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Sample records for steam generator tubes

  1. Steam generator tube failures

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    MacDonald, P.E.; Shah, V.N.; Ward, L.W.; Ellison, P.G.

    1996-04-01

    A review and summary of the available information on steam generator tubing failures and the impact of these failures on plant safety is presented. The following topics are covered: pressurized water reactor (PWR), Canadian deuterium uranium (CANDU) reactor, and Russian water moderated, water cooled energy reactor (VVER) steam generator degradation, PWR steam generator tube ruptures, the thermal-hydraulic response of a PWR plant with a faulted steam generator, the risk significance of steam generator tube rupture accidents, tubing inspection requirements and fitness-for-service criteria in various countries, and defect detection reliability and sizing accuracy. A significant number of steam generator tubes are defective and are removed from service or repaired each year. This wide spread damage has been caused by many diverse degradation mechanisms, some of which are difficult to detect and predict. In addition, spontaneous tube ruptures have occurred at the rate of about one every 2 years over the last 20 years, and incipient tube ruptures (tube failures usually identified with leak detection monitors just before rupture) have been occurring at the rate of about one per year. These ruptures have caused complex plant transients which have not always been easy for the reactor operators to control. Our analysis shows that if more than 15 tubes rupture during a main steam line break, the system response could lead to core melting. Although spontaneous and induced steam generator tube ruptures are small contributors to the total core damage frequency calculated in probabilistic risk assessments, they are risk significant because the radionuclides are likely to bypass the reactor containment building. The frequency of steam generator tube ruptures can be significantly reduced through appropriate and timely inspections and repairs or removal from service

  2. Steam generator tube extraction

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Delorme, H.

    1985-05-01

    To enable tube examination on steam generators in service, Framatome has now developed a process for removing sections of steam generator tubes. Tube sections can be removed without being damaged for treating the tube section expanded in the tube sheet

  3. Steam generator tube integrity program

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Dierks, D.R.; Shack, W.J.; Muscara, J.

    1996-01-01

    A new research program on steam generator tubing degradation is being sponsored by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) at Argonne National Laboratory. This program is intended to support a performance-based steam generator tube integrity rule. Critical areas addressed by the program include evaluation of the processes used for the in-service inspection of steam generator tubes and recommendations for improving the reliability and accuracy of inspections; validation and improvement of correlations for evaluating integrity and leakage of degraded steam generator tubes, and validation and improvement of correlations and models for predicting degradation in steam generator tubes as aging occurs. The studies will focus on mill-annealed Alloy 600 tubing, however, tests will also be performed on replacement materials such as thermally-treated Alloy 600 or 690. An overview of the technical work planned for the program is given

  4. Failure analysis of retired steam generator tubings

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Kim, Hong Pyo; Kim, J. S.; Hwang, S. S. and others

    2005-04-15

    Degradation of steam generator leads to forced outage and extension of outage, which causes increase in repair cost, cost of purchasing replacement power and radiation exposure of workers. Steam generator tube rupture incident occurred in Uljin 4 in 2002, which made public sensitive to nuclear power plant. To keep nuclear energy as a main energy source, integrity of steam generator should be demonstrated. Quantitative relationship between ECT(eddy current test) signal and crack size is needed in assesment of integrity of steam generator in pressurized water reactor. However, it is not fully established for application in industry. Retired steam generator of Kori 1 has many kinds of crack such as circumferential and axial primary water stress corrosion crack and outer diameter stress corrosion crack(ODSCC). So, it can be used in qualifying and improving ECT technology and in condition monitoring assesment for crack detected in ISI(in service inspection). In addition, examination of pulled tube of Kori 1 retired steam generator will give information about effectiveness of non welded sleeving technology which was employed to repair defect tubes and remedial action which was applied to mitigate ODSCC. In this project, hardware such as semi hot lab. for pulled tube examination and modification transportation cask for pulled tube and software such as procedure of transportation of radioactive steam generator tube and non-destructive and destructive examination of pulled tube were established. Non-destructive and destructive examination of pulled tubes from Kori 1 retired steam generator were performed in semi hot lab. Remedial actions applied to Kori 1 retired steam generator, PWSCC trend and bulk water chemistry and crevice chemistry in Kori 1 were evaluated. Electrochemical decontamination technology for pulled tube was developed to reduce radiation exposure and enhance effectiveness of pulled tube examination. Multiparameter algorithm developed at ANL, USA was

  5. Double wall steam generator tubing

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Padden, T.R.; Uber, C.F.

