AEP-NRC-2014-99, Request for Alternative from Volumetric/Surface Examination Frequency Requirements of ASME Code N-729-1 Request Number Isir 04-02

Request for Alternative from Volumetric/Surface Examination Frequency Requirements of ASME Code N-729-1 Request Number Isir 04-02

ML15023A038
Person / Time
Site:	Cook
Issue date:	01/20/2015
From:	Gebbie J Indiana Michigan Power Co
To:	Document Control Desk, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
References
AEP-NRC-2014-99
Download: ML15023A038 (20)

Text

INDIANA Indiana Michigan Power MICHIGAN Cook Nuclear Plant POWER* One Cook Place Bridgman, MI 49106 A unit of AMerican Electric Power IndianaMichiganPower.com January 20, 2015 AEP-NRC-2014-99 10 CFR 50.55a Docket Nos.: 50-315 50-316 U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission ATTN: Document Control Desk Washington, D.C. 20555-0001 Donald C. Cook Nuclear Plant, Units 1 and 2 REQUEST FOR ALTERNATIVE FROM VOLUMETRIC/SURFACE EXAMINATION FREQUENCY REQUIREMENTS OF ASME CODE CASE N-729-1, REQUEST NUMBER ISIR 04-02 Pursuant to 10 CFR 50.55a(a)(3)(i), Indiana Michigan Power Company (I&M), the licensee for Donald C. Cook Nuclear Plant (CNP) Units 1 and 2, hereby requests approval of a proposed alternative for the CNP Units 1 and 2 Inservice Inspection program. This request is associated with the examination frequency requirements of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code,Section XI, Code Case N-729-1, which specifies that reactor vessel welded Alloy 690 head penetration nozzles shall undergo volumetric/surface examinations on a frequency of all nozzles in a nominal ten-year inspection interval.

The proposed alternative, included as the enclosure to this letter, would allow deferral of the volumetric/surface examinations of each unit's replacement reactor vessel closure head (RVCH) for two fuel cycles beyond the nominal ten-year inspection interval required by Code Case N-729-1.

The alternative inspection interval provides an acceptable level of quality and safety.

I&M requests approval of the proposed alternative by May 29, 2015, to facilitate planning for the Unit 1 and Unit 2 refueling outages scheduled for spring 2016 and fall 2016, respectively. These are the last available refueling outages before 10 years of service for the replacement RVCHs will accrue.

There are no new regulatory commitments made in this letter. Should you have any questions, please contact Mr. Michael K. Scarpello, Regulatory Affairs Manager, at (269) 466-2649.

Sincerely, Joel P.Gebbie Site Vice President TLC/amp A ( ý_,a

U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission AEP-NRC-2014-99 Page 2

Enclosure:

10 CFR 50.55a Request Number ISIR 04-02, Proposed Alternative in Accordance with 10 CFR 50.55a(a)(3)(i) c: M. L. Chawla, NRC Washington, D.C.

J. T. King - MPSC MDEQ - RMD/RPS NRC Resident Inspector C. D. Pederson, NRC Region III A. J. Williamson - AEP Ft. Wayne, w/o enclosures

Enclosure to AEP-NRC-2014-99 10 CFR 50.55a Request Number ISIR 04-02 Proposed Alternative in Accordance with 10 CFR 50.55a(a)(3)(i)

--Alternative Provides Acceptable Level of Quality and Safety--

1. American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Code Components Affected The affected components are the Donald C. Cook Nuclear Plant (CNP) Unit 1 and Unit 2 ASME Class 1 reactor pressure vessel closure head (RVCH) nozzles and partial-penetration welds fabricated from Primary Water Stress Corrosion Cracking (PWSCC) - resistant materials. Each unit's RVCH nozzle penetration tubes, vent pipe, and reactor vessel level indication system (RVLIS) pipe are fabricated from Alloy 690 material with Alloy 52/152 attachment welds.

2. Applicable Code Edition and Addenda

The applicable Code edition for the CNP fourth Inservice Inspection (ISI) interval that began on March 1, 2010, is ASME Section XI, "Rules for Inservice Inspection of Nuclear Power Plant Components," 2004 Edition, with no Addenda.

3. Applicable Code Requirement

10 CFR 50.55a(g)(6)(ii)(D)(1), requires (in part) that:

"All licensees of pressurized water reactors shall augment their inservice inspection program with ASME Code Case N-729-1 subject to the conditions specified in paragraphs (g)(6)(ii)(D)(2) through (6) of this section. Licensees of existing operating reactors as of September 10, 2008 shall implement their augmented inservice inspection program by December 31, 2008."

10 CFR 50.55a(g)(6)(ii)(D)(3) conditions ASME Code Case N-729-1 [Reference 1] by stating:

"Instead of the specified 'examination method' requirements for volumetric and surface examinations in Note 6 of Table 1 of Code Case N-729-1, the licensee shall perform volumetric and/or surface examination of essentially 100 percent of the required volume or equivalent surfaces of the nozzle tube, as identified by Figure 2 of ASME Code Case N-729-1. A demonstrated volumetric or surface leak path assessment through all J-groove welds shall be performed. If a surface examination is being substituted for a volumetric examination on a portion of a penetration nozzle that is below the toe of the J-groove weld [Point E on Figure 2 of ASME Code Case N-729-1], the surface examination shall be of the inside and outside wetted surface of the penetration nozzle not examined volumetrically."

Enclosure to AEP-NRC-2014-99 Page 2 ASME Code Case N-729-1 specifies that the reactor vessel upper head components shall be examined on a frequency in accordance with Table 1 of this code case. The basic inspection requirements of Case N-729-1 for partial-penetration welded Alloy 690 head penetration nozzles are as follows:

• Volumetric/surface examination of all nozzles every ASME Section Xl 10-year ISI interval (provided that flaws attributed to PWSCC have not previously been identified in the head) (Item B4.40)

" Direct visual examination of the outer surface of the head for evidence of leakage every third refueling outage or five calendar years, whichever is less (Item B4.30)

4. Reason for Reauest Treatment of Alloy 690 RVCHs in Code Case N-729-1 was intended to be conservative and subject to reassessment once additional laboratory data and plant experience on the performance of Alloy 690 and Alloys 52/152 weld metals became available [References 2 and 3].

