A method for assessment of the lifetime of the primary circuit pipe components, including the welded-in components of the main circulation pump and the main stop valve (version 2)

The method is based on the assessment of tolerability of defects that occur or can occur on the facility. The residual life assessment is based on drawings, operational history of the facility, and model calculations which predict the possibility of crack development. If a defect is predicted, the operator should perform non-destructive testing. Principles are given for assessment of the tolerability of cracks, degradation of the materials properties, fatigue life depletion, initiation, creation and growth of cracks by corrosion cracking, fatigue, and corrosion fatigue. A table of tolerable defects is given for austenitic pipes. (M.D.). 3 tabs., 10 figs., 1 ref