address NRC’s concerns and to support utilities seeking license renewals. A new action item (02-06) was initiated to address these actions.

4. Task Group on Owner’s Reporting Requirements

• Because the Chairman and several working members were not present, the meeting was cancelled.
• At the Section XI Subcommittee meeting, it was announced that this Task Group would no longer meet and all open action items will be transferred to the Working Group on General Requirements for action.

5. Sub Group on Repairs/Replacements Activities

• Rick Swayne was formally identified as Chairman.
• EPRI presented a proposal to change the current risk-informed classification.
• The Main Committee negative associated with the incorporation of Code Case N-432-1 (Temper-bead Layers and Post Weld Soak Prior to NDE) was presented and discussed. The action was reaffirmed.
• The technical concerns and BNCS negatives associated with Code Case N-602 (use of Appendix B supplier in lieu of NCA-3800 suppliers) were presented and discussed. The action was reaffirmed.

6. Working Group on Implementation of Risk Based Examination

• ASME III Special Working Group on Probabilistic Method in Design adapted ASME XI Code Case N-660 for design activities.
• The NRC on-site audit at the Palisades plant (Sept.) and Turkey Point plant (Oct.) went well. Only minor comments were identified.
• The Alternative Surface Examination Requirement Code Case (N-663) was approved by BNCS in September. EPRI has met with the NRC (Nov.) to discuss a generic relief request for utilities. Entergy has already submitted a relief request to use this Code Case.
• Work on the "Living" program document is still in progress. An agreement with the NRC and industry has been reached on re-submittal requirements. A NEI white paper is currently being developed. By spring of next year, a "draft" of the Living Program document should be issued.
• A draft Code Case on Risk Informed Pressure Testing Test Boundaries, Testing Frequencies, and Corrective Actions has been developed. This action provides alternative criteria for defining test boundaries and test frequencies.
• EPRI presented a proposal to change the current risk-informed classification. Their proposal is to have only two classifications, Category A and Category B. Category A items would be clearly defined (e.g., RCBP, decay heat removal) and all other items within the scope of the Section XI program would be classified as Category B. The goal of the proposed change is to provide a consistent set of requirements and eliminate the need for a Living Program document. A new action item (02-02) was assigned to evaluate this proposal.
• EPRI presented the partial examination coverage evaluation progress (EPRI TR-1006837, Volume 2, Appendix A). This evaluation process describes the methods that can be used to determine if a relief request is required when less that 90% coverage is obtained. The process was written to support RI-ISI and traditional Section XI examinations.

7. Code revision - Thermal Fatigue Criteria for Examination of Class 1 Piping Welds. This change will require examination (UT) of HPSI welds that are between the pipe diameter of > 1 1/2" and <4". 10% sample will be required. Reaffirmed at both WGISC and SGWCS. Passed MC. At BNCS.

8. Proposed code case (N-662 – changed to N-663 in Supplement 6), Alternate Requirements for Class 1 and 2 Surface Examinations. This code case limits the surface examination to welds that are susceptible to OD attack. This code case will be published in Supplement 6.

9. Examination Requirements for Multiple Integral Welded Attachments on One Unique Vessel. This proposed code change and Code Case clarifies examination requirements for integral attachment to vessels. "For single vessels, only one welded attachment shall be selected for examination. The attachment selected for examination … shall be an attachment that serves as a support load path during normal system operation." Good Code Case. Passed WGISC. Discussed at SGWCS with no action taken. Action item will be rewarded and brought back.

10. A new item to clarify code and Code Case N-652 requirements were brought forward. Basically, it clarifies that bolting on all steam generators require examination. The code and Code Case imply otherwise. Goes to SGWCS.

11. Code Case N-602. This Code Case allows the procurement of Code material by Owners and Repair Organizations as long as they comply with IWA-1400(n)(i.e., App. B or NQA-1). This is beneficial to plants built to Section III. Very good Code Case. Passed BNCS. However, the Code Committee is holding back from publishing this Code Case. This Code Case has drawn objections from manufactures ("N" stamp holders) and accreditation folks. Reaffirmed at SCXI.

12. Mr. Owen Hedden of Westinghouse is working on a Code Case to extend the 10-year interval RPV ISI exams by 10 or more years. This means performing the RPV exams once every 20 years. The weld category includes B-A, B-D, B-F, B-J, B-K, and B-N. White Paper is written. Pilot plants have been identified. This item failed at SGWCS because the code case includes Categories B-J, B-K, and B-N. Concern for including B-J is that under RI-ISI, B-J weld would likely be selected for examination. This will create a conflict. Technical justification for including B-K and B-N components are not addressed in the white paper. Will be brought back in February.

13. Proposed code case and code revision to address inspection requirement for PWR CRD and ICI housing. This action will clarify inspection requirements for welds in ICI housing. For welds in ICI housing >2" will require volumetric or surface exam. Passed WGISC.