Using plant and laboratory data, Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) document Materials Reliability Program (MRP)-375 [Reference 3] was developed to support a technically based volumetric/surface reexamination interval using appropriate analytical tools. This technical basis demonstrates that the reexamination interval can be extended to the interval length requested below while maintaining an acceptable level of quality and safety.

Therefore, Indiana Michigan Power Company (I&M) is requesting approval of this alternative to allow the use of the ISI interval extension for the affected CNP Unit 1 and Unit 2 components.

5. Proposed Alternative and Basis for Use Proposed Alternative Pursuant to 10 CFR 50.55a(a)(3)(i), I&M requests an alternative from performing the required volumetric/surface examinations for the CNP Unit 1 and Unit 2 RVCH components identified above at the frequency prescribed in ASME Code, Section Xl, Code Case N-729-1.

Specifically, I&M requests to extend the frequency of the volumetric/surface examination of the CNP Unit 1 and Unit 2 RVCHs of Table 1, Item B4.40 of ASME Code Case N-729-1 for two fuel cycles beyond the one inspection interval (nominally ten calendar years) from installation of the replacement RVCHs.

" For CNP Unit 1, this request would extend the volumetric/surface examination currently scheduled for the Cycle 27 refueling outage in spring 2016 to the Cycle 29 refueling outage that is scheduled for spring 2019. At that point, the Unit 1 RVCH will have been in service for approximately 12.4 calendar years.

• For CNP Unit 2, this request would extend the volumetric/surface examination currently scheduled for the Cycle 23 refueling outage in fall 2016 to the Cycle 25 refueling outage that is scheduled for fall 2019. At that point, the Unit 2 RVCH will have been in service for approximately 11.9 calendar years.

Enclosure to AEP-NRC-2014-99 Page 3 No alternative examination processes are proposed to those required by ASME Code Case N-729-1, as conditioned by 10 CFR 50.55a(g)(6)(ii)(D). The visual examinations and acceptance criteria as required by Item B4.30 of Table 1 of ASME Code Case N-729-1 are not affected by this request and will continue to be performed on a frequency of every third refueling outage or five calendar years, whichever is less.

Basis for Use The original CNP Unit 1 and Unit 2 RVCHs, which were manufactured with Alloy 600/82/182 materials, were replaced with new RVCHs using Alloy 690/52/152 materials during the refueling outages that returned to operation in November 2006 and November 2007, respectively. In accordance with Table 1 of ASME Code Case N-729-1, Item B4.40, as conditioned by 10 CFR 50.55a(g)(6)(ii)(D)(3), I&M will be required to perform a volumetric and/or surface examination of essentially 100 percent (%) of the required volume or equivalent surfaces of the nozzle tubes as follows:

• For CNP Unit 1, during the Cycle 27 refueling outage that is scheduled for spring 2016 (9.4 calendar years following replacement)

• For CNP Unit 2, during the Cycle 23 refueling outage that is scheduled for fall 2016 (8.9 calendar years following replacement).

The basis for the inspection frequency for ASME Code Case N-729-1 comes, in part, from the analysis of laboratory and plant data presented in report MRP-1 11 [Reference 4], which was summarized in the safety assessment for RVCHs in MRP-110 [Reference 5]. The material improvement factor for PWSCC of Alloy 690/52/152 materials over that of mill-annealed Alloys 600 and 182 was shown by this report to be on the order of 26 or greater.

Further evaluations were performed to demonstrate the resistance of Alloys 690/52/152 to PWSCC under a recent EPRI MRP initiative provided in MRP-375 [Reference 3]. This report combines an assessment of the test data and operating experience developed since the technical basis for the 10-year interval of Case N-729-1 was developed in 2004 [Reference 2]

with deterministic and probabilistic evaluations to assess the improved PWSCC resistance of Alloys 690/52/152 relative to Alloys 600/82/182.

Evaluation of Alloys 690/52/152 Data and Experience by MRP-375 Operating experience to date for replacement and repaired components using Alloys 690/52/152 has shown a proven record of resistance to PWSCC during numerous examinations in the approximate 25 years of its application. This experience includes steam generators, pressurizers, and RVCHs. In particular, at the completion of the spring 2014 refueling outage season, Alloy 690/52/152 operating experience includes inservice volumetric/surface examinations performed in accordance with ASME Code Case N-729-1 on 13 of the 40 replacement RVCHs currently operating in the United States (U.S.). Some of these examined heads had continuous full power operating temperatures that may approach 613 degrees Fahrenheit (OF). None of these examinations revealed PWSCC cracking, and these examination results further support the low likelihood of the potential for the RVCHs to experience PWSCC during the extension periods.

Enclosure to AEP-NRC-2014-99 Page 4 The evaluation performed in MRP-375 considers a simple Factor of Improvement (FOI) approach applied in a conservative manner to model the increased resistance of Alloys 690/52/152 compared to Alloys 600 and 182 at equivalent temperature and stress conditions.1 FOls were estimated for the material improvements of Alloy 690/52/152 materials using an extensive database of test data. Results for both crack initiation and crack growth conclude a substantially improved resistance to PWSCC for Alloy 690 base material and Alloy 52/152 weld materials. Figures 3-2, 3-4, and 3-6 of MRP-375 provide crack growth rate data for Alloy 690/52/152 materials and heat affected zones with curves plotting FOls of 1, 5, 10, and 20 on a statistical basis reflecting the material variability exhibited in MRP-55 [Reference 6] for Alloy 600 material and in MRP-1 15 [Reference 7] for Alloy 82/182/132 weld material.2 An FOI of 20 bounds most of the data plotted, and an FOI of 10 essentially bounds all of the crack growth rate data. Table 3-6 of MRP-375 provides a summary of FOls determined on the basis of crack growth rate and crack initiation data. For crack initiation, FOIs reported, although significant, are conservatively small because crack initiation of Alloys 690/52/152 was not observed during testing; instead, the initiation time was assumed to be equivalent to the test duration.

