Programs to detect and manage aging of instrumentation and control components for license renewal [nuclear plants]

Requirements for the renewal of commercial nuclear plant operating licenses are defined in 10CFR54, the License Renewal Rule. In a recent application of the Rule, over 1600 process instrumentation and control components were identified as important to license renewal. A grouping program was developed to break down the large populations into manageable, generic groups. Forty-six groups were selected based on component boundaries, design principles, environment, operating and maintenance history, and similar expectations for aging mechanisms and service life. Evaluations were then conducted on a group basis, to define significant aging mechanisms, review plant programs, and identify enhancements to ensure full coverage for the license renewal period