14. A new Task Group was formed. It’s called TG on Boric Acid Corrosion. I have been asked (and accepted) to be a TG member. This TG’s Charter is to review current code requirements dealing with boric acid corrosion, and make any changes if necessary. The scope is any ASME XI Code Class 1, 2, and 3 system that contain borated water (not just for controlling reactivity). The following three major areas will be addressed.

• Exam Method/Frequency
• Evaluation Method (relevant condition?)
• Corrective Actions

15. WG ISI Optimization is working on a code item to address 90% coverage issue using RI-ISI. Very interesting. Stay tuned.

16. Revision 1 of Code Case N-613 (Ultrasonic Examination of Full Penetration Nozzles, Examination Category B-D, Item No’s B3.10 and B3.90, Reactor Vessel-To-Nozzle Welds, Fig. IWB02500-7(a), (b), and (c), Section XI, Division 1) to bring into compliance with NRC regulations. The code case does not address supplemental exams, and detection of radial flaws. At BNCS.

17. IWF-2430 is being revised. The expansion criteria are being clarified to state that expansion must be performed during the current outage. At SGWCS.

18. Code Case N-593 (Alternative Examination Requirements for Steam Generator Nozzle to Vessel Welds) is being revised to address NRC concerns. The last sentence of the reply is being deleted. The last sentence states, "This volume shall be examined to the extent practicable." At SGWCS.

19. Non-mandatory Appendix X, Risk Informed Requirements for Piping. This item incorporates RI-ISI Code Cases into the code. Passed SGWCS. Goes to SCXI in February.

20. The following Code Cases were acted through SCXI.

21. Proposed code case, Alternative requirements for Visual Examinations, VT-1, VT-2 and VT-3, Section XI, Division 1 was reaffirmed at SCXI. This code case clarifies visual examination requirements.

22. Code change to allow Owners to perform a component support re-rating without completing an NIS-2 form. Reaffirmed at SCXI.

23. Revision to IWA-4221 to clarify reconciliation of changes in Owner’s Requirements. This item clarifies that the owner need only reconcile Owner’s Requirement changes against the existing Owner’s Requirements rather than going back to the original Owner’s Requirements. Reaffirmed at SCXI.

24. Proposed code change and code case to incorporate lighting requirements that is consistent between VT-1, liquid penetrant, and magnetic particle examinations. Use of light meter will not be required.

25. Proposed code case that will allow weld overlay repair of defects in socket welds passed SCXI. Goes to MC.

26. The definition of "component" was revised. It now reads, "a vessel, concrete containment, pump, pressure relief valve, line valve, storage tank, piping system, or core support structure." Passed SCXI. Goes to MC.

27. Proposed code case, Alternative Qualification Requirements for Appendix VIII Supplement 10, Dissimilar Metal Welds. This code case will bring the PDI Steering Committee and Appendix VIII requirements together. Will be letter balloted in SCXI. Will try to approve it during February meeting.

28. Proposed code case and incorporation of a new Appendix VIII, Supplement 14. This item will provide requirements for coordinated implementation of selected aspects of Appendix VIII Supplements 2, 3, and 10 for INSIDE SURFACE EXAMINATIONS ONLY. Will be letter balloted in SCXI.

Note: To expedite the Code Inquiry process, all inquiries must be received by the ASME office (Oliver Martinez, Secretary) two weeks prior to the Code meeting.

The following Requirement Inquires was approved.

1. Question: Is it a requirement of IWA-5250(a)(2) that the remaining bolts in the connection be removed and VT-3 examined, when the bolt nearest the source of leakage is VT-3 examined and has any evidence of degradation produced from boric acid corrosion?

Reply: YES

2. Question: Is it a requirement of Table VII-4220-1 for a current Level III individual or a Level III candidate to complete the 40 hours of classroom training as listed in Table VII-4200-1 and detailed in Supplement 1, Paragraph 9.0 prior to their initial qualification and certification in an Appendix VII Program?

Reply: YES

3. Question: May the criteria for exemption in IWB-1220(a) be applied to Examination Category B-O, Item Number B14.10, Reactor Vessel – Welds in CRD Housing?

Reply: YES.

The following Intent Inquiry was approved (by SC XI). (Note 1: Intent inquires require approval of SCXI members, and need accompanying code change. Note 2: Occasionally, Requirement Inquires go to SCXI because the inquiry did not get a unanimous vote at Inquiry Session.)

1. Is it the intent of IWL-2523.3 that the maximum allowable retensioning force (70% of the specified minimum ultimate tensile strength of the tendon based on the number of effective wires or strands in the tendon at the time of retensioning) applies only to the as-left force in the tendon following completion of retensioning activities?

Reply: YES

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