    1983-01-01

    Double-walled steam generator tubing for the steam generators of a liquid metal cooled fast breeder reactor prevents sliding between the surfaces due to a mechanical interlock. Forces resulting from differential thermal expansion between the outer tube and the inner tube are insufficient in magnitude to cause shearing of base metal. The interlock is formed by jointly drawing the tubing, with the inside wall of the outer tube being already formed with grooves. The drawing causes the outer wall of the inner tube to form corrugations locking with the grooves. (author)

  6. Circumferential cracking of steam generator tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Karwoski, K.J.

    1997-04-01

    On April 28, 1995, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) issued Generic Letter (GL) 95-03, open-quote Circumferential Cracking of Steam Generator Tubes.close-quote GL 95-03 was issued to obtain information needed to verify licensee compliance with existing regulatory requirements regarding the integrity of steam generator tubes in domestic pressurized-water reactors (PWRs). This report briefly describes the design and function of domestic steam generators and summarizes the staff's assessment of the responses to GL 95-03. The report concludes with several observations related to steam generator operating experience. This report is intended to be representative of significant operating experience pertaining to circumferential cracking of steam generator tubes from April 1995 through December 1996. Operating experience prior to April 1995 is discussed throughout the report, as necessary, for completeness

  7. Minimize corrosion degradation of steam generator tube materials

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lu, Y.

    2006-01-01

    As part of a coordinated program, AECL is developing a set of tools to aid with the prediction and management of steam generator performance. Although stress corrosion cracking (of Alloy 800) has not been detected in any operating steam generator, for life management it is necessary to develop mechanistic models to predict the conditions under which stress corrosion cracking is plausible. Experimental data suggest that all steam generator tube materials are susceptible to corrosion degradation under some specific off-specification conditions. The tolerance to the chemistry upset for each steam generator tube alloy is different. Electrochemical corrosion behaviors of major steam generator tube alloys were studied under the plausible aggressive crevice chemistry conditions. The potential hazardous conditions leading to steam generator tube degradation and the conditions, which can minimize steam generator tube degradation have been determined. Recommended electrochemical corrosion potential/pH zones were defined for all major steam generator tube materials, including Alloys 600, 800, 690 and 400, under CANDU steam generator operating and startup conditions. Stress corrosion cracking tests and accelerated corrosion tests were carried out to verify and revise the recommended electrochemical corrosion potential/pH zones. Based on this information, utilities can prevent steam generator material degradation surprises by appropriate steam generator water chemistry management and increase the reliability of nuclear power generating stations. (author)

  8. Steam generator tube rupture effects on a LOCA

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    LaChance, J.L.

    1979-01-01

    A problem currently experienced in commercial operating pressurized water reactors (PWR) in the United States is the degradation of steam generator tubes. Safety questions have arisen concerning the effect of these degraded tubes rupturing during a postulated loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA). To determine the effect of a small number of tube ruptures on the behavior of a large PWR during a postulated LOCA, a series of computer simulations was performed. The primary concern of the study was to determine whether a small number (10 or less of steam generator tubes rupturing at the beginning surface temperatures. Additional reflood analyses were performed to determine the system behavior when from 10 to 60 tubes rupture at the beginning of core reflood. The FLOOD4 code was selected as being the most applicable code for use in this study after an extensive analysis of the capabilities of existing codes to perform simulations of a LOCA with concurrent steam generator tube ruptures. The results of the study indicate that the rupturing of 10 or less steam generator tubes in any of the steam generators during a 200% cold leg break will not result in a significant increase in the peak cladding temperature. However, because of the vaporization of the steam generator secondary water in the primary side of the steam generator, a significant increase in the core pressure occurs which retards the reflooding process

  9. PWR steam generator tubing sample library

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Anon.

    1987-01-01

    In order to compile the tubing sample library, two approaches were employed: (a) tubing sample replication by either chemical or mechanical means, based on field tube data and metallography reports for tubes already destructively examined; and (b) acquisition of field tubes removed from operating or retired steam generators. In addition, a unique mercury modeling concept is in use to guide the selection of replica samples. A compendium was compiled that summarizes field observations and morphologies of steam generator tube degradation types based on available NDE, destructive examinations, and field reports. This compendium was used in selecting candidate degradation types that were manufactured for inclusion in the tube library

  10. Steam generator tube fitness-for-service guidelines

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Gorman, J.A.; Harris, J.E.; Lowenstein, D.B.

    1995-07-01

    The objectives of this project were to characterize defect mechanisms which could affect the integrity of steam generator tubes, to review and critique state-of-the-art Canadian and international steam generator tube fitness-for-service criteria and guidelines, and to obtain recommendations for criteria that could be used to assess fitness-for service guidelines for steam generator tubes containing defects in Canadian power plant service. Degradation mechanisms, that could affect CANDU steam generator tubes in Canada, have been characterized. The design standards and safety criteria that apply to steam generator tubing in nuclear power plant service in Canada and in Belgium, France, Japan, Spain, Sweden, and the USA have been reviewed and described. The fitness-for-service guidelines used for a variety of specific defect types in Canada and internationally have been evaluated and described in detail in order to highlight the considerations involved in developing such defect specific guidelines. Existing procedures for defect assessment and disposition have been identified, including inspection and examination practices. The approaches used in Canada and in Belgium, France, Japan, Spain, Sweden, and the USA for fitness-for-service guidelines were compared and contrasted for a variety of defect mechanisms. The strengths and weaknesses of the various approaches have been assessed. The report presents recommendations on approaches that may be adopted in the development of fitness-for-service guidelines for use in the dispositioning of steam generator tubing defects in Canada. (author). 175 refs., 2 tabs., 28 figs

  11. Steam generator tube rupture (SGTR) scenarios

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Auvinen, A.; Jokiniemi, J.K.; Laehde, A.; Routamo, T.; Lundstroem, P.; Tuomisto, H.; Dienstbier, J.; Guentay, S.; Suckow, D.; Dehbi, A.; Slootman, M.; Herranz, L.; Peyres, V.; Polo, J.

