NRC Generic Letter 1988-01: Difference between revisions

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{{#Wiki_filter:NRC Position on IGSCC in BWR Austenitic Stainless Steel Piping S"fiA-4 NIndex Site Map j FAQ I Help A Glossary I Contact Us l 7 7 Seawh AU.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission [ jHome n Who We Are 1lIWhat We Do Nuclear l Nuclear n Radioactive ll PublicHome fl WhoWeA l W Reactors fl Materials fl Waste l InvolvementHome > Electronic Reading Room > Document Collections > Generic Communications > Generic Letters > 1988 > GL88001UNITED STATESNUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSIONWASHINGTON, D.C. 20055January 25, 1988TO ALL LICENSEES OF OPERATING BOILING WATER REACTORS (BWRS), AND HOLDERSOF CONSTRUCTION PERMITS FOR BWRSGentlemen:SUBJECT: NRC POSITION ON IGSCC IN BWR AUSTENITIC STAINLESS STEEL PIPING(Generic Letter 88-01)Intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) near weldments in BWRpiping has been occurring for almost 20 years. Early cases were inrelatively small diameter piping. In early 1982, cracking was identifiedin large-diameter piping in a recirculation system of an operating BWRplant in this country. Since then, extensive inspection programs havebeen conducted on BWR piping systems. These inspections have resulted inthe detection of significant numbers of cracked weldments in almost alloperating BWRs.A number of domestic and foreign BWR owners have replaced or plan toreplace piping systems that have experienced IGSCC with more resistantmaterial. Other owners are implementing countermeasures such as StressImprovement (SI) or Hydrogen Water Chemistry (HWC) to reduce thesusceptibility of the piping to IGSCC. In many cases, cracked weldmentshave been repaired by reinforcing them with weld overlay.Substantial efforts in research and development have been sponsored by theBWR Owners Group for IGSCC Research. The results of this program, alongwith other related work by vendors, consulting firms, and confirmatoryresearch sponsored by the NRC, have permitted the development of revisedStaff Positions regarding the IGSCC problems.The technical bases for these positions are detailed in NUREG-0313, Rev. 2"Technical Report on Material Selection and Process Guidelines for BWRCoolant Pressure Boundary Piping.' This revision to NUREG-0313 was amajor task in the staff long range plan to deal with BWR pipe crackingthat was presented to the Commission in SECY 84-301. This revisionincludes the relevant recommendations of the Piping Review Committee TaskGroup on Pipe Cracking issued as NUREG- 1061, Vol. 1, Report of USNRCPiping Review Committee,, and consideration of public comments on thatdocument. NUREG-0313, Rev. 2 describes the technical bases for the staffpositions on materials, processes, and primary coolant chemistry tominimize and control IGSCC problems. Inspection schedules and inspectionsample sizes are based on the susceptibility of weldments to initiationand propagation of IGSCC. Inspection schedules are comparable to thosespecified in Section XI of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code incases where the piping material is IGSCC resistant. Varying amounts ofaugmented inspections are specified for piping with a greatersusceptibility to cracking, where there is less certainty about theeffectiveness of mitigation measures used, or in cases where repairs havebeen performed. When improved water chemistry control with hydrogenadditions is implemented, less augmentation of inspection schedules isrequired.-2-The purpose of this Generic Letter is to seek information regardinghttp:l/www.nrc.gov/reading-rmnldoc-collections/gen-comm/gen-letters/1988/g188001.html 03/13/2003 NRC Position on IGSCC in BWR Austenitic Stainless Steel Piping implementation of the new staff positions covering these technical areas.This Generic Letter supersedes Generic Letter 84-11, Inspection of BWRStainless Steel Piping."This Generic Letter applies to all BWR piping made of austenitic stainlesssteel that is four inches or larger in nominal diameter and containsreactor coolant at a temperature above 200xF during power operationregardless of Code classification. It also applies to reactor vesselattachments and appurtenances such as jet pump instrumentationpenetration assemblies and head spray and vent components.This Generic Letter does not apply to piping made of carbon steelclassified as P-1 by the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.Staff Positions have been developed covering the following subjects:1. Staff Position on Materials2. Staff Position on Processes3. Staff Position on Water Chemistry4. Staff Position on Weld Overlay Reinforcement5. Staff Position on Partial Replacement6. Staff Position on Stress Improvement of Cracked Weldments7. Staff Position on Clamping Devices8. Staff Position on Crack Characterization and Repair Criteria9. Staff Position on Inspection Methods and Personnel10. Staff Position on Inspection Schedules11. Staff Position on Sample Expansion12. Staff Position on Leak Detection13. Staff Position on Reporting RequirementsThese Staff Positions are fully delineated in Attachment A to this letter.The staff continues to believe that replacing susceptible piping withIGSCC resistant materials will provide the greatest degree of assuranceagainst future cracking problems. Licensees may follow Generic Letter84-07, Procedural Guidance for Pipe Replacements at BWRs"; the staffencourages programs to replace degraded piping so as to reduce thepotential for cracking and to minimize the need for augmentedinspections. However, the staff recognizes that, if the staff positionsof this Generic Letter are implemented, adequate levels of pipingintegrity and reliability can be achieved. The staff believes thisGeneric Letter, together with the revision to NUREG-0313, will be of useto licensees in making sound decisions regarding IGSCC. Each weldment canbe evaluated considering its material, heat treatment history, stresslevel, chemical environment and surveillance program. This will provide abasis for a reasonable judgment regarding the long-term acceptability ofthat weldment. Considering that each piping system has many weldments andeach plant has many piping systems, the entire problem must be evaluatedin an integrated way.The Commission has determined that, unless appropriate remedial actionsare taken, BWR plants may not be in conformance with their current designand licensing bases, including 10 CFR 50, Appendix A, General DesignCriteria 4, 14, and 31.-3-Accordingly, pursuant to 10 CFR 50.54(f), you, as a BWR operating reactorlicensee or construction permit holder, are requested, to furnish, underoath or affirmation, your current plans relating to piping replacement,inspection, repair, and leakage detection. Your response should indicatewhether you intend to follow the staff positions included in this letter,or propose alternative measures. This information is needed for theCommission to determine whether an operating license should be issued, orif you hold an operating license, whether it should be modified orrevoked.An acceptable response to this letter would include the following specificitems:1. Your current plans regarding pipe replacement and/or other measurestaken or to be taken to mitigate IGSCC and provide assurance of continuedhttp://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/gen-comm/gen-letters/I 988/gl8800 1.html 03/13/2003 NRC Position on IGSCC in BWR Austenitic Stainless Steel Piping long term piping integrity and reliability.2. An Inservice Inspection (ISI) Program to be implemented at the nextrefueling outage for austenitic stainless steel piping covered under thescope of this letter that conforms to the staff positions on inspectionschedules, methods and personnel, and sample expansion included in thisletter.3. A change to the Technical Specifications to include a statement in thesection on ISI that the Inservice Inspection Program for piping covered bythe scope of this letter will be in conformance with the staff positionson schedule, methods and personnel, and sample expansion included in thisletter (see enclosed model BWR Standard Technical Specification). It isrecognized that the Inservice Inspection and Testing sections may beremoved from the Technical Specifications in the future in line with theTechnical Specifications Improvement programs. In this case, thisrequirement shall remain with the ISI section when it is included in analternative document.4. Confirmation of your plans to ensure that the Technical Specificationrelated to leakage detection will be in conformance with the staffposition on leak detection included in this letter.5. In accordance with 10CFR50.55a(o), your plans to notify the NRC of anyflaws identified that do not meet IWB-3500 criteria of Section XI of theCode for continued operation without evaluation, or a change found in thecondition of the welds previously known to be cracked, and yourevaluation of the flaws for continued operation and/or your repair plans.Licensees and construction permit holders for BWR plants are requested torespond to this generic letter within 180 days of receipt of this letter.NRC review of your submittal of information in response to this letter isnot subject to fees under the provisions of 10 CFR 170. However, shouldyou, as part of your response or in a subsequent submittal, include anapplication for license amendment or other action requiring NRC approval,it is subject to the fee requirements of 10 CFR 170 with remittance of anapplication fee of $150 per application (Sections 170.12(c) and 170.21)and subsequent semi-annual payments until the review is completed or theceiling in Section 170.21 is reached.