During the 20 years since the accident at Surry Unit 2, nuclear utilities in the United States lead by EPRI have instituted a flexible approach to protect plant piping and equipment from failures caused by FAC. This approach has been based on a combination of a computer program, currently CHECWORKSÔ version 2.2, used to predict the rate of FAC; a document, NSAC-202L, which describes programmatic considerations; and a users' group – CHUG.

This paper presents a description of the evolution of the software and programmatic approach since the Surry accident. It will discuss the recommendations of NSAC-202L with regard to susceptibility analysis, inspection planning, inspection techniques, component evaluation, component acceptance and use of CHECWORKSÔ. The role of CHUG in consolidating operating experience and in technology transfer will also be discussed.

Finally, the impact of challenges caused by domestic and foreign accidents (e.g., Millstone Unit 3, Fort Calhoun, Mihama) during the past 20 years will be present.