Energia i regulacje · 31.12.1996

Proposed Generic Communication; Effectiveness of Ultrasonic Testing Systems in Inservice Inspection Programs

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is proposing to issue a generic letter to determine if addressees are taking appropriate action to qualify future ultrasonic testing (UT) examinations. The purpose of the proposed generic letter is to (1) alert addressees to the importance of using equipment, procedures, and examiners (UT systems) capable of reliably detecting and sizing flaws in the performance of comprehensive examinations of reactor vessels and piping, (2) notify addressees about enhancements in UT systems and the significance of these enhancements in plant-specific inservice inspection (ISI) programs, (3) request that all addressees describe the extent to which their piping and reactor pressure vessel ISI activities are being qualified consistent with the objectives of Appendix VIII to Section XI of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (ASME Code), and (4) require that all addressees send to the NRC a written response to this generic letter relating to the actions and information requested in this letter. The NRC is seeking comment from interested parties regarding both the technical and regulatory aspects of the proposed generic le