Rupture probability of non-nuclear vessels

Rupture statistics for non-nuclear vessels are not applicable to nuclear vessels as they differ in many ways, for instance they differ in wall thickness (for most cases), service life, conditions of use, in-service inspections, improvements in steel making technology, control of trace elements, stringent heat treatment specifications and rigorous QA practices. It is however useful to consider the data collected on the ruptures in conventional vessels in order to keep in perspective the importance of the additional precautions adopted for nuclear vessels. 

A statistical treatment of the data summarised in Table 14-1 leads to the conclusion that, at 99 per cent confidence, a potentially destructive event may happen, in non-nuclear Class 1 vessels, with a probability of 10 -10 per year. 

Source of vessels vessels, YxV) of events ETxK) limit 95% of events limit 95% 

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