-4-This request for information was approved by the Office of Management andBudget under clearance number 3150-0011 which expires December 31, 1989.Comments on burden and duplication may be directed to the Office ofManagement and Budget, Reports Management Room 3208, New Executive OfficeBuilding, Washington, D.C. 20503.Sincerely,Frank J. Miraglia, Jr.Associate Director for ProjectsOffice of Nuclear Reactor RegulationEnclosures:1. Staff Positions on IGSCC In BWR Austenitic Stainless Steel Piping2. Model BWR Standard Technical Specification for Item 3 of this GenericLetter3. NUREG-0313, Revision 2(ATTACHMENT A)STAFF POSITIONS ON IGSCC IN BWR AUSTENITIC STAINLESS STEEL PIPINGScopeThese Staff Positions apply to all BWR piping made of austenitic stainlesssteel that is four inches or larger in nominal diameter and containsreactor coolant at a temperature above 200xF during power operationhttp://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/gen-comm/gen-letters/I 988/gl8 8001 .html 03/13/2003 NRC Position on IGSCC in BWR Austenitic Stainless Steel Piping regardless of Code classification. It also applies to reactor vesselattachments and appurtenances such as jet pump instrumentationpenetration assemblies and head spray and vent components.This Generic Letter does not apply to piping made of carbon steelclassified as P-1 by the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.Staff Position on MaterialsMaterials considered to be resistant to sensitization and IGSCC in BWRpiping systems are:(1) Low carbon wrought austenitic stainless steel, which includes types304L, 304NG, 316NG and similar low carbon grades with a maximum carboncontent of 0.035%. Type 347, as modified for nuclear use, will beresistant with somewhat higher carbon content, the usual maximum of 0.04%is adequate. These materials must be tested for resistance tosensitization in accordance with ASTM A262-A or -EI or equivalentstandard.(2) Low carbon weld metal, including types 308L, 316L, 309L and similargrades, with a maximum carbon content of 0.035% and a minimum of 7.5%ferrite (or 7.5 FN) as deposited. Low carbon weld metal especiallydeveloped for joining modified type 347 Is also resistant as deposited.Welds joining resistant material that meet the ASME Boiler and PressureVessel Code requirement of 5% ferrite (or 5 FN) but are below 7.5%ferrite (or 7.5 N) may be sufficiently resistant, depending on carboncontent and other factors. These will be evaluated on an individual casebasis.(3) Piping weldments are considered resistant to IGSCC if the weld heataffected zone on the inside of the pipe is protected by a cladding ofresistant weld metal. This is often referred to as corrosion resistantcladding (CRC).(4) Cast austenitic stainless steel with a maximum of 0.035% carbon and aminimum of 7.5% ferrite (or 7.5 FN). Weld joints between resistant pipingand cast valve or pump bodies that do not meet these requirements areconsidered to be special cases, and are covered in the Staff Position onInspection Schedules below.(5) Austenitic stainless steel piping that does not meet the requirementsof (1) above is considered to be resistant if it is given a solution heattreatment after welding.-2-(6) Other austenitic materials, including nickel base alloys such asInconel 600, will be evaluated on an individual case basis. Inconel 82 isthe only commonly used nickel base weld metal considered to be resistant.It is the staff position that no austenitic material is resistant tocracking in the presence of a crevice, such as formed by a partialpenetration weld, where the crevice is exposed to reactor coolant.Staff Position on ProcessesThe processes considered to provide resistance to IGSCC in BWR pipingwelds are:(1) Solution Heat Treatment SHT)(2) Heat Sink Welding HSW)Either of these two processes will upgrade non-resistant material to IGSCCCategory A (see Table 1)(3) Stress Improvement (SI)Either of the following processes will upgrade non-resistant material toIGSCC Category B or C (See Table 1)http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/gen-comm/gen-letters/1 988/gl8800 1.html 03/13/2003 NRC Position on IGSCC in BWR Austenitic Stainless Steel Piping a. Induction Heating Stress Improvement (IHSI)b. Mechanical Stress Improvement Process (MSIP)Last pass heat sink welding (LPHSW) is not considered to be fullyeffective.Staff Position on Water ChemistryThe use of hydrogen water chemistry, together with stringent controls onconductivity, will inhibit the initiation and growth of IGSCC. However,the responses of BWRs to hydrogen injection differs from plant to plant,and the development and verification of a generic HWC specification isnot yet complete. For these reasons, reductions in piping inspectionfrequencey based on the use of HWC will be considered on an individualcase bases at the present time. Staff criteria for evaluating theeffectiveness of water chemistry improvements are under development, andwill be available prior to general use of the HWC option. If fullyeffective HWC is maintained, a factor Categories B, C, D, and Eweldments. (See Table 1)Staff Position on Weld Overlay ReinforcementCracked weldments that are reinforced with weld overlay are acceptable forshort-term operation, and may be considered for longer term operationprovided:(1) The overlayed weldments are in conformance with the criteria of IWB3600 of Section XI of the 1986 Edition of the ASME Boiler and PressureVessel Code, and-3-(2) they are inspected in conformance with the Staff Position onInspection Methods and Personnel, by UT examiners and proceduresqualified to inspect overlayed welds.Staff Position on Partial ReplacementIf portions of cracked piping are replaced in the course of repair, thereplaced portions will be subjected to inservice inspection requirementsthat will depend on the materials and processes used. All relevant staffpositions of this Generic Letter will apply.Staff Position on Stress Improvement SI of Cracked WeldmentsStress Improvement is also considered to be an effective mitigationprocess when applied to weldments with short or shallow cracks.Specifically, welds with cracks that are no longer than 10% of thecircumference, and are no deeper than 30% of the wall thickness will beconsidered to be mitigated by SI.SI is only considered to be effective if it is followed by a qualified UTexamination, and if cracks are found, they must be sized both in depth andlength, by procedures and personnel qualified to perform sizingevaluations:Staff Position on Clamping DevicesClamping devices may be used for temporary reinforcement of crackedweldments. Each case must be reviewed and approved on an individualbasis.Staff Position on Crack Evaluation and Repair Criteria.Methods and criteria for crack evaluation and repair should be inconformance with IBW-3600 of Section XI of the 1986 Edition of the ASMEBoiler and Pressure Vessel Code.Evaluation of cracks for continued operation without repair requires thatcrack growth calculation be performed. As some details are not yetprovided in the Code, the following will be acceptable to the staff.http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/gen-comm/gen-letters/I 988/gl88001 .html 03/13/2003 NRC Position on IGSCC in BWR Austenitic Stainless Steel Piping The crack growth rate da/dt) selected for use by the staff is expressedas:da/dt = 3.590 x lOE-8 x K(I)**2.161 inches per hourwhereK(I) is the applied stress intensity factor (Ksi
{{#Wiki_filter:NRC Position on IGSCC in BWR Austenitic Stainless Steel Piping S"fiA-4 NIndex Site Map j FAQ I Help A Glossary I Contact Us l 7 7 Seawh A U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission  
* SQRT(in))Linear elastic solutions for KI are required for crack growthcalculations. Any standard method is acceptable, for example, thosedescribed in the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section XI,Appendix A. The axial residual stress distribution considered acceptableby the staff for large diameter pipes (12 inches and larger) is describedby the following nondimensional expression.-4-e/e(i) = SUM(from j=0 to j=4) of e(j) E**jwhereeo = 1.0el = 6.920e2 = 8.687e3 = 0.480e4 = -2.027E = x/teCi) = stress magnitude at E = 0 (inner surface)The above formula permits calculation of the residual stress value at anypoint x) through the vessel wall thickness (t) as a function of the peakresidual stress value at the inside diameter (ID), e(i).Technical basis and additional discussion related to evaluation and repairare given in NUREG 0313 Revision 2.Staff Position on Inspection Methods and PersonnelExaminations performed under the Scope of this letter should comply withthe applicable Edition and Addenda of the ASME Code, Section XI, asspecified in paragraph (9), Inservice Inspection Requirements oflOCFR50.55a, Codes and Standards, or as otherwise approved by the NRC.In addition, the detailed procedure, equipment and examination personnelshall be qualified by a formal program approved by the NRC such as thatbeing conducted in accordance with the NDE Coordination Plan agreed uponby NRC, EPRI, and the Boiling Water Reactor Owners Group for IGSCCResearch, being implemented at the EPRI NDE Center in Charlotte, NorthCarolina.A summary of the Staff Position on Inspection Schedules is given in Table1. Additional details and definitions are provided below. NUREG-0313,Rev. 2, Section 5 provides background information and technical bases.(1) Welds of resistant material, IGSCC Category A, shall as a minimum beexamined according to an extent and frequency comparable to that specifiedin applicable provisions of Section XI of the ASME Boiler and PressureVessel Code, as reflected in Table 1, attached. The selection of specificwelds to be included in this sample is the responsibility of theLicensee, and should include considerations of stress levels, pipingconfigurations, weld details, etc, and should represent his best judgementregarding selection of a representative and meaningful sample.The provisions of lOCFR50.55a, (b),(2),(ii) may be invoked if it isdetermined necessary to use the 1974 edition of the Code to permit ameaningful sample selection.http:/www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/gen-comm/gen-letters/1988/gl88001.html 03/13/2003 NRC Position on IGSCC in BWR Austenitic Stainless Steel Piping -5-(2) Although castings with higher carbon content than 0.035% are notconsidered to be resistant to sensitization, welds joining such castings(in the form of pump and valve bodies) to piping have been relativelyfree of IGSCC. This may be attributed to a favorable residual stressdistribution, as calculations have indicated. For this reason, weldsjoining resistant material to pumps and valves will be considered to beresistant welds, and included in IGSCC Category A. If extensive weldrepairs were performed the residual stress may be unfavorable, in whichcase such welds should be included in Category D.