Additional Evaluations Performedunder MRP-375 MRP-375 applied the FOI results to perform a combination of deterministic and probabilistic evaluations to establish an appropriately conservative inspection interval for Alloy 690 RVCHs. The deterministic technical basis applies industry-standard crack growth calculation procedures to predict time to certain adverse conditions under various conservative assumptions. A probabilistic evaluation is then applied to make predictions for leakage and ejection risk, generally using best-estimate inputs and assumptions, with uncertainties treated using statistical distributions.

The deterministic crack growth evaluation provides a precursor to the probabilistic evaluation to directly illustrate the relationship between the improved PWSCC growth resistance of Alloys 690/52/152 and the time to certain adverse conditions. These evaluations apply conservative crack growth rate predictions and the assumption of an existing flaw (which is replaced with a PWSCC initiation model for probabilistic evaluation). The evaluations provide Alloy 600 wrought material is the appropriate reference for defining the FOI for Alloy 690 wrought material. As discussed in Section 3.1 of MRP-375 [Reference 3], Alloy 182 weld metal is chosen as the reference for defining the FOI for Alloys 52 and 152 weld metals because Alloy 182 is generally more susceptible to PWSCC initiation and growth than Alloy 82 (due to the higher chromium content of Alloy 82).

2 As discussed in Section 3.3 of MRP-375, the laboratory crack growth rate data compiled in MRP-375 represent the values reported by individual researchers, without any adjustment by the authors of MRP-375 other than for temperature and stress intensity factor. The data presented in Figures 3-2, 3-4, and 3-6 of MRP-375 represent essentially the entire set of data points reported by the various laboratories. No screening process was applied to the data on the basis of test characteristics such as minimum required crack extension or minimum required engagement to intergranular cracking. Instead, an inclusive process was applied to conservatively assess the factors of improvement apparent in the data for specimens with less than 10% added cold work.

Enclosure to AEP-NRC-2014-99 Page 5 a reasonable lower bound on the time to adverse conditions, from which a conservative inspection interval may be recommended. This evaluation draws from various EPRI MRP and industry documents that evaluate, for Alloys 600/82/182, the time from a detectable flaw being created to leakage occurring and from a leaking flaw to the time that net section collapse (nozzle ejection) would be predicted to occur. Applying a conservative crack growth FOI of 20 to circumferential and ID axial cracking and an FOI of 10 to OD axial cracking for Alloy 690 versus Alloy 600, the results show that more than 20 years is required for leakage to occur and that more than 120 years would be required to reach the critical crack size subsequent to leakage.

The probabilistic model in MRP-375 was developed to predict PWSCC degradation and its associated risks in RVCHs. The model utilized in this probabilistic evaluation is modified from the model presented in Appendix B of MRP-335, Revision 1 [Reference 8] that evaluated surface stress improvement of RVCHs with Alloy 600 nozzles. The integrated probabilistic model in MRP-375 includes sub-models for simulating component and crack stress conditions, PWSCC initiation, PWSCC growth, and flaw examination. The sub-models for crack initiation and growth prediction for Alloy 600 reactor pressure vessel head penetration nozzles in MRP-335, Revision 1, were adapted for RVCHs with Alloy 690 nozzles by applying FOls to account for the superior PWSCC resistance of Alloys 690/52/152. The average leakage frequency and average ejection frequency were determined using the Monte Carlo simulation model with conservative FOI assumptions. The results show that, using only modest FOls for Alloys 690/52/152, the potential for developing a safety significant flaw (risk of nozzle ejection) is acceptably small for a volumetric/surface examination period up to 40 years.

The evaluations performed in MRP-375 were prepared to bound all Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) replacement RVCH designs that are manufactured using Alloy 690 base material and Alloy 52/152 weld materials. The evaluations assume a continuously operating RVCH temperature of 613°F and a relatively large number of RVCH penetrations (89).

While approval of this I&M request for alternative is not contingent on U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) review and approval of MRP-375, the insights gained in this technical report help substantiate the -limited extension duration being requested. In particular, the tabulation of crack growth rate data for Alloys 690/52/152 (Section 3 of MRP-375) and review of inspection experience for Alloy 690/52/152 plant components (Section 2 of MRP-375) are sufficient to demonstrate the acceptability of the limited extension duration being requested. This request is not dependent on the more detailed probabilistic calculations presented in Section 4 of MRP-375.

RVCH Design and Operation The analysis presented in MRP-375 was intended to cover all replacement heads in U.S.

PWRs, including the CNP Unit 1 and Unit 2 RVCHs. The MRP-375 analyses assume a reactor vessel head operating temperature of 613°F to bound the known reactor vessel head temperatures of all U.S. PWRs currently operating. RVCH operating temperature considerations for CNP are as follows:

Enclosure to AEP-NRC-2014-99 Page 6

• For CNP Unit 1, the average RVCH operating temperature over the operating period from installation of the replacement head in 2006 until the Cycle 27 refueling outage that is scheduled for spring 2016 is 578°F [Reference 9].3 During that outage, it is anticipated that the Unit 1 reactor coolant system (RCS) will be restored to "normal" operating pressure and temperature 4 , after which the Unit 1 RVCH operating temperature is conservatively assumed to increase to 601'F (the same as Unit 2). Therefore, the final two operating cycles before the end of the requested volumetric/surface inspection period are assumed to be at the higher temperature.

• For CNP Unit 2, the average RVCH operating temperature over the operating period from installation of the replacement head in 2007 until the end of the requested volumetric/surface inspection period is 601 OF [Reference 9].

Based on the above, the CNP Unit 1 and Unit 2 RVCH average operating temperature, which is the measure of temperature relevant to potential PWSCC degradation, is bounded by the MRP-375 evaluation that assumes 613°F for its main deterministic and probabilistic calculations.

The CNP Unit 1 and Unit 2 RVCHs each contain 60 nozzle penetrations, of which 53 are used for control rod drive mechanisms, five are used for in-core thermocouples, and two are small-diameter penetrations near the center of the RVCH used for vent and RVLIS pipes.

