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U.S. Department of Energy
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Aging study of boiling water reactor residual heat removal system

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5960372· OSTI ID:5960372

A study of the aging effects on Residual Heat Removal (RHR) systems in Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs) was performed as part of the Nuclear Plant Aging Research (NPAR) program. The objectives of the NPAR program are to provide a technical basis for the identification and evaluation of degradation caused by age in nuclear power plant applications. The information from this and other NPAR studies will be used to assess the impact of aging on plant safety and to develop effective mitigation actions. The effects of aging in the RHR system were characterized using the Aging and Life Extension Assessment Program (ALEAP) Systems Level Plan developed by Brookhaven National Laboratory. Failure data from various national data bases were reviewed and analyzed to identify predominant failure modes, causes and mechanisms. Time-dependent failure frequencies for major components were calculated to identify aging trends. Plant specific information was also reviewed to supplement data base results. A computer program (PRAAGE-1988) was developed and implemented to model a typical RHR design and perform time-dependent Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) calculations. Time-dependent failure probabilities were input to the PRAAGE program to evaluate the effects of aging on component importance and system unavailability. 21 refs., 63 figs., 26 tabs.

Research Organization:
Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC (USA). Div. of Engineering; Brookhaven National Lab., Upton, NY (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-76CH00016
OSTI ID:
5960372
Report Number(s):
NUREG/CR-5268; BNL-NUREG-52177; ON: TI89014203
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English