(3) Welds that have been treated by SI or reinforced by weld overlay thatare classified as IGSCC Category F because they do not meet theapplicable staff positions may be upgraded to Category E if no adversechange in crack condition is found after 4 successive examinations.Staff Position on Sample ExpansionIf one or more cracked welds in IGSCC Categories A, B, or C, are found bya sample inspection during the 10 year interval, an additional sample ofthe welds in that category shall be inspected, approximately equal innumber to the original sample. This additional sample should be similarin distribution (according to pipe size, system, and location) to theoriginal sample, unless it is determined that there is a technical reasonto select a different distribution. If any cracked welds are found inthis sample, all of the welds in that IGSCC Category should be inspected.If significant crack growth or additional cracks are found during theinspection of an IGSCC Category E weld, all other Category E welds shouldbe examined.a) Significant crack growth for overlayed welds is defined as crackextension to deeper than 75% of the original wall thickness, or forcracks originally deeper than 75% of the pipe wall, evidence of crackgrowth into the effective weld overlay.b) Significant crack growth for SI mitigated Category E welds is definedas growth to a length or depth exceeding the criteria for SI mitigation(either 10% of circumference in length or 30% of the wall in depth).Staff Position on Leak DetectionLeakage detection systems should be in conformance with Position C ofRegulatory Guide 1.45 "Reactor Coolant Pressure Boundary Leakage DetectionSystems,' or as otherwise previously approved by the NRC.1. Plant shutdown should be initiated for inspection and corrective actionwhen, within any period of 24 hours or less, any leakage detection systemindicates an increase in rate of unidentified leakage in excess of 2 gpmor its equivalent, or when the total unidentified leakage attains a rateof 5 gpm or equivalent, whichever occurs first. For sump level monitoringsystems with fixed-measurement-interval methods, the level should bemonitored at approximately 4-hour intervals or less.-6-2. Unidentified leakage should include all leakage other than:(a) leakage into closed systems, such as pump seal or valve packing leaksthat are captured, flow metered, and conducted to a sump or collectiontank, or(b) leakage into the containment atmosphere from sources that are bothspecifically located and known either not to interfere with the operationsof unidentified leakage monitoring systems or not to be from a throughwall crack in the piping within the reactor coolant pressure boundary.3. For plants operating with any IGSCC Category D, E, F, or G welds, atleast one of the leakage measurement instruments associated with eachhttp://www.nrc.gov/reading-rmldoc-collections/gen-comm/gen-letters/l 988/gl88001 .html 03/13/2003 NRC Position on IGSCC in BWR Austenitic Stainless Steel Pipingsump shall be operable, and the outage time for inoperable instrumentsshall be limited to 24 hours, or immediately initiate an orderlyshutdown.If any cracks are identified that do not meet the criteria for continuedoperation without evaluation given in Section XI of the Code, NRC approvalof flaw evaluations and/or repairs in accordance with IWB 3640 and IWA4130 is required before resumption of operation.TABLE 1SUMMARY OF INSPECTION SCHEDULES FOR BWR PIPING WELDMENTSDESCRIPTION OF WELDMENTS NOTESResistant MaterialsNon-resistant MatlsSI within 2 yrs ofoperation (1)Non-resistant MatlsSI after 2 yearsof operationNon-resistant MatlsNo SICrackedReinforced by weldoverlay or mitigatedby SICrackedInadequate orno repairNon-ResistantNot InspectedIGSCCCATEGORYA(1) B(1) C(1) D(1) (2)INSPECTIONEXTENT & SCHEDULE25% every 10 years(at least 12% in 6years)50% every 10 years(at least 25% in 6years)All within the next 2refueling cycles,then all every 10years (at least 50%in 6 years)All every 2 refuelingcycles50% next refuelingoutage, then all every2 refueling cyclesAll every refuelingoutageAll next refuelingoutageE(2) F(3) GNotes:(1) All welds in non-resistant material should be inspected after a stressimprovement process as part of the process. Schedules shown should befollowed after this initial inspection.(2) See recommendations for acceptable weld overlay reinforcements andstress improvement mitigation.(3) Welds that are not UT inspectable should be replaced, sleeved', orlocal leak detection applied. RT examination or visual inspection forleakage may also be considered.(Attachment B)Model BWR Standard Technical Specificationfor Item 3 of Generic Letter 88-01APPLICABILITYSURVEILLANCE REQUIREMENTS4.0.1 Surveillance Requirements shall be met during the OPERATIONALCONDITIONS or other conditions specified for individual LimitingConditions for Operation unless otherwise stated in an individualSurveillance Requirement.http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/gen-comm/gen-letters/1 98 8/gI8800 1 .html 03/13/2003 NRC Position on IGSCC in BWR Austenitic Stainless Steel Piping .0.2 Each Surveillance Requirement shall be performed within thespecified time interval with:a. A maximum allowable extension not to exceed 25% of the surveillanceinterval, butb. The combined time interval for any 3 consecutive surveillance intervalsshall not exceed 3.25 times the specified surveillance interval.4.0.3 Failure to perform a Surveillance Requirement within the specifiedtime interval shall constitute a failure to meet the OPERABILITYrequirements for a Limiting Condition for Operation. Exceptions to theserequirements are stated in the individual Specifications. Surveillancerequirements do not have to be performed on inoperable equipment.4.0.4 Entry into an OPERATIONAL CONDITION or other specified applicablecondition shall not be made unless the Surveillance Requirement(s)associated with the Limiting Condition for Operation have been performedwithin the applicable surveillance interval or as otherwise specified.4.0.5 Surveillance Requirements for inservice inspection and testing ofASME Code Class 1, 2, & 3 components shall be applicable as follows:a. Inservice inspection of ASME Code Class 1, 2, and 3 components andinservice testing of ASME Code Class 1, 2, and 3 pumps and valves shall beperformed in accordance with Section XI of the ASME Boiler and PressureVessel Code and applicable Addenda as required by 10 CFR 50, Section50.55a(g), except where specific written relief has been granted by theCommission pursuant to 10 CFR 50, Section 50.55a(g) (6) (i)b. Surveillance intervals specified in Section XI of the ASME Boiler andPressure Vessel Code and applicable Addenda for the inservice inspectionand testing activities required by the ASME Boiler and Pressure VesselCode and applicable Addenda shall be applicable as follows in theseTechnical Specifications:ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Required frequenciesCode and applicable Addenda for performing inserviceterminology for inservice inspection and testinginspection and testing activities activitiesWeekly At least once per 7 daysMonthly At least once per 31 daysQuarterly or every 3 months At least once per 92 daysSemiannually or every 6 months At least once per 184 daysEvery 9 months At least once per 276 daysYearly or annually At least once per 366 daysGE-STS 3/4 0-2APPLICABILITYSURVEILLANCE REQUIREMENTS (Continued)c. The provisions of Specification 4.0.2 are applicable to the aboverequired frequencies for performing inservice inspection and testingactivities.d. Performance of the above inservice inspection and testing activitiesshall be in addition to other specified Surveillance Requirements.e. Nothing in the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code shall be construedto supersede the requirements of any Technical Specification.f. The Inservice Inspection Program for piping identified in NRC GenericLetter 88-01 shall be performed in accordance with the staff positions onschedule, methods, and personnel and sample expansion included in thisgeneric letter.GE-STS 3/4 0-3http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rmldoc-collections/gen-comm/gen-letters/1988/gl8800 l .html 03/13/2003  
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> Generic Communications  
> Generic Letters > 1988 > GL88001 UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY  
COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20055 January 25, 1988 TO ALL LICENSEES  
OF OPERATING  
BOILING WATER REACTORS (BWRS), AND HOLDERS OF CONSTRUCTION  
PERMITS FOR BWRS Gentlemen:
SUBJECT: NRC POSITION ON IGSCC IN BWR AUSTENITIC  
STAINLESS  
STEEL PIPING (Generic Letter 88-01)Intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) near weldments in BWR piping has been occurring for almost 20 years. Early cases were in relatively small diameter piping. In early 1982, cracking was identified in large-diameter piping in a recirculation system of an operating BWR plant in this country. Since then, extensive inspection programs have been conducted on BWR piping systems. These inspections have resulted in the detection of significant numbers of cracked weldments in almost all operating BWRs.A number of domestic and foreign BWR owners have replaced or plan to replace piping systems that have experienced IGSCC with more resistant material.
 
