Fermi II check valve program

In response to Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Institute of Nuclear Power Operations concerns in the area of check valve degradation, Fermi 2 Engineering and Production personnel have formulated and implemented a comprehensive check valve program. Prior to the issuance of Significant Operating Experience Report (SOER) 86-03, check valve testing and inspections were implemented through the inservice testing (IST) program. Upon issuance of this SOER, the check valve program was expanded beyond the original IST scope with an extensive review of check valves susceptible to degradation or known as poor performers. This program was originally based around the guidelines of Electric Power Research Institute Report NP-5479 'Application Guideline for Check Valves in Nuclear Power Plants.' A Design Review was performed which encompassed a review of Nuclear Plant Reliability Data System data, operational experiences, maintenance history, valve failures and design application concerns. The results of this review were incorporated into the existing Inservice Inspection and Performance Monitoring program. This program is a combination of established performance testing, and visual internal examination with historical photographic documentation. These methodologies have enabled optimization of inspection cycles by lengthening inspection intervals based on sound technical documentation. The check valve program is an ongoing, living program based on factoring in current industry events, in house performance, and the potential use of nonintrusive inspection technologies