The replacement RVCHs were manufactured by Framatome ANP, Inc. (now AREVA) and placed in service in November 2006 and November 2007, respectively. The replacement RVCHs were manufactured as single forgings, which eliminated all circumferential and meridional welds in the original RVCHs. The replacement RVCHs are fabricated from SA-508, Class 3 low-alloy steel and clad with an initial layer of 309L stainless steel followed by subsequent layers of 308L stainless steel. The nozzle housing penetrations and small diameter vent and RVLIS connections on the replacement RVCHs are fabricated from SB-167 (Alloy 690) UNS N06690. The penetration nozzle J-groove welds utilized ERNiCrFe-7 (UNS N06052) and ENiCrFe-7 (UNS W86152) weld materials.

Note that the probabilistic analysis in MRP-375 was performed assuming a head with 89 partial-penetration welded nozzles, which bounds the number of penetrations in the CNP replacement RVCHs. The number of penetrations included in the probabilistic model is not a key variable, and the assumed number of penetrations results in a small change in results relative to other sensitivity cases. Thus, the probabilistic calculations of MRP-375 cover all U. S. replacement RVCHs regardless of the precise number of penetrations.

3 The CNP Unit 1 and Unit 2 RVCH operating temperatures cited from MRP-48 [Reference 9] were developed by Westinghouse in support of evaluations of the original Alloy 600 RVCH nozzles, but continue to be representative of current plant operation.

4 I&M previously submitted a license amendment request [Reference 17] to allow restoration of CNP Unit 1 RCS temperature and pressure to typical PWR conditions. For purposes of 10 CFR 50.55a Request Number ISIR 04-02, it is conservatively assumed that the Unit 1 amendment request for increased RCS temperature will be granted in time for implementation during the Unit 1 Cycle 27 refueling outage.

However, the submittals are not linked; continuing to operate CNP Unit 1 at reduced RCS temperature and pressure is conservative with respect to the RVCH volumetric and surface inspection interval.

Enclosure to AEP-NRC-2014-99 Page 7 Preservice volumetric examinations of the CNP Unit 1 and Unit 2 replacement RVCH partial-penetration welded nozzles were performed prior to installation using eddy current (ET) and ultrasonic (UT) examination techniques. The volumetric examinations included scanning the nozzles to the fullest extent possible, from the end of the nozzle to a minimum of 2 inches above the root of the J-groove weld on the uphill side. No ET or UT responses indicative of planar degradation were found in any of the penetrations or welds.

Bare metal visual examinations were performed on the CNP Unit 1 and Unit 2 replacement RVCHs in 2011 and 2012, respectively, in accordance with ASME Code Case N-729-1, Table 1, Item B4.30. The visual examinations were performed by visual testing-2 qualified examiners on the outer surface of the RVCHs including the annulus area of the penetration nozzles. The examinations did not reveal any surface or nozzle penetration boric acid that would be indicative of nozzle leakage. These examinations will be performed again in the Unit 1 Cycle 27 refueling outage scheduled for spring 2016 and the Unit 2 Cycle 23 refueling outage scheduled for fall 2016.

Minimum FOI Implied by Requested Inspection Period ASME Code Case N-729-1 is based upon conclusions reached [Reference 10] that .a reexamination interval between volumetric/surface examinations of one 24-month operating cycle is acceptable for a head with Alloy 600 nozzles and operating at a temperature of 605 0 F. The inspection period for heads with Alloy 690 nozzles in Case N-729-1 is a nominal 10 years, which represents a minimum implied FOI of 5 over Alloy 600.

FOI Approach Per the technical basis documents for ASME Code Case N-729-1 for heads with Alloy 600 nozzles [References 5, 10, and 11], the effect of differences in operating temperature on the required volumetric/surface reexamination interval for heads with Alloy 600 nozzles can be addressed on the basis of the Re-Inspection Years (RIY) parameter. The RIY parameter adjusts the effective full power years (EFPYs) of operation between inspections for the effect of head operating temperature using the thermal activation energy appropriate to PWSCC crack growth. For heads with Alloy 600 nozzles, ASME Code Case N-729-1 as conditioned by 10 CFR 50.55a(g)(6)(ii)(D)(2) limits the interval between subsequent volumetric/surface inspections to RIY = 2.25. The RIY parameter, which is referenced to a head temperature of 600'F, limits the time available for potential crack growth between inspections.

The RIY parameter for heads with Alloy 600 nozzles is adjusted to the reference head temperature using an activation energy of 130 kilojoules per mole (kJ/mol) [31 kilocalories per mole (kcal/mol)] [Reference 1]. Based on the available laboratory data, the same activation energy is applicable to model the temperature sensitivity of growth of a hypothetical PWSCC flaw in the Alloy 690/52/152 material of the replacement RVCH. Key laboratory crack growth rate testing data for Alloy 690 wrought material investigating the effect of temperature are as follows:

(1) Results from Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) reported in NUREG/CR-7137

[Reference 12] indicate that Alloy 690 with 0-26% cold work has an activation energy value between 100 and 165 kJ/mol (24-39 kcal/mol). NUREG/CR-7137 concludes

Enclosure to AEP-NRC-2014-99 Page 8 that the activation energy for Alloy 690 is comparable to the standard value for Alloy 600 (130 kJ/mol).

(2) Testing at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) found an activation energy value of about 120 kJ/mol (28.7 kcal/mol) for Alloy 690 materials with 17-31% cold work [Reference 13].

(3) Additional PNNL testing determined an activation energy value of 123 kJ/mol (29.4 kcal/mol) for Alloy 690 with 31% cold work [Reference 14].

These data show that it is reasonable to assume the same crack growth thermal activation energy as was determined for Alloys 600/82/182, namely 130 kJ/mol (31 kcal/mol), for modeling growth of hypothetical PWSCC flaws in Alloys 690/52/152 PWR plant components.

As discussed in the MRP-117 [Reference 10] technical basis document for RVCHs with Alloy 600 nozzles, effective time for crack growth is the principal basis for setting the appropriate reexamination interval to detect any PWSCC in a timely fashion. U.S. PWR inspection experience for heads with Alloy 600 nozzles has confirmed that the RIY = 2.25 interval results in a suitably conservative inspection program. There have been no reports of nozzle leakage or of safety-significant circumferential cracking for times subsequent to the time that the Alloy 600 nozzles in a head were first examined by non-visual inservice non-destructive examination [References 15 and 16].