    2005-01-01

    The steam generator tube rupture (SGTR) scenarios project was carried out in the EU 5th framework programme in the field of nuclear safety during years 2000-2002. The first objective of the project was to generate a comprehensive database on fission product retention in a steam generator. The second objective was to verify and develop predictive models to support accident management interventions in steam generator tube rupture sequences, which either directly lead to severe accident conditions or are induced by other sequences leading to severe accidents. The models developed for fission product retention were to be included in severe accident codes. In addition, it was shown that existing models for turbulent deposition, which is the dominating deposition mechanism in dry conditions and at high flow rates, contain large uncertainties. The results of the project are applicable to various pressurised water reactors, including vertical steam generators (western PWR) and horizontal steam generators (VVER)

  12. Wastage of Steam Generator Tubes by Sodium-Water Reaction

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Jeong, Ji Young; Kim, Jong Man; Kim, Tae Joon; Choi, Jong Hyeun; Kim, Byung Ho; Lee, Yong Bum; Park, Nam Cook

    2010-01-01

    The Korea Advanced LIquid MEtal Reactor (KALIMER) steam generator is a helical coil, vertically oriented, shell-and-tube type heat exchanger with fixed tube-sheet. The conceptual design and outline drawing of the steam generator are shown in Figure 1. Flow is counter-current, with sodium on the shell side and water/steam on the tube side. Sodium flow enters the steam generator through the upper inlet nozzles and then flows down through the tube bundle. Feedwater enters the steam generator through the feedwater nozzles at the bottom of steam generator. Therefore, if there is a hole or a crack in a heat transfer tube, a leakage of water/steam into the sodium may occur, resulting in a sodium-water reaction. When such a leak occurs, so-called 'wastage' is the result which may cause damage to or a failure of the adjacent tubes. If a steam generator is operated for some time in this condition, it is possible that it might create an intermediate leak state which would then give rise to the problems of a multi-target wastage in a very short time. Therefore, it is very important to predict these phenomena quantitatively from the view of designing a steam generator and its leak detection systems. For this, multi-target wastage tests for modified 9Cr-1Mo steel tube bundle by intermediate leaks are being prepared

  13. LMFBR steam generator development: duplex bayonet tube steam generator. Volume II

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    DeFur, D.D.

    1975-04-01

    This report represents the culmination of work performed in fulfillment of ERDA Contract AT(11-1)-2426, Task Agreement 2, in which alternate steam generator designs were developed and studied. The basic bayonet tube generator design previously developed by C-E under AEC Contract AT(11-1)-3031 was expanded by incorporating duplex heat transfer tubes to enhance the unit's overall safety and reliability. The effort consisted of providing and evaluating conceptual designs of the evaporator, superheater and reheater components for a large plant LMFBR steam generator (950 MWt per heat transport loop)

  14. Modeling and Simulation of U-tube Steam Generator

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhang, Mingming; Fu, Zhongguang; Li, Jinyao; Wang, Mingfei

    2018-03-01

    The U-tube natural circulation steam generator was mainly researched with modeling and simulation in this article. The research is based on simuworks system simulation software platform. By analyzing the structural characteristics and the operating principle of U-tube steam generator, there are 14 control volumes in the model, including primary side, secondary side, down channel and steam plenum, etc. The model depends completely on conservation laws, and it is applied to make some simulation tests. The results show that the model is capable of simulating properly the dynamic response of U-tube steam generator.

  15. Steam generator tube integrity program. Phase I report

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Alzheimer, J.M.; Clark, R.A.; Morris, C.J.; Vagins, M.

    1979-09-01

    The results are presented of the pressure tests performed as part of Phase I of the Steam Generator Tube Integrity (SGTI) program at Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratory. These tests were performed to establish margin-to-failure predictions for mechanically defected Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) steam generator tubing under operating and accident conditions. Defect geometries tested were selected because they simulate known or expected defects in PWR steam generators. These defect geometries are Electric Discharge Machining (EDM) slots, elliptical wastage, elliptical wastage plus through-wall slot, uniform thinning, denting, denting plus uniform thinning, and denting plus elliptical wastage. All defects were placed in tubing representative of that currently used in PWR steam generators

  16. Corrosion and Rupture of Steam Generator Tubings in PWRs

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Hwang, Seong Sik; Kim, Hong Pyo

    2007-08-15

    This report is intended to provide corrosion engineers in the filed of nuclear energy with information on the corrosion and rupture behavior of steam generator tubing in PWRs. Various types of corrosion in PWR steam generator tubing have been reported all around the world, and countermeasures such as the addition of corrosion inhibitors, a water chemistry control, a tube plugging and sleeving have been applied. Steam generators equipped with alloy 600 tubing, which are not so resistant to a stress corrosion cracking (SCC), have generally been replaced with new steam generators made of alloy 690 TT (Thermally treated). Pull tube examination results which were performed of KAERI are summarized. The tubes were affected by a pitting, SCC, and a denting. Nondestructive examination method for the tubes and repair techniques are also reviewed. In addition, the regulatory guidance of some countries are reviewed. As a part of a tube integrity project in Korea, some results on a tube rupture and leak behaviors for axial cracks are also mentioned.

