XI.M39 (NUREG-1801 R1)
XI.M39 LUBRICATING OIL ANALYSIS PROGRAM
Program Description
The purpose of the Lubricating Oil Analysis Program is to ensure the oil environment in the mechanical systems is maintained to the required quality. The Lubricating Oil Analysis Program maintains oil systems contaminants (primarily water and particulates) within acceptable limits, thereby preserving an environment that is not conducive to loss of material, cracking or reduction of heat transfer. Lubricating 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.
Evaluation and Technical Basis
- 1. Scope of Program: On a periodic basis, this program samples lubricating oil from plant components subject to aging management review.
- 2. Preventive Actions: The lubricating oil analysis program maintains oil systems contaminants (primarily water and particulates) within acceptable limits.
- 3. Parameters Monitored/Inspected: For components with periodic oil changes in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations, a particle count and check for water are performed to detect evidence of abnormal wear rates, contamination by moisture, or excessive corrosion. For components that do not have regular oil changes, viscosity, neutralization number, and flash point are also determined to verify the oil is suitable for continued use. In addition, analytical ferrography and elemental analysis are performed to identify wear particles.
- 4. Detection of Aging Effects: Periodic sampling and compliance with the acceptance criteria provide assurance that lube oil contaminants do not exceed acceptable levels, thereby preserving an environment that is not conducive to aging mechanisms that could lead to the aging effects of loss of material, cracking and reduction of heat transfer.
- 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: Particle concentration will be determined in accordance with industry standards such as SAE749D, ISO 4406, ISO 112218, and NAS 1638. Water and particle concentration will not exceed limits based on manufacturer’s recommendations or industry standards recommended for each components type. Viscosity bands are based on a tolerance around the base viscosity of the lubricating oil as recommended by the components manufacturer or industry standards. Metal limits as determined by spectral analysis and ferrography will be based on original baseline data and manufacturer’s recommendations, industry standards, or other justified basis.
- 7. Corrective Actions: Pursuant to 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, specific corrective actions are implemented in accordance with the plant quality assurance (QA) program. For example, if a limit is reached or exceeded, actions to address the condition are taken. These may include increased monitoring, vibration analysis, corrective maintenance, further laboratory analysis, and engineering evaluation. As discussed in the appendix to this report, the staff finds the requirements of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, acceptable to address the corrective actions.
- 8. Confirmation Process: Site QA procedures, review and approval processes, and administrative controls are implemented in accordance with the requirements of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B. As discussed in the appendix to this report, the staff finds the requirements of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, acceptable to address the confirmation process and administrative controls.
- 9. Administrative Controls: See item 8, above.
- 10. Operating Experience: The operating experience at some plants has identified water in the lubricating oil, and particulate contamination. However, no instances of component failures attributed to lubricating oil contamination have been identified.
References
10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Quality Assurance Criteria for Nuclear Power Plants, Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration, 2005.