Other owners are implementing countermeasures such as Stress Improvement (SI) or Hydrogen Water Chemistry (HWC) to reduce the susceptibility of the piping to IGSCC. In many cases, cracked weldments have been repaired by reinforcing them with weld overlay.Substantial efforts in research and development have been sponsored by the BWR Owners Group for IGSCC Research.
 
The results of this program, along with other related work by vendors, consulting firms, and confirmatory research sponsored by the NRC, have permitted the development of revised Staff Positions regarding the IGSCC problems.The technical bases for these positions are detailed in NUREG-0313, Rev. 2"Technical Report on Material Selection and Process Guidelines for BWR Coolant Pressure Boundary Piping.' This revision to NUREG-0313 was a major task in the staff long range plan to deal with BWR pipe cracking that was presented to the Commission in SECY 84-301. This revision includes the relevant recommendations of the Piping Review Committee Task Group on Pipe Cracking issued as NUREG- 1061, Vol. 1, Report of USNRC Piping Review Committee,, and consideration of public comments on that document.
 
NUREG-0313, Rev. 2 describes the technical bases for the staff positions on materials, processes, and primary coolant chemistry to minimize and control IGSCC problems.
 
Inspection schedules and inspection sample sizes are based on the susceptibility of weldments to initiation and propagation of IGSCC. Inspection schedules are comparable to those specified in Section XI of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code in cases where the piping material is IGSCC resistant.
 
Varying amounts of augmented inspections are specified for piping with a greater susceptibility to cracking, where there is less certainty about the effectiveness of mitigation measures used, or in cases where repairs have been performed.
 
When improved water chemistry control with hydrogen additions is implemented, less augmentation of inspection schedules is required.-2-The purpose of this Generic Letter is to seek information regarding http:l/www.nrc.gov/reading-rmnldoc-collections/gen-comm/gen-letters/1988/g188001.html  
03/13/2003 NRC Position on IGSCC in BWR Austenitic Stainless Steel Piping implementation of the new staff positions covering these technical areas.This Generic Letter supersedes Generic Letter 84-11, Inspection of BWR Stainless Steel Piping." This Generic Letter applies to all BWR piping made of austenitic stainless steel that is four inches or larger in nominal diameter and contains reactor coolant at a temperature above 200xF during power operation regardless of Code classification.
 
It also applies to reactor vessel attachments and appurtenances such as jet pump instrumentation penetration assemblies and head spray and vent components.
 
This Generic Letter does not apply to piping made of carbon steel classified as P-1 by the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.Staff Positions have been developed covering the following subjects: 1. Staff Position on Materials 2. Staff Position on Processes 3. Staff Position on Water Chemistry 4. Staff Position on Weld Overlay Reinforcement
5. Staff Position on Partial Replacement
6. Staff Position on Stress Improvement of Cracked Weldments 7. Staff Position on Clamping Devices 8. Staff Position on Crack Characterization and Repair Criteria 9. Staff Position on Inspection Methods and Personnel 10. Staff Position on Inspection Schedules 11. Staff Position on Sample Expansion 12. Staff Position on Leak Detection 13. Staff Position on Reporting Requirements These Staff Positions are fully delineated in Attachment A to this letter.The staff continues to believe that replacing susceptible piping with IGSCC resistant materials will provide the greatest degree of assurance against future cracking problems.
 
Licensees may follow Generic Letter 84-07, Procedural Guidance for Pipe Replacements at BWRs"; the staff encourages programs to replace degraded piping so as to reduce the potential for cracking and to minimize the need for augmented inspections.
 
However, the staff recognizes that, if the staff positions of this Generic Letter are implemented, adequate levels of piping integrity and reliability can be achieved.
 
The staff believes this Generic Letter, together with the revision to NUREG-0313, will be of use to licensees in making sound decisions regarding IGSCC. Each weldment can be evaluated considering its material, heat treatment history, stress level, chemical environment and surveillance program. This will provide a basis for a reasonable judgment regarding the long-term acceptability of that weldment.
 
Considering that each piping system has many weldments and each plant has many piping systems, the entire problem must be evaluated in an integrated way.The Commission has determined that, unless appropriate remedial actions are taken, BWR plants may not be in conformance with their current design and licensing bases, including  
10 CFR 50, Appendix A, General Design Criteria 4, 14, and 31.-3-Accordingly, pursuant to 10 CFR 50.54(f), you, as a BWR operating reactor licensee or construction permit holder, are requested, to furnish, under oath or affirmation, your current plans relating to piping replacement, inspection, repair, and leakage detection.
 
Your response should indicate whether you intend to follow the staff positions included in this letter, or propose alternative measures.
 
This information is needed for the Commission to determine whether an operating license should be issued, or if you hold an operating license, whether it should be modified or revoked.An acceptable response to this letter would include the following specific items: 1. Your current plans regarding pipe replacement and/or other measures taken or to be taken to mitigate IGSCC and provide assurance of continued http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/gen-comm/gen-letters/I  
988/gl8800  
1.html 03/13/2003 NRC Position on IGSCC in BWR Austenitic Stainless Steel Piping long term piping integrity and reliability.
 
2. An Inservice Inspection (ISI) Program to be implemented at the next refueling outage for austenitic stainless steel piping covered under the scope of this letter that conforms to the staff positions on inspection schedules, methods and personnel, and sample expansion included in this letter.3. A change to the Technical Specifications to include a statement in the section on ISI that the Inservice Inspection Program for piping covered by the scope of this letter will be in conformance with the staff positions on schedule, methods and personnel, and sample expansion included in this letter (see enclosed model BWR Standard Technical Specification).  
It is recognized that the Inservice Inspection and Testing sections may be removed from the Technical Specifications in the future in line with the Technical Specifications Improvement programs.
 
In this case, this requirement shall remain with the ISI section when it is included in an alternative document.4. Confirmation of your plans to ensure that the Technical Specification related to leakage detection will be in conformance with the staff position on leak detection included in this letter.5. In accordance with 10CFR50.55a(o), your plans to notify the NRC of any flaws identified that do not meet IWB-3500 criteria of Section XI of the Code for continued operation without evaluation, or a change found in the condition of the welds previously known to be cracked, and your evaluation of the flaws for continued operation and/or your repair plans.Licensees and construction permit holders for BWR plants are requested to respond to this generic letter within 180 days of receipt of this letter.NRC review of your submittal of information in response to this letter is not subject to fees under the provisions of 10 CFR 170. However, should you, as part of your response or in a subsequent submittal, include an application for license amendment or other action requiring NRC approval, it is subject to the fee requirements of 10 CFR 170 with remittance of an application fee of $150 per application (Sections  
170.12(c)  
and 170.21)and subsequent semi-annual payments until the review is completed or the ceiling in Section 170.21 is reached.-4-This request for information was approved by the Office of Management and Budget under clearance number 3150-0011 which expires December 31, 1989.Comments on burden and duplication may be directed to the Office of Management and Budget, Reports Management Room 3208, New Executive Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20503.Sincerely, Frank J. Miraglia, Jr.Associate Director for Projects Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Enclosures:
1. Staff Positions on IGSCC In BWR Austenitic Stainless Steel Piping 2. Model BWR Standard Technical Specification for Item 3 of this Generic Letter 3. NUREG-0313, Revision 2 (ATTACHMENT  
A)STAFF POSITIONS  
ON IGSCC IN BWR AUSTENITIC  
STAINLESS  
STEEL PIPING Scope These Staff Positions apply to all BWR piping made of austenitic stainless steel that is four inches or larger in nominal diameter and contains reactor coolant at a temperature above 200xF during power operation http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/gen-comm/gen-letters/I  
988/gl8 8001 .html 03/13/2003 NRC Position on IGSCC in BWR Austenitic Stainless Steel Piping regardless of Code classification.
 
It also applies to reactor vessel attachments and appurtenances such as jet pump instrumentation penetration assemblies and head spray and vent components.
 
This Generic Letter does not apply to piping made of carbon steel classified as P-1 by the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.Staff Position on Materials Materials considered to be resistant to sensitization and IGSCC in BWR piping systems are: (1) Low carbon wrought austenitic stainless steel, which includes types 304L, 304NG, 316NG and similar low carbon grades with a maximum carbon content of 0.035%. Type 347, as modified for nuclear use, will be resistant with somewhat higher carbon content, the usual maximum of 0.04%is adequate.
 
These materials must be tested for resistance to sensitization in accordance with ASTM A262-A or -EI or equivalent standard.(2) Low carbon weld metal, including types 308L, 316L, 309L and similar grades, with a maximum carbon content of 0.035% and a minimum of 7.5%ferrite (or 7.5 FN) as deposited.
 
Low carbon weld metal especially developed for joining modified type 347 Is also resistant as deposited.
 
Welds joining resistant material that meet the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code requirement of 5% ferrite (or 5 FN) but are below 7.5%ferrite (or 7.5 N) may be sufficiently resistant, depending on carbon content and other factors. These will be evaluated on an individual case basis.(3) Piping weldments are considered resistant to IGSCC if the weld heat affected zone on the inside of the pipe is protected by a cladding of resistant weld metal. This is often referred to as corrosion resistant cladding (CRC).(4) Cast austenitic stainless steel with a maximum of 0.035% carbon and a minimum of 7.5% ferrite (or 7.5 FN). Weld joints between resistant piping and cast valve or pump bodies that do not meet these requirements are considered to be special cases, and are covered in the Staff Position on Inspection Schedules below.(5) Austenitic stainless steel piping that does not meet the requirements of (1) above is considered to be resistant if it is given a solution heat treatment after welding.-2-(6) Other austenitic materials, including nickel base alloys such as Inconel 600, will be evaluated on an individual case basis. Inconel 82 is the only commonly used nickel base weld metal considered to be resistant.
 
It is the staff position that no austenitic material is resistant to cracking in the presence of a crevice, such as formed by a partial penetration weld, where the crevice is exposed to reactor coolant.Staff Position on Processes The processes considered to provide resistance to IGSCC in BWR piping welds are: (1) Solution Heat Treatment SHT)(2) Heat Sink Welding HSW)Either of these two processes will upgrade non-resistant material to IGSCC Category A (see Table 1)(3) Stress Improvement (SI)Either of the following processes will upgrade non-resistant material to IGSCC Category B or C (See Table 1)http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/gen-comm/gen-letters/1  
988/gl8800  
1.html 03/13/2003 NRC Position on IGSCC in BWR Austenitic Stainless Steel Piping a. Induction Heating Stress Improvement (IHSI)b. Mechanical Stress Improvement Process (MSIP)Last pass heat sink welding (LPHSW) is not considered to be fully effective.
 