FOI Implied by Requested Inspection Period for CNP Unit 1 and Unit 2 I&M has assessed the minimum Alloy 690/52/152 FOI that supports the requested CNP Unit 1 and Unit 2 extension periods for comparison with the laboratory crack growth rate data presented in MRP-375. Based on the previously stated conclusion that a reexamination interval between volumetric/surface examinations of one 24-month operating cycle is acceptable for a head with Alloy 600 nozzles and operating at a temperature of 605'F, an extension of the CNP examination interval to 13 years5 would imply a factor of 13/2 or 6.5 for Alloys 690/52/152 relative to Alloys 600 and 182 for the proposed period between volumetric/surface examinations for a head operated at a temperature of 6050 F. To calculate the minimum implied FOI for the Unit 1 and Unit 2 RVCHs operating temperature of 601'F ,

the RIY parameter for the requested examination interval is compared with the N-729-1 interval for Alloy 600 nozzles of RIY = 2.25.

5 The nominal interval of 13 years was selected by conservatively adding two 18-month fuel cycles to the nominal inspection interval of 10 years. The actual proposed intervals between RVCH installation and the first volumetric inspection for CNP Unit I and Unit 2 are 12.4 and 11.9 calendar years, respectively. The projected EFPYs at the end of the proposed RVCH inspection intervals for CNP Unit 1 and Unit 2 are 10.3 and 11.0 EFPYs, respectively.

6 The higher historical operating temperature of Unit 2 compared to Unit 1 was conservatively selected as the basis for a bounding plant assessment.

Enclosure to AEP-NRC-2014-99 Page 9 The representative CNP Unit 1 and Unit 2 RVCH operating temperature of 601°F corresponds to an RIY temperature adjustment factor of 1.025 (versus the reference temperature of 600 0 F) using the activation energy of 130 kJ/mol (31 kcal/mol) for crack growth of ASME Code Case N-729-1. As discussed previously, it is appropriate to apply this standard activation energy for modeling crack growth of Alloy 690/52/152 plant components.

Conservatively assuming that the EFPYs of operation accumulated at CNP Unit 1 and Unit 2 since RVCH replacement is equal to the calendar years since replacement, the RIY for the requested extended periods for CNP Unit 1 and Unit 2 would be (1.025 temperature factor for growth rate) x (13 total calendar years for extended interval) = 13.33 RIY 6 90. The FOI implied by this RIY value for CNP Unit 1 and Unit 2 is 13.33/2.25 = 5.9.

Considering the statistical compilation of data provided in Figures 3-2, 3-4, and 3-6 of MRP-375, this factor of improvement is conservatively less than the FOI of 10 that statistically bounds the crack growth rate data presented. Furthermore, as discussed in Sections 2 and 3 of MRP-375, PWR plant experience and laboratory testing have demonstrated a large improvement in resistance to PWSCC initiation of Alloys 690/52/152 in comparison to that for Alloys 600/82/182. Therefore, the demonstrated improvements in PWSCC initiation and growth confirm on a conservative basis the acceptability of the limited requested period of extension.

Comparisonto ANL and PNNL Alloys 690/52/152 Crack Growth Data (ML14322A587)

Although the foregoing discussion of the proposed alternative RVCH examination interval in the context of MRP-375 crack growth data is consistent with current industry positions regarding the corrosion resistance of replacements RVCHs, I&M recognizes that MRP-375 is not an NRC-approved document, nor did I&M request review and approval of MRP-375 for the proposed alternative. Consequently, the following discussion of the proposed alternative inspection interval in the context of Alloys 690/52/152 crack growth data, developed for the NRC by ANL and PNNL and documented in an NRC memorandum (ML14322A587) [Reference 24], is provided.

Report ML14322A587 includes crack growth rate test results for the following:

• ANL o Alloy 690 and Alloy 690 heat affected zone (HAZ) o Alloy 152 in the as-welded condition o Alloys 52/152 deposited as weld overlays on Alloy 182 and SA-533 (low alloy steel),

respectively

• PNNL o Alloy 690 and Alloy 690 HAZ, zero to 22% cold work o Alloys 52/152 The ANL crack growth rates for weld overlay testing are not considered pertinent to a modest requested inspection interval extension for replacement RVCH configurations and were not

Enclosure to AEP-NRC-2014-99 Page 10 included in this evaluation. The remaining data were plotted against the CNP proposed 7 FOI = 5.9, with the results shown in Figures CNP-1 through CNP-5, as discussed below:

Figure CNP-1

• Figure CNP-1 provides a representation of the ANL test data reported in ML14322A587 for Alloy 690 and Alloy 690 HAZ samples in comparison to the FOI = 5.9 proposed for CNP Unit 1 and Unit 2.

• Although Figure 1 of ML14322A587 compares the ANL test data to the MRP-55 crack growth rate (CGR) curve for 325 degrees Celsius (°C), it also notes that the tests were performed in a simulated primary water environment at 3200C, which makes the standard reference curve non-conservative for comparison to the test data. Therefore, Figure CNP-1 also includes the MRP-55 CGR curve adjusted to 3200C.

• As shown in Figure CNP-1, all test data fall below the proposed.FOI = 5.9 for 3200C, indicating that the proposed FOI is supported by the test results.

Figure CNP-2

• Figure CNP-2 provides a representation of the ANL test data reported in ML14322A587 for Alloy 152 welds in comparison to the FOI = 5.9 proposed for CNP Unit 1 and Unit 2.

• Figure 2 of ML14322A587 shows the MRP-115 CGR curve adjusted for the test temperature of 3200C. (Figure CNP-2 also includes the 3250C MRP-115 curve for reference.)

