A computer code for seismic qualification of nuclear service valves

The computer code, CERTIVALVE, has been developed for detailed frequency, seismic stress, and deformation analysis of nuclear service valves. It is an expedient means of analyzing, designing, and qualifying nuclear service valves for dynamic loads. The program is designed to be applicable to virtually all types of ASME Class 1, 2, and 3 valves, including gate, globe, disk, ball, safety-relief, diaphragm, and butterfly valves. It can evaluate valves of nearly all major manufacturers both foreign and domestic. CERTIVALVE computes all natural frequencies of any valve up to 40 Hertz (or higher if the user desires). The program constructs a multi-degree-offreedom (MDOF) finite element model which is used in the eigenvalue (natural frequency) solution. CERTIVALVE also computes the maximum allowable acceleration capacity of any valve on the basis of user-supplied allowable stress limits and the geometric and material properties of the valve components. The worst spatial orientation of the valve is assumed. The maximum allowable resultant is reported in terms of a multiple of weight (that is, in values of g) for each valve component. The valve components evaluated include the non-pressure retaining yoke structure for prismatic, nonprismatic, and curved sections; the yoke-bonnet junction for bolted, clamped and bossed connection details; the bonnet and body sections for various geometric cross sections; and the body-bonnet junction for both bolted-gasket and threaded connections. Finally, the program also performs an operability deformation analysis to check that stem binding is precluded. The evaluation procedures are performed in accordance with included codes and standards. The theoretical development of the program is provided and examples of the program options are presented