  17. Corrosion and Rupture of Steam Generator Tubings in PWRs

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hwang, Seong Sik; Kim, Hong Pyo

    2007-08-01

    This report is intended to provide corrosion engineers in the filed of nuclear energy with information on the corrosion and rupture behavior of steam generator tubing in PWRs. Various types of corrosion in PWR steam generator tubing have been reported all around the world, and countermeasures such as the addition of corrosion inhibitors, a water chemistry control, a tube plugging and sleeving have been applied. Steam generators equipped with alloy 600 tubing, which are not so resistant to a stress corrosion cracking (SCC), have generally been replaced with new steam generators made of alloy 690 TT (Thermally treated). Pull tube examination results which were performed of KAERI are summarized. The tubes were affected by a pitting, SCC, and a denting. Nondestructive examination method for the tubes and repair techniques are also reviewed. In addition, the regulatory guidance of some countries are reviewed. As a part of a tube integrity project in Korea, some results on a tube rupture and leak behaviors for axial cracks are also mentioned

  18. Data analysis for steam generator tubing samples

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Dodd, C.V.

    1996-07-01

    The objective of the Improved Eddy-Current ISI for Steam Generators program is to upgrade and validate eddy-current inspections, including probes, instrumentation, and data processing techniques for inservice inspection of new, used, and repaired steam generator tubes; to improve defect detection, classification and characterization as affected by diameter and thickness variations, denting, probe wobble, tube sheet, tube supports, copper and sludge deposits, even when defect types and other variables occur in combination; to transfer this advanced technology to NRC's mobile NDE laboratory and staff. This report provides a description of the application of advanced eddy-current neural network analysis methods for the detection and evaluation of common steam generator tubing flaws including axial and circumferential outer-diameter stress-corrosion cracking and intergranular attack. The report describes the training of the neural networks on tubing samples with known defects and the subsequent evaluation results for unknown samples. Evaluations were done in the presence of artifacts. Computer programs are given in the appendix

  19. Status of steam generator tubing integrity at Jaslovske Bohunice NPP

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Cepcek, S.

    1997-01-01

    Steam generator represents one of the most important component of nuclear power plants. Especially, loss of tubing integrity of steam generators can lead to the primary coolant leak to secondary circuit and in worse cases to the unit shut down or to the PTS events occurrence. Therefore, to ensure the steam generator tubing integrity and the current knowledge about tube degradation propagation and development is of the highest importance. In this paper the present status of steam generator tubing integrity in operated NPP in Slovak Republic is presented

  20. Nuclear steam generator tube to tubesheet joint optimization

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    McGregor, Rod

    1999-01-01

    Industry-wide problems with Stress Corrosion Cracking in the Nuclear Steam Generator tube-to-tubesheet joint have led to costly repairs, plugging, and replacement of entire vessels. To improve corrosion resistance, new and replacement Steam Generator developments typically employ the hydraulic tube expansion process (full depth) to minimize tensile residual stresses and cold work at the critical transition zone between the expanded and unexpanded tube. These variables have undergone detailed study using specialized X-ray diffraction and analytical techniques. Responding to increased demands from Nuclear Steam Generator operators and manufacturers to credit the leak-tightness and strength contributions of the hydraulic expansion, various experimental tasks with complimentary analytical modelling were applied to improve understanding and control of tube to hole contact pressure. With careful consideration to residual stress impact, design for strength/leak tightness optimization addresses: Experimentally determined minimum contact pressure levels necessary to preclude incipient leakage into the tube/hole interface. The degradation of contact pressure at surrounding expansions caused by the sequential expansion process. The transient and permanent contact pressure variation associated with tubesheet hole dilation during Steam Generator operation. An experimental/analytical simulation has been developed to reproduce cyclic Steam Generator operating strains on the tubesheet and expanded joint. Leak tightness and pullout tests were performed during and following simulated Steam Generator operating transients. The overall development has provided a comprehensive understanding of the fabrication and in-service mechanics of hydraulically expanded joints. Based on this, the hydraulic expansion process can be optimized with respect to critical residual stress/cold work and the strength/leakage barrier criteria. (author)

  1. Fretting-wear characteristics of steam generator tubes contacting with foreign object

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Jo, Jong Chull; Jhung, Myung Jo; Kim, Woong Sik; Kim, Hho Jung

    2003-01-01

    Fretting-wear characteristics of steam generator tubes contacting with foreign object has been investigated in this study. The operating steam generator shell-side flow field conditions are obtained from three-dimensional steam generator flow calculation using a well-validated steam generator thermal-hydraulic analysis computer code. Modal analyses are performed for the finite element modelings of tubes to get the natural frequency, corresponding mode shape and participation factor. The wear rate of a steam generator tube caused by foreign object is calculated using the Archard formula and the remaining life of the tube is predicted. In addition, the effects of internal pressure and flow velocity on the remaining life of the tube are discussed in this paper

  2. Steam generator tube performance

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Tatone, O.S.; Pathania, R.S.