Staff Position on Water Chemistry The use of hydrogen water chemistry, together with stringent controls on conductivity, will inhibit the initiation and growth of IGSCC. However, the responses of BWRs to hydrogen injection differs from plant to plant, and the development and verification of a generic HWC specification is not yet complete.
 
For these reasons, reductions in piping inspection frequencey based on the use of HWC will be considered on an individual case bases at the present time. Staff criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of water chemistry improvements are under development, and will be available prior to general use of the HWC option. If fully effective HWC is maintained, a factor Categories B, C, D, and E weldments. (See Table 1)Staff Position on Weld Overlay Reinforcement Cracked weldments that are reinforced with weld overlay are acceptable for short-term operation, and may be considered for longer term operation provided: (1) The overlayed weldments are in conformance with the criteria of IWB 3600 of Section XI of the 1986 Edition of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, and-3-(2) they are inspected in conformance with the Staff Position on Inspection Methods and Personnel, by UT examiners and procedures qualified to inspect overlayed welds.Staff Position on Partial Replacement If portions of cracked piping are replaced in the course of repair, the replaced portions will be subjected to inservice inspection requirements that will depend on the materials and processes used. All relevant staff positions of this Generic Letter will apply.Staff Position on Stress Improvement SI of Cracked Weldments Stress Improvement is also considered to be an effective mitigation process when applied to weldments with short or shallow cracks.Specifically, welds with cracks that are no longer than 10% of the circumference, and are no deeper than 30% of the wall thickness will be considered to be mitigated by SI.SI is only considered to be effective if it is followed by a qualified UT examination, and if cracks are found, they must be sized both in depth and length, by procedures and personnel qualified to perform sizing evaluations:
Staff Position on Clamping Devices Clamping devices may be used for temporary reinforcement of cracked weldments.
 
Each case must be reviewed and approved on an individual basis.Staff Position on Crack Evaluation and Repair Criteria.Methods and criteria for crack evaluation and repair should be in conformance with IBW-3600 of Section XI of the 1986 Edition of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.Evaluation of cracks for continued operation without repair requires that crack growth calculation be performed.
 
As some details are not yet provided in the Code, the following will be acceptable to the staff.http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/gen-comm/gen-letters/I  
988/gl88001 .html 03/13/2003 NRC Position on IGSCC in BWR Austenitic Stainless Steel Piping The crack growth rate da/dt) selected for use by the staff is expressed as: da/dt = 3.590 x lOE-8 x K(I)**2.161 inches per hour where K(I) is the applied stress intensity factor (Ksi
* SQRT(in))Linear elastic solutions for KI are required for crack growth calculations.
 
Any standard method is acceptable, for example, those described in the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section XI, Appendix A. The axial residual stress distribution considered acceptable by the staff for large diameter pipes (12 inches and larger) is described by the following nondimensional expression.
 
-4-e/e(i) = SUM(from j=0 to j=4) of e(j) E**j where eo = 1.0 el = 6.920 e2 = 8.687 e3 = 0.480 e4 = -2.027 E = x/t eCi) = stress magnitude at E = 0 (inner surface)The above formula permits calculation of the residual stress value at any point x) through the vessel wall thickness (t) as a function of the peak residual stress value at the inside diameter (ID), e(i).Technical basis and additional discussion related to evaluation and repair are given in NUREG 0313 Revision 2.Staff Position on Inspection Methods and Personnel Examinations performed under the Scope of this letter should comply with the applicable Edition and Addenda of the ASME Code, Section XI, as specified in paragraph  
(9), Inservice Inspection Requirements of lOCFR50.55a, Codes and Standards, or as otherwise approved by the NRC.In addition, the detailed procedure, equipment and examination personnel shall be qualified by a formal program approved by the NRC such as that being conducted in accordance with the NDE Coordination Plan agreed upon by NRC, EPRI, and the Boiling Water Reactor Owners Group for IGSCC Research, being implemented at the EPRI NDE Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.A summary of the Staff Position on Inspection Schedules is given in Table 1. Additional details and definitions are provided below. NUREG-0313, Rev. 2, Section 5 provides background information and technical bases.(1) Welds of resistant material, IGSCC Category A, shall as a minimum be examined according to an extent and frequency comparable to that specified in applicable provisions of Section XI of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, as reflected in Table 1, attached.
 
The selection of specific welds to be included in this sample is the responsibility of the Licensee, and should include considerations of stress levels, piping configurations, weld details, etc, and should represent his best judgement regarding selection of a representative and meaningful sample.The provisions of lOCFR50.55a, (b),(2),(ii)  
may be invoked if it is determined necessary to use the 1974 edition of the Code to permit a meaningful sample selection.
 
http:/www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/gen-comm/gen-letters/1988/gl88001.html  
03/13/2003 NRC Position on IGSCC in BWR Austenitic Stainless Steel Piping -5-(2) Although castings with higher carbon content than 0.035% are not considered to be resistant to sensitization, welds joining such castings (in the form of pump and valve bodies) to piping have been relatively free of IGSCC. This may be attributed to a favorable residual stress distribution, as calculations have indicated.
 
For this reason, welds joining resistant material to pumps and valves will be considered to be resistant welds, and included in IGSCC Category A. If extensive weld repairs were performed the residual stress may be unfavorable, in which case such welds should be included in Category D.(3) Welds that have been treated by SI or reinforced by weld overlay that are classified as IGSCC Category F because they do not meet the applicable staff positions may be upgraded to Category E if no adverse change in crack condition is found after 4 successive examinations.
 
Staff Position on Sample Expansion If one or more cracked welds in IGSCC Categories A, B, or C, are found by a sample inspection during the 10 year interval, an additional sample of the welds in that category shall be inspected, approximately equal in number to the original sample. This additional sample should be similar in distribution (according to pipe size, system, and location)  
to the original sample, unless it is determined that there is a technical reason to select a different distribution.
 
If any cracked welds are found in this sample, all of the welds in that IGSCC Category should be inspected.
 
If significant crack growth or additional cracks are found during the inspection of an IGSCC Category E weld, all other Category E welds should be examined.a) Significant crack growth for overlayed welds is defined as crack extension to deeper than 75% of the original wall thickness, or for cracks originally deeper than 75% of the pipe wall, evidence of crack growth into the effective weld overlay.b) Significant crack growth for SI mitigated Category E welds is defined as growth to a length or depth exceeding the criteria for SI mitigation (either 10% of circumference in length or 30% of the wall in depth).Staff Position on Leak Detection Leakage detection systems should be in conformance with Position C of Regulatory Guide 1.45 "Reactor Coolant Pressure Boundary Leakage Detection Systems,'  
or as otherwise previously approved by the NRC.1. Plant shutdown should be initiated for inspection and corrective action when, within any period of 24 hours or less, any leakage detection system indicates an increase in rate of unidentified leakage in excess of 2 gpm or its equivalent, or when the total unidentified leakage attains a rate of 5 gpm or equivalent, whichever occurs first. For sump level monitoring systems with fixed-measurement-interval methods, the level should be monitored at approximately  
4-hour intervals or less.-6-2. Unidentified leakage should include all leakage other than: (a) leakage into closed systems, such as pump seal or valve packing leaks that are captured, flow metered, and conducted to a sump or collection tank, or (b) leakage into the containment atmosphere from sources that are both specifically located and known either not to interfere with the operations of unidentified leakage monitoring systems or not to be from a through wall crack in the piping within the reactor coolant pressure boundary.3. For plants operating with any IGSCC Category D, E, F, or G welds, at least one of the leakage measurement instruments associated with each http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rmldoc-collections/gen-comm/gen-letters/l  
988/gl88001 .html 03/13/2003 NRC Position on IGSCC in BWR Austenitic Stainless Steel Piping sump shall be operable, and the outage time for inoperable instruments shall be limited to 24 hours, or immediately initiate an orderly shutdown.If any cracks are identified that do not meet the criteria for continued operation without evaluation given in Section XI of the Code, NRC approval of flaw evaluations and/or repairs in accordance with IWB 3640 and IWA 4130 is required before resumption of operation.
 
TABLE 1 SUMMARY OF INSPECTION  
SCHEDULES  
FOR BWR PIPING WELDMENTS DESCRIPTION
OF WELDMENTS  
NOTES Resistant Materials Non-resistant Matls SI within 2 yrs of operation
(1)Non-resistant Matls SI after 2 years of operation Non-resistant Matls No SI Cracked Reinforced by weld overlay or mitigated by SI Cracked Inadequate or no repair Non-Resistant Not Inspected IGSCC CATEGORY A (1) B (1) C (1) D (1) (2)INSPECTION
EXTENT & SCHEDULE 25% every 10 years (at least 12% in 6 years)50% every 10 years (at least 25% in 6 years)All within the next 2 refueling cycles, then all every 10 years (at least 50%in 6 years)All every 2 refueling cycles 50% next refueling outage, then all every 2 refueling cycles All every refueling outage All next refueling outage E (2) F (3) G Notes: (1) All welds in non-resistant material should be inspected after a stress improvement process as part of the process. Schedules shown should be followed after this initial inspection.
 