• As shown in Figure CNP-2, all test data fall below the proposed FOI = 5.9 for the test temperature of 3200C, with the exception of Al 52-TS-2 (CL), which is just slightly above the curve. Given that the MRP-1 15 curve was developed to statistically represent the 75th percentile of Alloy 182 data, many Alloy 182 data points would fall above the MRP-115 reference curve. Therefore, it is not unexpected that an individual Alloy 152 data point may fall above the proposed FOI curve. In this particular case, the single point is only marginally above the proposed curve, with the remainder of the data falling substantially below the curve, indicating that the proposed FOI is supported by the test results.

Figure CNP-3

• Figure CNP-3 provides a representation of the PNNL test data reported in ML14322A587 for non-cold worked Alloy 690 samples in comparison to the FOI = 5.9 proposed for CNP Unit 1 and Unit 2.

7 Note that for consistency with ML14322A587, crack growth rate data from ANL are plotted in units of meters per second while crack growth rate data from PNNL are plotted in units of millimeters per second.

Enclosure to AEP-NRC-2014-99 Page 11

• The corresponding figure in ML14322A587 compares the PNNL test data to the MRP-55 CGR curve for 3600C since the majority of tests were performed in a simulated primary water environment at 3600C. However, since four of the sample series were tested at either 325 0 C or 3500C, Figure CNP-3 also includes the 3250C MRP-55 curve for reference.

• As shown in Figure CNP-3, all of the PNNL Alloy 690 non-cold worked data (tested in the range of 325 0 C to 3600C) fall below the proposed FOI = 5.9 for 3250C, indicating that the proposed FOI is bounded by the test results.

Figure CNP-4

• Figure CNP-4 provides a representation of the PNNL test data reported in ML14322A587 for Alloy 690 samples with zero to 22% cold work in comparison to the FOI = 5.9 proposed for CNP Unit 1 and Unit 2.

• The corresponding figure in ML14322A587 compares the PNNL test data to the MRP-55 CGR curve for 3600C since the majority of tests were performed in a simulated primary water environment at 3600C. However, since four of the sample series were tested at either 3250C or 350°C, Figure CNP-4 also includes the 3250C MRP-55 curve for reference.

• None of the samples tested at 325°C or 3500C fall above the FOI = 5.9 curve at 3250C and none of the samples tested at 3600C fall above the FOI = 5.9 curve at 3600C, indicating that the proposed FOI is bounded by the test results.

Figure CNP-5

• Figure CNP-5 provides a representation of the PNNL test data reported in ML14322A587 for Alloys 52/152 samples in comparison to the FOI = 5.9 proposed for CNP Unit 1 and Unit 2.8

• The corresponding figure in ML14322A587 compares the PNNL test data to the MRP-1 15 CGR curves for 3250C and 3600C. However, since one of the sample series was tested at 3200C, Figure CNP-5 conservatively uses the 3200C MRP-55 curve for reference.

• As shown in Figure CNP-5, all of the plotted Alloys 52/152 data (tested from 3200C to 3600C) fall below the proposed FOI = 5.9 for 3200C, indicating that the proposed FOI is bounded by the test results.

8 Unlike the other figures in ML14322A587, tabular data for the PNNL Alloys 52/152 sample points are not provided in the summary report. Therefore, Figure CNP-5 depicts the general area that bounds the test data as read from the corresponding figure in ML14322A587.

Enclosure to AEP-NRC-2014-99 Page 12 Conclusions It is concluded that the Alloy 690 nozzle base and Alloys 52/152 weld materials used in the CNP Unit 1 and Unit 2 replacement RVCHs provide for a superior RCS pressure boundary, where the potential for PWSCC has been shown by analysis and by years of positive industry experience to be remote. This conclusion is further supported by direct visual examination of the CNP Unit 1 and Unit 2 RVCHs in 2011 and 2012, respectively, and the lack of PWSCC detected in the volumetric examinations performed to date of Alloy 690 nozzles in similar replacement RVCHs.

The minimum FOI implied by the requested extension period represents a level of reduction in PWSCC crack growth rate versus that for Alloys 600/82/182 that is bounded on a statistical basis by the laboratory data compiled in MRP-375. In addition, a non-statistical comparison to crack growth rate test data, developed for the NRC by ANL and PNNL and made available in an NRC memorandum (ML14322A587), shows that the proposed FOI is supported by essentially all of the data points. Given the lack of PWSCC detected to date in any PWR plant applications of Alloys 690/52/152, the simple FOI assessment clearly supports the requested period of extension.

Therefore, the requested periods of extension to perform volumetric/surface examinations of the CNP Unit 1 and Unit 2 RVCH nozzles provide an acceptable level of quality and safety in accordance with 10 CFR 50.55a(a)(3)(i).

6. Duration of Proposed Alternative The proposed alternative is requested:

• For CNP Unit 1, for the duration up to and including the Cycle 29 refueling outage that is scheduled to commence in March 2019 and which will occur in the fourth 10-year ISI interval that began on March 1, 2010 and ends February 29, 2020.

• For CNP Unit 2, for the duration up to and including the Cycle 25 refueling outage that is scheduled to commence in October 2019 and which will occur in the fourth 10-year ISI interval that began on March 1, 2010 and ends February 29, 2020.

7. Precedents There have been submittals from multiple plants to request an alternative from the frequency of ASME Code Case N-729-1 for volumetric or surface examinations of heads with Alloy 690 nozzles, as identified below. Two plants have received authorization for one-time use of the requested alternative.

