This comprehensive work written by ASME Codes & Standards experts was originally published as part of Volume 3 of the Companion Guide to the ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code. This fully updated and expanded volume is now a stand-alone publication that addresses Continuing and Changing Priorities for the success of current and next generation Nuclear Reactors and Internals, License Renewal, Public Safety, PRA and Spent Fuel Pool-related issues.

This book has four parts, the first dealing with continuing priorities of ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Codes and Standards and the remaining three parts dealing with changing priorities of the Code.

The first part has 14 chapters written by 16 distinguished code authorities with updated information pertaining to continuing priorities. Distinctive in this part is the inclusion of new contributors who have added unique perspectives to the material that was first published in the third edition of the Companion Guide. Likewise the authors who previously updated the material in the third edition have contributed additional information. A new chapter on “seismic protection for pressure piping systems” reflects the importance of the topic especially in regard to aging nuclear reactors.

Three distinctive parts of the book address changing priorities of ASME B&PV Codes and Standards. These are: “Changing Priorities;” “Lessons Learned;” and “Future Discussions.” In Part 2, “Changing Priorities,” there are nine chapters by 11 contributors who are not only Code experts but also recognized authorities in the topics covered by them. Part 3, “Perspectives of Lessons Learned,” has eight chapters by 11 authoritative contributors who are also distinguished in the topics addressed by them. In light of the aging nuclear reactors in operation in the U.S. and around the world and the need for new reactors, it is appropriate to synthesize the expert experiences relating to selected topics. Part 4, “Future Discussions,” is the culmination of the current thinking process for the use of nuclear energy for power generation. This part has two chapters written by five authors with recognized expertise in the subject matter.

A unique feature of this publication is the inclusion of all author biographies and an introduction that synthesizes every chapter, along with an alphabetical listing of indexed terms.