(2) See recommendations for acceptable weld overlay reinforcements and stress improvement mitigation.
 
(3) Welds that are not UT inspectable should be replaced, sleeved', or local leak detection applied. RT examination or visual inspection for leakage may also be considered.(Attachment B)Model BWR Standard Technical Specification for Item 3 of Generic Letter 88-01 APPLICABILITY
SURVEILLANCE
REQUIREMENTS
4.0.1 Surveillance Requirements shall be met during the OPERATIONAL
CONDITIONS
or other conditions specified for individual Limiting Conditions for Operation unless otherwise stated in an individual Surveillance Requirement.
 
http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/gen-comm/gen-letters/1  
98 8/gI8800 1 .html 03/13/2003 NRC Position on IGSCC in BWR Austenitic Stainless Steel Piping 4.0.2 Each Surveillance Requirement shall be performed within the specified time interval with: a. A maximum allowable extension not to exceed 25% of the surveillance interval, but b. The combined time interval for any 3 consecutive surveillance intervals shall not exceed 3.25 times the specified surveillance interval.4.0.3 Failure to perform a Surveillance Requirement within the specified time interval shall constitute a failure to meet the OPERABILITY
requirements for a Limiting Condition for Operation.
 
Exceptions to these requirements are stated in the individual Specifications.
 
Surveillance requirements do not have to be performed on inoperable equipment.
 
4.0.4 Entry into an OPERATIONAL  
CONDITION  
or other specified applicable condition shall not be made unless the Surveillance Requirement(s)
associated with the Limiting Condition for Operation have been performed within the applicable surveillance interval or as otherwise specified.
 
4.0.5 Surveillance Requirements for inservice inspection and testing of ASME Code Class 1, 2, & 3 components shall be applicable as follows: a. Inservice inspection of ASME Code Class 1, 2, and 3 components and inservice testing of ASME Code Class 1, 2, and 3 pumps and valves shall be performed in accordance with Section XI of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and applicable Addenda as required by 10 CFR 50, Section 50.55a(g), except where specific written relief has been granted by the Commission pursuant to 10 CFR 50, Section 50.55a(g)  
(6) (i)b. Surveillance intervals specified in Section XI of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and applicable Addenda for the inservice inspection and testing activities required by the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and applicable Addenda shall be applicable as follows in these Technical Specifications:
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Required frequencies Code and applicable Addenda for performing inservice terminology for inservice inspection and testing inspection and testing activities activities Weekly At least once per 7 days Monthly At least once per 31 days Quarterly or every 3 months At least once per 92 days Semiannually or every 6 months At least once per 184 days Every 9 months At least once per 276 days Yearly or annually At least once per 366 days GE-STS 3/4 0-2 APPLICABILITY
SURVEILLANCE
REQUIREMENTS (Continued)
c. The provisions of Specification  
4.0.2 are applicable to the above required frequencies for performing inservice inspection and testing activities.
 
d. Performance of the above inservice inspection and testing activities shall be in addition to other specified Surveillance Requirements.
 
e. Nothing in the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code shall be construed to supersede the requirements of any Technical Specification.
 
f. The Inservice Inspection Program for piping identified in NRC Generic Letter 88-01 shall be performed in accordance with the staff positions on schedule, methods, and personnel and sample expansion included in this generic letter.GE-STS 3/4 0-3 http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rmldoc-collections/gen-comm/gen-letters/1988/gl8800  
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NRC Generic Letter 1988-001: NRC Position on Ig SCC in BWR Austenitic Stainless Steel Piping
ML031430193
Person / Time
Issue date: 01/25/1988
From:
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
To:
References
-nr GL-88-001
Download: ML031430193 (9)


NRC Position on IGSCC in BWR Austenitic Stainless Steel Piping S"fiA-4 NIndex Site Map j FAQ I Help A Glossary I Contact Us l 7 7 Seawh A U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

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> Generic Letters > 1988 > GL88001 UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY

COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20055 January 25, 1988 TO ALL LICENSEES

OF OPERATING

BOILING WATER REACTORS (BWRS), AND HOLDERS OF CONSTRUCTION

PERMITS FOR BWRS Gentlemen:

SUBJECT: NRC POSITION ON IGSCC IN BWR AUSTENITIC

STAINLESS

STEEL PIPING (Generic Letter 88-01)Intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) near weldments in BWR piping has been occurring for almost 20 years. Early cases were in relatively small diameter piping. In early 1982, cracking was identified in large-diameter piping in a recirculation system of an operating BWR plant in this country. Since then, extensive inspection programs have been conducted on BWR piping systems. These inspections have resulted in the detection of significant numbers of cracked weldments in almost all operating BWRs.A number of domestic and foreign BWR owners have replaced or plan to replace piping systems that have experienced IGSCC with more resistant material.

Other owners are implementing countermeasures such as Stress Improvement (SI) or Hydrogen Water Chemistry (HWC) to reduce the susceptibility of the piping to IGSCC. In many cases, cracked weldments have been repaired by reinforcing them with weld overlay.Substantial efforts in research and development have been sponsored by the BWR Owners Group for IGSCC Research.

The results of this program, along with other related work by vendors, consulting firms, and confirmatory research sponsored by the NRC, have permitted the development of revised Staff Positions regarding the IGSCC problems.The technical bases for these positions are detailed in NUREG-0313, Rev. 2"Technical Report on Material Selection and Process Guidelines for BWR Coolant Pressure Boundary Piping.' This revision to NUREG-0313 was a major task in the staff long range plan to deal with BWR pipe cracking that was presented to the Commission in SECY 84-301. This revision includes the relevant recommendations of the Piping Review Committee Task Group on Pipe Cracking issued as NUREG- 1061, Vol. 1, Report of USNRC Piping Review Committee,, and consideration of public comments on that document.

NUREG-0313, Rev. 2 describes the technical bases for the staff positions on materials, processes, and primary coolant chemistry to minimize and control IGSCC problems.

Inspection schedules and inspection sample sizes are based on the susceptibility of weldments to initiation and propagation of IGSCC. Inspection schedules are comparable to those specified in Section XI of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code in cases where the piping material is IGSCC resistant.

Varying amounts of augmented inspections are specified for piping with a greater susceptibility to cracking, where there is less certainty about the effectiveness of mitigation measures used, or in cases where repairs have been performed.

When improved water chemistry control with hydrogen additions is implemented, less augmentation of inspection schedules is required.-2-The purpose of this Generic Letter is to seek information regarding http:l/www.nrc.gov/reading-rmnldoc-collections/gen-comm/gen-letters/1988/g188001.html

03/13/2003 NRC Position on IGSCC in BWR Austenitic Stainless Steel Piping implementation of the new staff positions covering these technical areas.This Generic Letter supersedes Generic Letter 84-11, Inspection of BWR Stainless Steel Piping." This Generic Letter applies to all BWR piping made of austenitic stainless steel that is four inches or larger in nominal diameter and contains reactor coolant at a temperature above 200xF during power operation regardless of Code classification.

It also applies to reactor vessel attachments and appurtenances such as jet pump instrumentation penetration assemblies and head spray and vent components.

This Generic Letter does not apply to piping made of carbon steel classified as P-1 by the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.Staff Positions have been developed covering the following subjects: 1. Staff Position on Materials 2. Staff Position on Processes 3. Staff Position on Water Chemistry 4. Staff Position on Weld Overlay Reinforcement

5. Staff Position on Partial Replacement

6. Staff Position on Stress Improvement of Cracked Weldments 7. Staff Position on Clamping Devices 8. Staff Position on Crack Characterization and Repair Criteria 9. Staff Position on Inspection Methods and Personnel 10. Staff Position on Inspection Schedules 11. Staff Position on Sample Expansion 12. Staff Position on Leak Detection 13. Staff Position on Reporting Requirements These Staff Positions are fully delineated in Attachment A to this letter.The staff continues to believe that replacing susceptible piping with IGSCC resistant materials will provide the greatest degree of assurance against future cracking problems.

Licensees may follow Generic Letter 84-07, Procedural Guidance for Pipe Replacements at BWRs"; the staff encourages programs to replace degraded piping so as to reduce the potential for cracking and to minimize the need for augmented inspections.

However, the staff recognizes that, if the staff positions of this Generic Letter are implemented, adequate levels of piping integrity and reliability can be achieved.

The staff believes this Generic Letter, together with the revision to NUREG-0313, will be of use to licensees in making sound decisions regarding IGSCC. Each weldment can be evaluated considering its material, heat treatment history, stress level, chemical environment and surveillance program. This will provide a basis for a reasonable judgment regarding the long-term acceptability of that weldment.

Considering that each piping system has many weldments and each plant has many piping systems, the entire problem must be evaluated in an integrated way.The Commission has determined that, unless appropriate remedial actions are taken, BWR plants may not be in conformance with their current design and licensing bases, including

10 CFR 50, Appendix A, General Design Criteria 4, 14, and 31.-3-Accordingly, pursuant to 10 CFR 50.54(f), you, as a BWR operating reactor licensee or construction permit holder, are requested, to furnish, under oath or affirmation, your current plans relating to piping replacement, inspection, repair, and leakage detection.