• Arkansas Nuclear One, Unit 1; Request for Alternative from Volumetric/Surface Examination Frequency Requirements of ASME Code Case N-729-1 [Reference 18];

one-time use authorized by NRC [Reference 25]

• St. Lucie Unit 1; Fourth Ten-Year Interval Unit 1 Relief Request No. 8 [Reference 19];

one-time use authorized by NRC [Reference 26]

Enclosure to AEP-NRC-2014-99 Page 13

• H. B. Robinson Unit 1; Relief Request (RR)-l1 for Relief from Volumetric/Surface Examination Frequency Requirements of ASME Code Case N-729-1; currently under NRC review [Reference 20]

• Prairie Island Units 1 and 2; 10 CFR 50.55a Requests 1-RR-5-7 and 2-RR-5-7 Associated with the Fifth Ten-Year Interval for the Inservice Inspection Program; currently under NRC review [Reference 21]

• Farley Unit 2; Proposed Inservice Inspection Alternative FNP-ISI-ALT-17, Version 1.0; currently under NRC review [Reference 22]

• Beaver Valley Unit No. 1; Proposed Alternative to ASME Code Case N-729-1 Examination Frequency Requirements (Request 1TYP-4-RV-04); currently under NRC review [Reference 23]

8. References

1. ASME Code Case N-729-1, "Alternative Examination Requirements for PWR Reactor Vessel Upper Heads With Nozzles Having Pressure-Retaining Partial-Penetration Welds," Section Xl, Division 1, approved March 28, 2006. [Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS) Accession No. ML070170679]

2. ASME Section XI, Code Case N-729, "Technical Basis Document," dated September 14, 2004.

3. Materials Reliability Program: Technical Basis for Reexamination Interval Extension for Alloy 690 PWR Reactor Vessel Top Head Penetration Nozzles (MRP-375). EPRI, Palo Alto, CA: February 2014. [3002002441, freely available at www.epri.com]

4. Materials Reliability Program: Resistance to Primary Water Stress Corrosion Cracking of Alloys 690, 52, and 152 in Pressurized Water Reactors (MRP- 111). EPRI, Palo Alto, CA and U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, DC: March 2004. [1009801, freely available at www.epri.com; ADAMS Accession No. ML041680546]

5. Materials Reliability Program: Reactor Vessel Closure Head Penetration Safety Assessment for U.S. PWR Plants (MRP-110 NP). EPRI, Palo Alto, CA: April 2004.

[1009807-NP, ADAMS Accession No. ML041680506]

6. Materials Reliability Program (MRP): Crack Growth Rates for Evaluating Primary Water Stress Corrosion Cracking (PWSCC) of Thick-Wall Alloy 600 Materials (MRP-55, Revision 1). EPRI, Palo Alto, CA: November 2002. [1006695, freely available at www.epri.com]

7. Materials Reliability Program: Crack Growth Rates for Evaluating Primary Water Stress Corrosion Cracking (PWSCC) of Alloy 82, 182, and 132 Welds (MRP-115). EPRI, Palo Alto, CA: November 2004. [1006696, freely available at www.epri.com]

Enclosure to AEP-NRC-2014-99 Page 14

8. Materials Reliability Program: Topical Report for Primary Water Stress Corrosion Cracking Mitigation by Surface Stress Improvement (MRP-335, Revision 1). EPRI, Palo Alto, CA: January 2013. [3002000073, freely available at www.epri.com]

9. PWR Materials Reliability Program: Response to NRC Bulletin 2001-01 (MRP-48). EPRI, Palo Alto, CA: August 2001. [1006284, freely available at www.epri.com]

10. Materials Reliability Program: Inspection Plan for Reactor Vessel Closure Head Penetrations in U.S. PWR Plants (MRP-117). EPRI, Palo Alto, CA: December 2004.

[1007830, freely available at www.epri.com; ADAMS Accession No. ML043570129]

11. Materials Reliability Program:ProbabilisticFracture Mechanics Analysis of PWR Reactor Pressure Vessel Top Head Nozzle Cracking (MRP-105 NP). EPRI, Palo Alto, CA; April 2004. [1007834, ADAMS Accession No. ML041680489]

12. U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), "Stress Corrosion Cracking in Nickel-Base Alloys 690 and 152 Weld in Simulated PWR Environment - 2009, NUREG/CR-7137,"

ANL-1 0/36: June 2012. [ADAMS Accession No. ML12199A415]

13. Materials Reliability Program: Resistance of Alloys 690, 152, and 52 to Primary Water Stress Corrosion Cracking (MRP-237, Rev.2): Summary of Findings between 2008 and 2012 from Completed and Ongoing Test Programs. EPRI, Palo Alto, CA: April 2013.

[3002000190, freely available at www.epri.com]

14. M. B. Toloczko, M. J. Olszta, and S. M. Bruemmer, "One Dimensional Cold Rolling Effects on Stress Corrosion Crack Growth in Alloy 690 Tubing and Plate Materials," 1 5 th International Conference on Environmental Degradation of Materials in Nuclear Power Systems - Water Reactors, TMS (The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society): 2011.

15. EPRI Letter MRP 2011-034, "Tcold RV Closure Head Nozzle Inspection Impact Assessment," December 21, 2011. [ADAMS Accession No. ML12009A042]

16. G. White, V. Moroney, and C. Harrington, "PWR Reactor Vessel Top Head Alloy 600 CRDM Nozzle Inspection Experience," presented at EPRI International BWR and PWR Material Reliability Conference, National Harbor, Maryland, July 19, 2012.

17. Letter from J. P. Gebbie, I&M to NRC, "Donald C. Cook Nuclear Plant, Unit 1 Docket No.

50-315, License Amendment Request Regarding Restoration of Normal Reactor Coolant System Operating Pressure and Temperature Consistent with Previously Licensed Conditions," AEP-NRC-2013-79, dated October 8, 2013. [ADAMS Accession Nos.

ML13283A121 and ML13283A122]

18. Letter from S. L. Pyle (Entergy) to NRC, "Request for Alternative from Volumetric/Surface Examination Frequency Requirements of ASME Code Case N-729-1, Arkansas Nuclear One, Unit 1, Docket No. 50-313, License No. DPR-51," 1CAN041402, dated April 28, 2014, including Request for Alternative ANO1-1SI-024. [ADAMS Accession No. ML14118A477]

Enclosure to AEP-NRC-2014-99 Page 15

19. Letter from E. S. Katzman (Florida Power & Light Company) to NRC, "Fourth Ten-Year Interval Unit 1 Relief Request No. 8, Revision 0," L-2014-246, St. Lucie Unit 1, dated July 24, 2014. [ADAMS Accession No. ML14206A939]

20. Letter from S. W. Peavyhouse (Duke Energy) to U.S. NRC, "Relief Request (RR)-1 1 for Relief from Volumetric/Surface Examination Frequency Requirements of ASME Code Case N-729-1," RNP-RA/14-0092, H. B. Robinson Steam Electric Plant Unit No. 2, dated August 27, 2014. [ADAMS Accession No. ML14251A014]