    1984-10-01

    A review of the performance of steam generator tubes in 116 water-cooled nuclear power reactors showed that tubes were plugged at 54 (46 percent) of the reactors. The number of tubes removed from service decreased from 4 692 (0.30 percent) in 1981 to 3 222 (0.20 percent) in 1982. The leading causes of tube failures were stress corrosion cracking from the primary side, stress corrosion cracking (or intergranular attack) from the secondary side and pitting corrosion. The lowest incidence of corrosion-induced defects from the secondary side occurred in reactors that have used only volatile treatment, with or without condensate demineralization

  3. Steam generator tube performance

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Tatone, O.S.; Tapping, R.L.; Stipan, L.

    1992-03-01

    A survey of steam generator operating experience for 1986 has been carried out for 184 pressurized water and pressurized heavy-water reactors, and 1 water-cooled, graphite-moderated reactor. Tubes were plugged at 75 of the reactors (40.5%). In 1986, 3737 tubes were plugged (0.14% of those in service) and 3148 tubes were repaired by sleeving. A small number of reactors accounted for the bulk of the plugged tubes, a phenomenon consistent with previous years. For 1986, the available tubesheet sludge data for 38 reactors has been compiled into tabular form, and sludge/deposit data will be incorporated into all future surveys

  4. Steam generator tube performance

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Tatone, O.S.; Pathania, R.S.

    1983-08-01

    A review of the performance of steam generator tubes in 110 water-cooled nuclear power reactors showed that tubes were plugged at 46 (42 percent) of the reactors. The number of tubes removed from service increased from 1900 (0.14 percent) in 1980 to 4692 (0.30 percent) in 1981. The leading causes of tube failures were stress corrosion cracking from the primary side, stress corrosion cracking (or intergranular attack) from the secondary side and pitting corrosion. The lowest incidence of corrosion-induced defects from the secondary side occurred in reactors that used all-volatile treatment since start-up. At one reactor a large number of degraded tubes were repaired by sleeving which is expected to become an important method of tube repair in the future

  5. Characteristics of U-tube assembly design for CANDU 6 type steam generators

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Park, Jun Su; Jeong, Seung Ha

    1996-06-01

    Since the first operation of nuclear steam generator early 1960s, its performance requirements have been met but the steam generator problems have been met but the steam generator problems have been major cause of reducing the operational reliability, plant safety and availability. U-tube assembly of steam generator forms the primary system pressure boundary of the plant and have experienced several types of tube degradation problems. Tube failure and leakage resulting from the degradation will cause radioactive contamination of secondary system by the primary coolant, and this may lead to unplanned plant outages and costly repair operations such as tube plugging or steam generator replacement. For the case of steam generators for heavy water reactors, e.g. Wolsong 2, 3, and 4 NPP, a high cost of heavy water will be imposed additionally. During the plant operation, steam generator tubes can potentially be subject to adverse environmental conditions which will cause damages to U-tube assembly. Types of the damage depend upon the combined effects of design factors, materials and chemical environment of steam generator, and they are the pure water stress corrosion cracking, intergranular attack, pitting, wastage, denting, fretting and fatigue, etc. In this report, a comprehensive review of major design factors of recirculating steam generators has been performed against the potential tube damages. Then the design characteristics of CANDU-type Wolsong steam generator were investigated in detail, including tube material, thermalhydraulic aspects, tube-to-tubesheet joint, tube supports, water chemistry and sludge management. 9 tabs., 18 figs., 38 refs. (Author) .new

  6. Safety significance of steam generator tube degradation mechanisms

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Roussel, G; Mignot, P [AIB-Vincotte Nuclear - AVN, Brussels (Belgium)

    1991-07-01

    Steam generator (SG) tube bundle is a part of the Reactor Coolant Pressure Boundary (RCPB): this means that its integrity must be maintained. However, operating experience shows various types of tube degradation to occur in the SG tubing, which may lead to SG tube leaks or SG tube ruptures and create a loss of primary system coolant through the SG, therefore providing a direct path to the environment outside the primary containment structure. In this paper, the major types of known SG tube degradations are described and analyzed in order to assess their safety significance with regard to SG tube integrity. In conclusion: The operational reliability and the safety of the PWR steam generator s requires a sufficient knowledge of the degradation mechanisms to determine the amount of degradation that a tube can withstand and the time that it may remain in operation. They also require the availability of inspection techniques to accurately detect and characterize the various degradations. The status of understanding of the major types of degradation summarized in this paper shows and justifies why efforts are being performed to improve the management of the steam generator tube defects.

  7. Automated Diagnosis and Classification of Steam Generator Tube Defects

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Garcia, Gabe V.

