Containment liner evaluation and aging degradation management program

Nuclear utilities are looking at options for extending the service of existing structures, systems, and components beyond the typical 40-year licensed plant life, while still maintaining a commitment to protect public health and safety. This paper discusses the aging degradation management project initiated by the Public Service Electric and Gas Company utility to address the issue of plant life cycle management and to satisfy the requirements of the NRC's license renewal rules. The reactor containment liner is one of the components that could have a major cost and schedule impact and may be virtually impossible to replace because of the construction effort. The aging management program for assessing potential corrosion degradation of the reactor containment liner ensures degradation mechanisms of the containment liner are managed properly and will not adversely impact plant operability and future license renewal