Development of an ASME QME-1-2007 Program for Safety Related Active Valve Assemblies for Advanced Plants

ASME QME-1 “Qualification of Active Mechanical Equipment Used in Nuclear Power Plants” sets forth the requirements and guidelines which could be used to assure that active mechanical equipment is qualified for specified service conditions [1]. As determined by federal regulators and/or nuclear power plant licensees, this Standard could be applied to future nuclear power plants, or existing operating nuclear power plant component replacements, modifications, or additions. Over the years, the standard has gone through various revisions to both clarify and extend the requirements. However, the ASME QME-1-2007 standard significantly altered the qualification process for Active Valve Assemblies. For new nuclear plants, such as the Westinghouse AP1000, the change required a redevelopment of the valve assembly qualification program. This paper examines how the ASME QME-1-2007 valve assembly qualification requirements changed, how this has affected new plant valve assemblies and overall equipment qualification program, and the lessons that have been learned during the redevelopment and implementation of the standard. Specific issues covered in this paper include selecting the qualified valves and adjusting valve actuator qualifications to provide the right inputs to the ASME QME-1-2007 program.