21. Letter from K. Davison (Xcel Energy) to U.S. NRC, "10 CFR 50.55a Requests 1-RR-5-7 and 2-RR-5-7 Associated with the Fifth Ten-Year Interval for the Inservice Inspection Program," L-PI-14-095, Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant Units 1 and 2, dated September 15, 2014. [ADAMS Accession No. ML14258A124]

22. Letter from C. R. Pierce (Southern Company) to U.S. NRC, "Proposed Inservice Inspection Alternative FNP-ISI-ALT-17, Version 1.0," NL-14-1355, Joseph M. Farley Nuclear Plant Unit 2, dated October 6, 2014. [ADAMS Accession No. ML14280A260]

23. Letter from E. Larson (First Energy Nuclear Operating Company) to NRC, "Proposed Alternative to American Society of Mechanical Engineers Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code N-729-1 Examination Frequency Requirements (Request 1TYP-4-RV-04),"

L-14-309, dated October 17, 2014. [NRC ADAMS Accession No. ML14290A140]

24. Memorandum from M. Srinivasan (Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research) to D. W. Alley, (Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation), "Transmittal of Preliminary Primary Water Stress Corrosion Cracking Data for Alloys 690, 52, and 152," dated October 30, 2014. [ADAMS Accession No. ML14322A587]

25. Letter from E. R. Oesterle (Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation) to Vice President, Operations (Entergy), "Arkansas Nuclear One, Unit 1 - Request for Alternative ANO1-ISI-024 from Volumetric/Surface Examination Frequency Requirements of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Code Case N-729-1 (TAC No. MF4022)," dated December 23, 2014. [ADAMS Accession No. ML14330A207]

26. Letter from L. M. Regner (Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation) to M. Nazar (NextEra Energy), "St. Lucie Plant Unit No. 1 - Relief Request No. 8 - Alternative From Performing Volumetric/Surface Examinations of Reactor Vessel Closure Head Components (TAC No. MF4490)," dated December 23, 2014. [ADAMS Accession No. ML14339A163]

Enclosure to AEP-NRC-2014-99 Page 16 1.E-09 VI i.E-b MW.SS332VC)

'I 7iz'oa Ai A 0 C6WOR.2 I.

8 C69D-"-4(C~nUM WaOl I' (~) £ ~zu6~a~g~mtaitAa

-IC690@M2V

-O - 5.9 0 325-C

-C - 5.9 0 n3Wc 11E-134 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 Stress hntnsft K (MP*-mv2)

Figure CNP-1: ANL Alloy 690 and Alloy 690 HAZ I.E-09 a

I.E MAPuS - 320) . . .......

P01.1.0*.-

E 000 0

w (320-C)

B AIS2-TS41COuttaM L036)

A A152-TS-2 (ComataMLoad)

C0 AIW-TS-5 1.E-12

• A1S2-TS-5 Cmutautload)

-MAP-It15 325*C FO 50~.9 0325*C Plot prepaied wing ANt.d*s pointi ftounM114322A587 -MRM 15 32WC

- -PO 5.9 032IC 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 Stress Intensity K(MPa-m2)

Figure CNP-2: ANL Alloy 152

Enclosure to AEP-NRC-2014-99 Page 17 1.E.06 I.E-07 AKMR(T)243c MOM(325c)

• SARE243QIN4 (3ZSC)

A R(rr)WP140 CROM(35WC)

Fol SSA ARTT)WP142 CROM(35WC) 1301

• AR(MA) MV397K1*4plate E

• AR(MA)92542 plate g, 1E48 AR(TT) 114092 plate

• AR(TT) 113454bar FOI 5.9 (32C)  :~ MX

• MM~rHAZWP$47plate ARLMA)

X ARHAZKAPtplate HAZNNil7HNtttplate I.E-09 *-MP5 3C

-MRP-55 032ST 0~ F5.9 0360-C FO

- aS.9e0325sC FC PPIMLdatafromiML.14322AS97 .*

ADldata at360VCwdessnoted x 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 Stress Intensity K (MPa-mlft)

Figure CNP-3: PNNL Alloy 690 and Alloy 690 HAZ Data (No Cold Work)

I.E-06 UAftREf)243QVOM132SC)

SA9E243atO (325%)

A AR(Tr)WP140CRDM (350CQ A Al[TT) WPI42 CROM (ab~C)

~ S AITr.11.%CRS91243 CRDM 11E-07 E3

• AT(Tt).ZI%CFRE24CRIJM

- A A(Tr).12.7NCF E67074CCRDM A AR[TI)+20%TSWP787 A19MA) NXMzmIX-12 B -2 Plate 1254MA CROM plate

• AR(tT 114092 plate 0 AR(TT)+21% CF2334S4 ba 0

0 AR(Ttl.21% CFttR7N1I plate 1.E-09 Alow

• AR(MA).20 CRSL92SK-2

• Alt(Me.).22%CRt St.WPS4?

plate plate ARM(Tr) HAzWP547plate

• 1 AR(MA)HAZNX3297HII12 Plate POINLdata fron MUL4322A

• AftRA MK4 APtlate AlNdata at 360MCw* not - kP-SSa36tC

- MWP.SS 0 325-C

.1-10 -- -- FOS9 M @360%

10 15 20 aS 30 35 40 45 So - - CI 5a~.90325T 12 Stress Intensity K (MPa-m / )

Figure CNP-4: PNNL Alloy 690 and Alloy 690 HAZ (0 - 22% Cold Work)

Enclosure to AEP-NRC-2014-99 Page 18

-MRP-115 03Zr-C MRP-11!(360-C) R-I32C 11-06 - MR-l1 C --- Tes Dat 1.E-07 .... . . . Mee-lls(*o'--------

. .. -- - 0-.0 0

-. -" --- F60C) 9 (320MC) 1.E-108 1.E-09 ,11-09

• - - i ... o. . .

At boundird PNNL Itest i

A" yS2/152 In. Mt14322A5 Mdepo)ted I 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 Stress Intensity K (MPa-m'A)

Figure CNP-5: PNNL Alloys 52/152