Report of results of nuclear power plant aging workshops

Two workshops were conducted to identify whether there is any evidence of component or structural aging problems in nuclear power plants, and, if so, what problems are of greatest importance. Fifteen representatives from national laboratories, architect/engineers, nuclear steam supply system vendors, research firms, and a university participated in the workshops. Based on completed questionnaires and group discussions which screened over 112 components believed to be susceptible to excessive aging, pressure/temperature sensors, valve operators, and snubbers emerged by consensus as the most important aging issues. Potential aging problems related to off-normal common mode effects or aging problems which are just now developing were found to be outside the scope of the workshops, because little or no first hand experience is available for these off-normal or yet to develop circumstances. Recommendations are made for a systematic approach to rate components in terms of overall safety and for a cooperative effort between industry research groups and regulatory research groups to resolve known aging problems and to identify off-normal or yet to develop aging issues