    2004-01-01

    A major cause of failure in nuclear steam generators is tube degradation. Tube defects are divided into seven categories, one of which is intergranular attack/stress corrosion cracking (IGA/SCC). Defects of this type usually begin on the outer surface of the tubes and propagate both inward and laterally. In many cases these defects occur at or near the tube support plates. Several different methods exist for the nondestructive evaluation of nuclear steam generator tubes for defect characterization

  8. Method to detect steam generator tube leakage

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Watabe, Kiyomi

    1994-01-01

    It is important for plant operation to detect minor leakages from the steam generator tube at an early stage, thus, leakage detection has been performed using a condenser air ejector gas monitor and a steam generator blow down monitor, etc. In this study highly-sensitive main steam line monitors have been developed in order to identify leakages in the steam generator more quickly and accurately. The performance of the monitors was verified and the demonstration test at the actual plant was conducted for their intended application to the plants. (author)

  9. Probabilistic methodology for assessing steam generator tube inspection - Phase II: CANTIA - a probabilistic method for assessing steam generator tube inspections

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Harris, J.E.; Gorman, J.A.; Turner, A.P.L.

    1997-03-01

    The objectives of this project were to develop a computer-based method for probabilistic assessment of inspection strategies for steam generator tubes, and to document the source code and to provide a user's manual for it. The program CANTIA was created to fulfill this objective, and the documentation and verification of the code is provided in this volume. The user's manual for CANTIA is provided as a separate report. CANTIA uses Monte Carlo techniques to determine approximate probabilities of steam generator tube failures under accident conditions and primary-to-secondary leak rates under normal and accident conditions at future points in time. The program also determines approximate future flaw distributions and non-destructive examination results from the input data. The probabilities of failure and leak rates and the future flaw distributions can be influenced by performing inspections of the steam generator tubes at some future points in time, and removing defective tubes from the population. The effect of different inspection and maintenance strategies can therefore be determined as a direct effect on the probability of tube failure and primary-to-secondary leak rate

  10. Evaluation on mechanical and corrosion properties of steam generator tubing materials

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kim, In Sup; Lee, Byong Whi; Lee, Sang Kyu; Lee, Young Ho; Kim, Jun Whan; Lee, Ju Seok; Kwon, Hyuk Sang; Kim, Su Jung

    1998-06-01

    Steam generator is one of the major components of nuclear reactor pressure boundary. It's main function os transferring heat which generated in the reactor to turbine generator through steam generator tube. In these days, steam generator tubing materials of operating plant are used Inconel 600 alloys. But according to the operation time, there are many degradation phenomena which included mechanical damage due to flow induced vibration and corrosion damage due to PWSCC, IGA/SCC and pitting etc. Recently Inconel 690 alloys are selected as new and replacement steam generator tubes for domestic nuclear power plant. But there are few study about mechanical and corrosion properties of Inconel 600 and 690. The objectives of this study is to evaluate and compare mechanical and corrosion propertied of steam generator tube materials

  11. Evaluation on mechanical and corrosion properties of steam generator tubing materials

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Kim, In Sup; Lee, Byong Whi; Lee, Sang Kyu; Lee, Young Ho; Kim, Jun Whan; Lee, Ju Seok; Kwon, Hyuk Sang; Kim, Su Jung [Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Taejon (Korea, Republic of)

    1998-06-15

    Steam generator is one of the major components of nuclear reactor pressure boundary. It's main function os transferring heat which generated in the reactor to turbine generator through steam generator tube. In these days, steam generator tubing materials of operating plant are used Inconel 600 alloys. But according to the operation time, there are many degradation phenomena which included mechanical damage due to flow induced vibration and corrosion damage due to PWSCC, IGA/SCC and pitting etc. Recently Inconel 690 alloys are selected as new and replacement steam generator tubes for domestic nuclear power plant. But there are few study about mechanical and corrosion properties of Inconel 600 and 690. The objectives of this study is to evaluate and compare mechanical and corrosion propertied of steam generator tube materials.

  12. Steam generator tube integrity program: Phase II, Final report

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Kurtz, R.J.; Bickford, R.L.; Clark, R.A.; Morris, C.J.; Simonen, F.A.; Wheeler, K.R.

    1988-08-01

    The Steam Generator Tube Integrity Program (SGTIP) was a three phase program conducted for the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) by Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL). The first phase involved burst and collapse testing of typical steam generator tubing with machined defects. The second phase of the SGTIP continued the integrity testing work of Phase I, but tube specimens were degraded by chemical means rather than machining methods. The third phase of the program used a removed-from-service steam generator as a test bed for investigating the reliability and effectiveness of in-service nondestructive eddy-current inspection methods and as a source of service degraded tubes for validating the Phase I and Phase II data on tube integrity. This report describes the results of Phase II of the SGTIP. The object of this effort included burst and collapse testing of chemically defected pressurized water reactor (PWR) steam generator tubing to validate empirical equations of remaining tube integrity developed during Phase I. Three types of defect geometries were investigated: stress corrosion cracking (SCC), uniform thinning and elliptical wastage. In addition, a review of the publicly available leak rate data for steam generator tubes with axial and circumferential SCC and a comparison with an analytical leak rate model is presented. Lastly, nondestructive eddy-current (EC) measurements to determine accuracy of defect depth sizing using conventional and alternate standards is described. To supplement the laboratory EC data and obtain an estimate of EC capability to detect and size SCC, a mini-round robin test utilizing several firms that routinely perform in-service inspections was conducted.

