2191 R0 XI.M39

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XI.M39 LUBRICATING OIL ANALYSIS

Program Description

The purpose of the Lubricating Oil Analysis program is to provide reasonable assurance that the oil environment in the mechanical systems is maintained to the required quality to prevent or mitigate age-related degradation of components within the scope of this program. This program maintains oil systems (lubricating and hydraulic) contaminants (primarily water and particulates) within acceptable limits, thereby preserving an environment that is not conducive to loss of material or reduction of heat transfer. Oil testing activities include sampling and analysis of lubricating oil for detrimental contaminants. The presence of water or particulates may also be indicative of inleakage and corrosion product buildup.

Although primarily a sampling program, the Generic Aging Lessons Learned for Subsequent License Renewal (GALL-SLR) Report identifies when the program is to be augmented to manage the effects of aging for subsequent license renewal. Accordingly, in certain cases identified in this GALL-SLR Report, verification of the effectiveness of the Lubricating Oil Analysis program is conducted. For these specific cases, an acceptable verification program is a one-time inspection of selected components at susceptible locations in the system.

Evaluation and Technical Basis

1. Scope of Program: Components within the scope of the program include piping, piping components; heat exchanger tubes; reactor coolant pump elements; and any other plant components subject to aging management review (AMR) that are exposed to an environment of lubricating oil (including nonwater-based hydraulic oils).

2. Preventive Actions: The Lubricating Oil Analysis program maintains oil system contaminants (primarily water and particulates) within acceptable limits.

3. Parameters Monitored or Inspected: This program performs a check for water and a particle count to detect evidence of contamination by moisture or excessive corrosion.

4. Detection of Aging Effects: Moisture or corrosion products increase the potential for, or may be indicative of, loss of material due to corrosion and reduction of heat transfer due to fouling. The program performs periodic sampling and testing of lubricating oil for moisture and corrosion particles in accordance with industry standards. The program recommends sampling and testing of the old oil following periodic oil changes or on a schedule consistent with equipment manufacturer’s recommendations or industry standards [e.g., American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) D 6224-02]. Plant-specific operating experience (OE) also may be used to adjust manufacturer’s recommendations or industry standards in determining the schedule for periodic sampling and testing when justified by prior sampling results. For hydraulic fluids, if the fluid is replaced based on a periodicity recommended by the fluid manufacturer, equipment vendor, or plant-specific documents, testing need not be conducted for inservice oils. Alternatively, the hydraulic fluid is tested for water content if the oil is not clear or bright, and for particulate count.

In certain cases, as identified by the AMR Items in this GALL-SLR Report, inspection of selected components is to be undertaken to verify the effectiveness of the program such that significant degradation is not occurring and that the component intended function is maintained during the subsequent period of extended operation.

5. Monitoring and Trending: Oil analysis results are reviewed to determine if alert levels or limits have been reached or exceeded. This review also checks for unusual trends.

6. Acceptance Criteria: Water and particle concentration should not exceed limits based on equipment manufacturer’s recommendations or industry standards. Phase-separated water in any amount is not acceptable.

7. Corrective Actions: Results that do not meet the acceptance criteria are addressed in the applicant’s corrective action program under those specific portions of the quality assurance (QA) program that are used to meet Criterion XVI, “Corrective Action,” of Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) Part 50, Appendix B. Appendix A of the GALL-SLR Report describes how an applicant may apply its 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, QA program to fulfill the corrective actions element of this aging management program (AMP) for both safety-related and nonsafety-related structures and components (SCs) within the scope of this program.

Corrective actions may include increased monitoring, corrective maintenance, further laboratory analysis, and engineering evaluation of the system. If a limit is reached or exceeded, actions to address the condition are taken.

8. Confirmation Process: The confirmation process is addressed through those specific portions of the QA program that are used to meet Criterion XVI, “Corrective Action,” of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B. Appendix A of the GALL-SLR Report describes how an applicant may apply its 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, QA program to fulfill the confirmation process element of this AMP for both safety-related and nonsafety-related SCs within the scope of this program.

9. Administrative Controls: Administrative controls are addressed through the QA program that is used to meet the requirements of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, associated with managing the effects of aging. Appendix A of the GALL-SLR Report describes how an applicant may apply its 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, QA program to fulfill the administrative controls element of this AMP for both safety-related and nonsafety-related SCs within the scope of this program.

10. Operating Experience: The OE at some plants has identified (a) water in the lubricating oil and (b) particulate contamination. However, no instances of component failures attributed to lubricating oil contamination have been identified.

The program is informed and enhanced when necessary through the systematic and ongoing review of both plant-specific and industry OE including research and development such that the effectiveness of the AMP is evaluated consistent with the discussion in Appendix B of the GALL-SLR Report.

References

10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, “Quality Assurance Criteria for Nuclear Power Plants and Fuel Reprocessing Plants.” Washington, DC: U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. 2016.

ASTM. ASTM D 6224-02, “Standard Practice for In-Service Monitoring of Lubricating Oil for Auxiliary Power Plant Equipment.” West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania: American Society of Testing Materials. 2002.

Generic Aging Lessons Learned - The US NRC GALL Report is NUREG-1801. The US NRC Subsequent License Renewal GALL is NUREG-2191

Subsequent License Renewal - The extension of the original license from 40 years to 60 years is known as License Renewal. Extensions of the license beyond 60 years are known as Subsequent License Renewal.

Aging Management Review

Operating Experience

Quality Assurance

Aging Management Program