Your response should indicate whether you intend to follow the staff positions included in this letter, or propose alternative measures.

This information is needed for the Commission to determine whether an operating license should be issued, or if you hold an operating license, whether it should be modified or revoked.An acceptable response to this letter would include the following specific items: 1. Your current plans regarding pipe replacement and/or other measures taken or to be taken to mitigate IGSCC and provide assurance of continued http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/gen-comm/gen-letters/I

988/gl8800

1.html 03/13/2003 NRC Position on IGSCC in BWR Austenitic Stainless Steel Piping long term piping integrity and reliability.

2. An Inservice Inspection (ISI) Program to be implemented at the next refueling outage for austenitic stainless steel piping covered under the scope of this letter that conforms to the staff positions on inspection schedules, methods and personnel, and sample expansion included in this letter.3. A change to the Technical Specifications to include a statement in the section on ISI that the Inservice Inspection Program for piping covered by the scope of this letter will be in conformance with the staff positions on schedule, methods and personnel, and sample expansion included in this letter (see enclosed model BWR Standard Technical Specification).

It is recognized that the Inservice Inspection and Testing sections may be removed from the Technical Specifications in the future in line with the Technical Specifications Improvement programs.

In this case, this requirement shall remain with the ISI section when it is included in an alternative document.4. Confirmation of your plans to ensure that the Technical Specification related to leakage detection will be in conformance with the staff position on leak detection included in this letter.5. In accordance with 10CFR50.55a(o), your plans to notify the NRC of any flaws identified that do not meet IWB-3500 criteria of Section XI of the Code for continued operation without evaluation, or a change found in the condition of the welds previously known to be cracked, and your evaluation of the flaws for continued operation and/or your repair plans.Licensees and construction permit holders for BWR plants are requested to respond to this generic letter within 180 days of receipt of this letter.NRC review of your submittal of information in response to this letter is not subject to fees under the provisions of 10 CFR 170. However, should you, as part of your response or in a subsequent submittal, include an application for license amendment or other action requiring NRC approval, it is subject to the fee requirements of 10 CFR 170 with remittance of an application fee of $150 per application (Sections

170.12(c)

and 170.21)and subsequent semi-annual payments until the review is completed or the ceiling in Section 170.21 is reached.-4-This request for information was approved by the Office of Management and Budget under clearance number 3150-0011 which expires December 31, 1989.Comments on burden and duplication may be directed to the Office of Management and Budget, Reports Management Room 3208, New Executive Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20503.Sincerely, Frank J. Miraglia, Jr.Associate Director for Projects Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Enclosures:

1. Staff Positions on IGSCC In BWR Austenitic Stainless Steel Piping 2. Model BWR Standard Technical Specification for Item 3 of this Generic Letter 3. NUREG-0313, Revision 2 (ATTACHMENT

A)STAFF POSITIONS

ON IGSCC IN BWR AUSTENITIC

STAINLESS

STEEL PIPING Scope These Staff Positions apply to all BWR piping made of austenitic stainless steel that is four inches or larger in nominal diameter and contains reactor coolant at a temperature above 200xF during power operation http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/gen-comm/gen-letters/I

988/gl8 8001 .html 03/13/2003 NRC Position on IGSCC in BWR Austenitic Stainless Steel Piping regardless of Code classification.

It also applies to reactor vessel attachments and appurtenances such as jet pump instrumentation penetration assemblies and head spray and vent components.

This Generic Letter does not apply to piping made of carbon steel classified as P-1 by the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.Staff Position on Materials Materials considered to be resistant to sensitization and IGSCC in BWR piping systems are: (1) Low carbon wrought austenitic stainless steel, which includes types 304L, 304NG, 316NG and similar low carbon grades with a maximum carbon content of 0.035%. Type 347, as modified for nuclear use, will be resistant with somewhat higher carbon content, the usual maximum of 0.04%is adequate.

These materials must be tested for resistance to sensitization in accordance with ASTM A262-A or -EI or equivalent standard.(2) Low carbon weld metal, including types 308L, 316L, 309L and similar grades, with a maximum carbon content of 0.035% and a minimum of 7.5%ferrite (or 7.5 FN) as deposited.

Low carbon weld metal especially developed for joining modified type 347 Is also resistant as deposited.

Welds joining resistant material that meet the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code requirement of 5% ferrite (or 5 FN) but are below 7.5%ferrite (or 7.5 N) may be sufficiently resistant, depending on carbon content and other factors. These will be evaluated on an individual case basis.(3) Piping weldments are considered resistant to IGSCC if the weld heat affected zone on the inside of the pipe is protected by a cladding of resistant weld metal. This is often referred to as corrosion resistant cladding (CRC).(4) Cast austenitic stainless steel with a maximum of 0.035% carbon and a minimum of 7.5% ferrite (or 7.5 FN). Weld joints between resistant piping and cast valve or pump bodies that do not meet these requirements are considered to be special cases, and are covered in the Staff Position on Inspection Schedules below.(5) Austenitic stainless steel piping that does not meet the requirements of (1) above is considered to be resistant if it is given a solution heat treatment after welding.-2-(6) Other austenitic materials, including nickel base alloys such as Inconel 600, will be evaluated on an individual case basis. Inconel 82 is the only commonly used nickel base weld metal considered to be resistant.

It is the staff position that no austenitic material is resistant to cracking in the presence of a crevice, such as formed by a partial penetration weld, where the crevice is exposed to reactor coolant.Staff Position on Processes The processes considered to provide resistance to IGSCC in BWR piping welds are: (1) Solution Heat Treatment SHT)(2) Heat Sink Welding HSW)Either of these two processes will upgrade non-resistant material to IGSCC Category A (see Table 1)(3) Stress Improvement (SI)Either of the following processes will upgrade non-resistant material to IGSCC Category B or C (See Table 1)http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/gen-comm/gen-letters/1

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1.html 03/13/2003 NRC Position on IGSCC in BWR Austenitic Stainless Steel Piping a. Induction Heating Stress Improvement (IHSI)b. Mechanical Stress Improvement Process (MSIP)Last pass heat sink welding (LPHSW) is not considered to be fully effective.

Staff Position on Water Chemistry The use of hydrogen water chemistry, together with stringent controls on conductivity, will inhibit the initiation and growth of IGSCC. However, the responses of BWRs to hydrogen injection differs from plant to plant, and the development and verification of a generic HWC specification is not yet complete.

For these reasons, reductions in piping inspection frequencey based on the use of HWC will be considered on an individual case bases at the present time. Staff criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of water chemistry improvements are under development, and will be available prior to general use of the HWC option. If fully effective HWC is maintained, a factor Categories B, C, D, and E weldments. (See Table 1)Staff Position on Weld Overlay Reinforcement Cracked weldments that are reinforced with weld overlay are acceptable for short-term operation, and may be considered for longer term operation provided: (1) The overlayed weldments are in conformance with the criteria of IWB 3600 of Section XI of the 1986 Edition of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, and-3-(2) they are inspected in conformance with the Staff Position on Inspection Methods and Personnel, by UT examiners and procedures qualified to inspect overlayed welds.Staff Position on Partial Replacement If portions of cracked piping are replaced in the course of repair, the replaced portions will be subjected to inservice inspection requirements that will depend on the materials and processes used. All relevant staff positions of this Generic Letter will apply.Staff Position on Stress Improvement SI of Cracked Weldments Stress Improvement is also considered to be an effective mitigation process when applied to weldments with short or shallow cracks.Specifically, welds with cracks that are no longer than 10% of the circumference, and are no deeper than 30% of the wall thickness will be considered to be mitigated by SI.SI is only considered to be effective if it is followed by a qualified UT examination, and if cracks are found, they must be sized both in depth and length, by procedures and personnel qualified to perform sizing evaluations:

Staff Position on Clamping Devices Clamping devices may be used for temporary reinforcement of cracked weldments.

Each case must be reviewed and approved on an individual basis.Staff Position on Crack Evaluation and Repair Criteria.Methods and criteria for crack evaluation and repair should be in conformance with IBW-3600 of Section XI of the 1986 Edition of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.Evaluation of cracks for continued operation without repair requires that crack growth calculation be performed.

As some details are not yet provided in the Code, the following will be acceptable to the staff.http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/gen-comm/gen-letters/I

988/gl88001 .html 03/13/2003 NRC Position on IGSCC in BWR Austenitic Stainless Steel Piping The crack growth rate da/dt) selected for use by the staff is expressed as: da/dt = 3.590 x lOE-8 x K(I)**2.161 inches per hour where K(I) is the applied stress intensity factor (Ksi

  • SQRT(in))Linear elastic solutions for KI are required for crack growth calculations.

Any standard method is acceptable, for example, those described in the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code,Section XI, Appendix A. The axial residual stress distribution considered acceptable by the staff for large diameter pipes (12 inches and larger) is described by the following nondimensional expression.