  13. Steam generator tube integrity program: Phase II, Final report

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kurtz, R.J.; Bickford, R.L.; Clark, R.A.; Morris, C.J.; Simonen, F.A.; Wheeler, K.R.

    1988-08-01

    The Steam Generator Tube Integrity Program (SGTIP) was a three phase program conducted for the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) by Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL). The first phase involved burst and collapse testing of typical steam generator tubing with machined defects. The second phase of the SGTIP continued the integrity testing work of Phase I, but tube specimens were degraded by chemical means rather than machining methods. The third phase of the program used a removed-from-service steam generator as a test bed for investigating the reliability and effectiveness of in-service nondestructive eddy-current inspection methods and as a source of service degraded tubes for validating the Phase I and Phase II data on tube integrity. This report describes the results of Phase II of the SGTIP. The object of this effort included burst and collapse testing of chemically defected pressurized water reactor (PWR) steam generator tubing to validate empirical equations of remaining tube integrity developed during Phase I. Three types of defect geometries were investigated: stress corrosion cracking (SCC), uniform thinning and elliptical wastage. In addition, a review of the publicly available leak rate data for steam generator tubes with axial and circumferential SCC and a comparison with an analytical leak rate model is presented. Lastly, nondestructive eddy-current (EC) measurements to determine accuracy of defect depth sizing using conventional and alternate standards is described. To supplement the laboratory EC data and obtain an estimate of EC capability to detect and size SCC, a mini-round robin test utilizing several firms that routinely perform in-service inspections was conducted

  14. Steam generator tube performance

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Tatone, O.S.; Pathania, R.S.

    1982-04-01

    The performance of steam generator tubes in water-cooled nuclear power reactors has been reviewed for 1980. Tube defects occurred at 38% of the 97 reactors surveyed. This is a marginal improvement over 1979 when defects occurred at 41% of the reactors. The number of failed tubes was also lower, 0.14% of the tubes in service in 1980 compared with 0.20% of those in service in 1979. Analysis of the causes of these failures indicates that stress corrosion cracking was the leading failure mechanism. Reactors that used all-volatile treatment of secondary water, with or without full-flow condensate demineralization since start-up showed the lowest incidence of corrosion-related defects

  15. Decontamination of Steam Generator tube using Abrasive Blasting Technology

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Min, B. Y.; Kim, G. N.; Choi, W. K.; Lee, K. W.; Kim, D. H.; Kim, K. H.; Kim, B. T.

    2010-01-01

    As a part of a technology development of volume reduction and self disposal for large metal waste project, We at KAERI and our Sunkwang Atomic Energy Safety (KAES) subcontractor colleagues are demonstrating radioactively contaminated steam generator tube by abrasive blasting technology at Kori-1 NPP. A steam generator is a crucial component in a PWR (pressurized Water Reactor). It is the crossing between the primary, contaminated, circuit and the secondary waste-steam circuit. The heat from the primary reactor coolant loop is transferred to the secondary side in thousands of small tubes. Due to several problems in the material of those tube, like SCC (Stress Corrosion Cracking), insufficient control in water chemistry, which can be cause of tube leakage, more and more steam generators are replaced today. Only in Korea, already 2 of them are replaced and will be replaced in the near future. The retired 300 ton heavy Steam generator was stored at the storage waste building of Kori NPP site. The steam generator waste has a large volume, so that it is necessary to reduce its volume by decontamination. A waste reduction effect can be obtained through decontamination of the inner surface of a steam generator. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an optimum method for decontamination of the inner surface of bundle tubes. The dry abrasive blasting is a very interesting technology for the realization of three-dimensional microstructures in brittle materials like glass or silicon. Dry abrasive blasting is applicable to most surface materials except those that might be shattered by the abrasive. It is most effective on flat surface and because the abrasive is sprayed and can also applicable on 'hard to reach' areas such as inner tube ceilings or behind equipment. Abrasive decontamination techniques have been applied in several countries, including Belgium, the CIS, France, Germany, Japan, the UK and the USA

  16. The residual stress evaluation for expansion process of steam generator tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    King, C.-S.; Lee, S.-C.; Shim, D.-N.

    2004-01-01

    The reliability of a nuclear power plant is affected by the reliability of steam generator tube and the reliability of steam generator tube is affected by stress corrosion cracking(SCC). Many steam generator tubes were experiencing stress corrosion cracking and stress corrosion cracking is affected material characteristics, corrosive environments and added stresses. The added stresses have the manufacturing stresses and operating stresses, the manufacturing stresses include the residual stresses generating in the tube manufacture and tube expanding procedure. We will investigate for influence which affected to residual stresses with tube plastic deformation method and measurement region. (author)

  17. Tube sheet design for PFBR steam generator

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Chellapandi, P.; Chetal, S.C.; Bhoje, S.B.

