Document: NRC Regulatory Guide
Document ID: 3b4c5897-7060-42e3-83a9-cf0790b7dc60
Document Type: regulatory_guide
Title: Acceptability of ASME Code, Section XI, Division 2, Requirements for RIM Programs for NPPs, for Non-LWRs
Source: NRC Regulatory Guide Division 1
Source URL: https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML2112/ML21120A185.pdf
Revision Date: 2023-05
Chapter: 
Section ID: RG-1.246
CFR Part: 
CFR Title: 

Content:
IM strategies will ensure the reliability targets can be achieved. Paragraph RIM-2.7.1 of ASME Code, Section XI, Division 2, lists the information RIM program should contain. The NRC staff will review and approve the program summary to ensure that RIM-2.7.1 has been met. The staff’s review will focus on the appropriateness of: (1) the bases for the scope of the program; (2) the method for establishing the reliability targets; (3) the reliability targets; (4) degradation assessments; (5) flaw acceptance criteria; (6) RIM strategies; and (7) the method used to demonstrate the RIM strategies will be able to satisfy the reliability targets. After approval, based on the license condition described in Regulatory Position 1, the licensee will be able to make changes to the RIM program in accordance with ASME Code, Section XI, Division 2 without prior NRC approval, except that changes to the methods to establish reliability targets and to demonstrate the reliability targets will be met will require NRC review and approval. If alternatives to ASME Code, Section XI, Division 2 are desired, these are also to be submitted to the NRC for review and approval. Paragraph RIM-4.2.4 permits the use of volumetric and surface examination in lieu of leak testing for areas affected by repair/replacement activities. The NRC staff does not consider NDE to be an acceptable substitute for leak testing and does not endorse the use of paragraph RIM-4.2.4 without prior NRC approval. Subsequent to NRC approval, licensees should document changes to the RIM program and provide notification to the staff via the owner’s activity report (OAR) or in a letter to the NRC. Licensees should submit the notification prior to the next refueling outage or within 3 years, whichever is less. The staff considers three years to be an adequate timeframe for the licensee to respond without unnecessary burden for the licensee. The NRC will review changes as appropriate under the regional inspection program. Use