-4-e/e(i) = SUM(from j=0 to j=4) of e(j) E**j where eo = 1.0 el = 6.920 e2 = 8.687 e3 = 0.480 e4 = -2.027 E = x/t eCi) = stress magnitude at E = 0 (inner surface)The above formula permits calculation of the residual stress value at any point x) through the vessel wall thickness (t) as a function of the peak residual stress value at the inside diameter (ID), e(i).Technical basis and additional discussion related to evaluation and repair are given in NUREG 0313 Revision 2.Staff Position on Inspection Methods and Personnel Examinations performed under the Scope of this letter should comply with the applicable Edition and Addenda of the ASME Code,Section XI, as specified in paragraph

(9), Inservice Inspection Requirements of lOCFR50.55a, Codes and Standards, or as otherwise approved by the NRC.In addition, the detailed procedure, equipment and examination personnel shall be qualified by a formal program approved by the NRC such as that being conducted in accordance with the NDE Coordination Plan agreed upon by NRC, EPRI, and the Boiling Water Reactor Owners Group for IGSCC Research, being implemented at the EPRI NDE Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.A summary of the Staff Position on Inspection Schedules is given in Table 1. Additional details and definitions are provided below. NUREG-0313, Rev. 2, Section 5 provides background information and technical bases.(1) Welds of resistant material, IGSCC Category A, shall as a minimum be examined according to an extent and frequency comparable to that specified in applicable provisions of Section XI of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, as reflected in Table 1, attached.

The selection of specific welds to be included in this sample is the responsibility of the Licensee, and should include considerations of stress levels, piping configurations, weld details, etc, and should represent his best judgement regarding selection of a representative and meaningful sample.The provisions of lOCFR50.55a, (b),(2),(ii)

may be invoked if it is determined necessary to use the 1974 edition of the Code to permit a meaningful sample selection.

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03/13/2003 NRC Position on IGSCC in BWR Austenitic Stainless Steel Piping -5-(2) Although castings with higher carbon content than 0.035% are not considered to be resistant to sensitization, welds joining such castings (in the form of pump and valve bodies) to piping have been relatively free of IGSCC. This may be attributed to a favorable residual stress distribution, as calculations have indicated.

For this reason, welds joining resistant material to pumps and valves will be considered to be resistant welds, and included in IGSCC Category A. If extensive weld repairs were performed the residual stress may be unfavorable, in which case such welds should be included in Category D.(3) Welds that have been treated by SI or reinforced by weld overlay that are classified as IGSCC Category F because they do not meet the applicable staff positions may be upgraded to Category E if no adverse change in crack condition is found after 4 successive examinations.

Staff Position on Sample Expansion If one or more cracked welds in IGSCC Categories A, B, or C, are found by a sample inspection during the 10 year interval, an additional sample of the welds in that category shall be inspected, approximately equal in number to the original sample. This additional sample should be similar in distribution (according to pipe size, system, and location)

to the original sample, unless it is determined that there is a technical reason to select a different distribution.

If any cracked welds are found in this sample, all of the welds in that IGSCC Category should be inspected.

If significant crack growth or additional cracks are found during the inspection of an IGSCC Category E weld, all other Category E welds should be examined.a) Significant crack growth for overlayed welds is defined as crack extension to deeper than 75% of the original wall thickness, or for cracks originally deeper than 75% of the pipe wall, evidence of crack growth into the effective weld overlay.b) Significant crack growth for SI mitigated Category E welds is defined as growth to a length or depth exceeding the criteria for SI mitigation (either 10% of circumference in length or 30% of the wall in depth).Staff Position on Leak Detection Leakage detection systems should be in conformance with Position C of Regulatory Guide 1.45 "Reactor Coolant Pressure Boundary Leakage Detection Systems,'

or as otherwise previously approved by the NRC.1. Plant shutdown should be initiated for inspection and corrective action when, within any period of 24 hours2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br /> or less, any leakage detection system indicates an increase in rate of unidentified leakage in excess of 2 gpm or its equivalent, or when the total unidentified leakage attains a rate of 5 gpm or equivalent, whichever occurs first. For sump level monitoring systems with fixed-measurement-interval methods, the level should be monitored at approximately

4-hour intervals or less.-6-2. Unidentified leakage should include all leakage other than: (a) leakage into closed systems, such as pump seal or valve packing leaks that are captured, flow metered, and conducted to a sump or collection tank, or (b) leakage into the containment atmosphere from sources that are both specifically located and known either not to interfere with the operations of unidentified leakage monitoring systems or not to be from a through wall crack in the piping within the reactor coolant pressure boundary.3. For plants operating with any IGSCC Category D, E, F, or G welds, at least one of the leakage measurement instruments associated with each http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rmldoc-collections/gen-comm/gen-letters/l

988/gl88001 .html 03/13/2003 NRC Position on IGSCC in BWR Austenitic Stainless Steel Piping sump shall be operable, and the outage time for inoperable instruments shall be limited to 24 hours2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br />, or immediately initiate an orderly shutdown.If any cracks are identified that do not meet the criteria for continued operation without evaluation given in Section XI of the Code, NRC approval of flaw evaluations and/or repairs in accordance with IWB 3640 and IWA 4130 is required before resumption of operation.

TABLE 1 SUMMARY OF INSPECTION

SCHEDULES

FOR BWR PIPING WELDMENTS DESCRIPTION

OF WELDMENTS

NOTES Resistant Materials Non-resistant Matls SI within 2 yrs of operation

(1)Non-resistant Matls SI after 2 years of operation Non-resistant Matls No SI Cracked Reinforced by weld overlay or mitigated by SI Cracked Inadequate or no repair Non-Resistant Not Inspected IGSCC CATEGORY A (1) B (1) C (1) D (1) (2)INSPECTION

EXTENT & SCHEDULE 25% every 10 years (at least 12% in 6 years)50% every 10 years (at least 25% in 6 years)All within the next 2 refueling cycles, then all every 10 years (at least 50%in 6 years)All every 2 refueling cycles 50% next refueling outage, then all every 2 refueling cycles All every refueling outage All next refueling outage E (2) F (3) G Notes: (1) All welds in non-resistant material should be inspected after a stress improvement process as part of the process. Schedules shown should be followed after this initial inspection.

(2) See recommendations for acceptable weld overlay reinforcements and stress improvement mitigation.

(3) Welds that are not UT inspectable should be replaced, sleeved', or local leak detection applied. RT examination or visual inspection for leakage may also be considered.(Attachment B)Model BWR Standard Technical Specification for Item 3 of Generic Letter 88-01 APPLICABILITY

SURVEILLANCE

REQUIREMENTS

4.0.1 Surveillance Requirements shall be met during the OPERATIONAL

CONDITIONS

or other conditions specified for individual Limiting Conditions for Operation unless otherwise stated in an individual Surveillance Requirement.

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98 8/gI8800 1 .html 03/13/2003 NRC Position on IGSCC in BWR Austenitic Stainless Steel Piping 4.0.2 Each Surveillance Requirement shall be performed within the specified time interval with: a. A maximum allowable extension not to exceed 25% of the surveillance interval, but b. The combined time interval for any 3 consecutive surveillance intervals shall not exceed 3.25 times the specified surveillance interval.4.0.3 Failure to perform a Surveillance Requirement within the specified time interval shall constitute a failure to meet the OPERABILITY

requirements for a Limiting Condition for Operation.

Exceptions to these requirements are stated in the individual Specifications.

Surveillance requirements do not have to be performed on inoperable equipment.

4.0.4 Entry into an OPERATIONAL

CONDITION

or other specified applicable condition shall not be made unless the Surveillance Requirement(s)

associated with the Limiting Condition for Operation have been performed within the applicable surveillance interval or as otherwise specified.

4.0.5 Surveillance Requirements for inservice inspection and testing of ASME Code Class 1, 2, & 3 components shall be applicable as follows: a. Inservice inspection of ASME Code Class 1, 2, and 3 components and inservice testing of ASME Code Class 1, 2, and 3 pumps and valves shall be performed in accordance with Section XI of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and applicable Addenda as required by 10 CFR 50, Section 50.55a(g), except where specific written relief has been granted by the Commission pursuant to 10 CFR 50, Section 50.55a(g)

(6) (i)b. Surveillance intervals specified in Section XI of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and applicable Addenda for the inservice inspection and testing activities required by the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and applicable Addenda shall be applicable as follows in these Technical Specifications:

ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Required frequencies Code and applicable Addenda for performing inservice terminology for inservice inspection and testing inspection and testing activities activities Weekly At least once per 7 days Monthly At least once per 31 days Quarterly or every 3 months At least once per 92 days Semiannually or every 6 months At least once per 184 days Every 9 months At least once per 276 days Yearly or annually At least once per 366 days GE-STS 3/4 0-2 APPLICABILITY

SURVEILLANCE

REQUIREMENTS (Continued)

c. The provisions of Specification

4.0.2 are applicable to the above required frequencies for performing inservice inspection and testing activities.

d. Performance of the above inservice inspection and testing activities shall be in addition to other specified Surveillance Requirements.

e. Nothing in the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code shall be construed to supersede the requirements of any Technical Specification.

f. The Inservice Inspection Program for piping identified in NRC Generic Letter 88-01 shall be performed in accordance with the staff positions on schedule, methods, and personnel and sample expansion included in this generic letter.GE-STS 3/4 0-3 http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rmldoc-collections/gen-comm/gen-letters/1988/gl8800

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