    1991-01-01

    Top and bottom tube sheets of PFBR Steam Generators have been analysed with 3D and axisymmetric models using CASTEM Programs. Analysis indicates that the effects of piping reactions at the inlet/outlet nozzles on the primary stresses in the tube sheets are negligible and the asymmetricity of the deformation pattern introduced in the tube sheet by the presence of inlet/outlet and manhole nozzles is insignificant. The minimum tube sheet thicknesses for evaporator and reheater are 135 mm and 75 mm respectively. Further analysis has indicated the minimum fillet radius at the junction of tube sheet and dished end should be 20 mm. Simplified methodology has been developed to arrive at the number of thermal baffles required to protect the tube sheet against fatigue damage due to thermal transient. This method has been applied to PFBR steam generators to determine the required number of thermal baffles. For protecting the bottom tube sheet of evaporator against the thermal shock due to feed water and secondary pump trip, one thermal shield is found to be sufficient. Further analysis is required to decide upon the actual number to take care of the severe thermal transient, following the event of sudden dumping of water/steam, immediately after the sodium-water reaction. (author)

  18. Maintenance and plugging technology for CANDU steam generator tubing

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Prince, J.; Nicholson, A.; Hare, J.; McGoey, L.; Stafford, T.; Gowthorpe, P.

    2006-01-01

    In order to keep aging steam generators in service and to successfully manage the life of these critical components, the capability must exist to perform tube plugging and other complex maintenance activities in-situ. In the early days of CANDU steam generator operation, the only option was to perform these activities manually, which had inherent safety and quality risks. The challenge was to be able to perform these activities remotely thus eliminating some of the confined space and radiological exposure risks. The additional challenge was to develop equipment and techniques which would result in significantly improved quality, particularly for the completed plug welds which would be returned to service. Over the past fifteen years, this technology has matured and has produced remarkable results in field application. Some 14000 tube plugs have been successfully installed to date using automated plugging techniques. This paper presents an overview of the development of techniques available to utilities for steam generator tube plugging as well as some highlights of other steam generator tube maintenance activities such as primary side tube removal and tube end damage repair. Aspects covered in the paper include plug and procedure development, automated equipment and manipulators for tool deployment, process controls and personnel requirements. Recently, the steam generator tube plugging performed by OPG has been incorporated into a formal quality program under the requirements of ASME NCA 4000. An overview of the quality program will be presented and details of some of the important aspects of the quality program will be discussed. (author)

  19. ANL/CANTIA code for steam generator tube integrity assessment

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Revankar, S.T.; Wolf, B.; Majumdar, S.; Riznic, J.R.

    2009-01-01

    Steam generator (SG) tubes have an important safety role in CANDU type reactors and Pressurized Water Reactors (PWR) because they constitute one of the primary barriers between the radioactive and non-radioactive sides of the nuclear plant. The SG tubes are susceptible to corrosion and damage. A failure of a single steam generator tube, or even a few tubes, would not be a serious safety-related event in a CANDU reactor. The leakage from a ruptured tube is within makeup capacity of the primary heat transport system, so that as long as the operator takes the correct actions, the off-site consequences will be negligible. A sufficient safety margin against tube rupture used to be the basis for a variety of maintenance strategies developed to maintain a suitable level of plant safety and reliability. Several through-wall flaws may remain in operation and potentially contribute to the total primary-to-secondary leak rate. Assessment of the conditional probabilities of tube failures, leak rates, and ultimately risk of exceeding licensing dose limits has been used for steam generator tube fitness-for-service assessment. The advantage of this type of analysis is that it avoids the excessive conservatism typically present in deterministic methodologies. However, it requires considerable effort and expense to develop all of the failure, leakage, probability of detection, and flaw growth distributions and models necessary to obtain meaningful results from a probabilistic model. The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) recently developed the CANTIA methodology for probabilistic assessment of inspection strategies for steam generator tubes as a direct effect on the probability of tube failure and primary-to-secondary leak rate Recently Argonne National Laboratory has developed tube integrity and leak rate models under Integrated Steam Generator Tube Integrity Program (ISGTIP-2). These models have been incorporated in the ANL/CANTIA code. This paper presents the ANL

  20. Considerations in selecting tubing materials for CANDU steam generators

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hemmings, R.L.

    1978-01-01

    Corrosion resistance is the major consideration in selecting tubing material for CANDU steam generators. Corrosion, and additional considerations, lead to the following steam generator tubing material recommendations: for CANDU-BPHWR's (boiling pressurized heavy water reactors) low-cobalt Incoloy-800; for CANDU-PHWR's (pressurized, non-boiling, heavy water reactors), low-cobalt Monel-400

  1. Steam generator tube rupture simulation using extended finite element method

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Mohanty, Subhasish, E-mail: smohanty@anl.gov; Majumdar, Saurin; Natesan, Ken

    2016-08-15

    Highlights: • Extended finite element method used for modeling the steam generator tube rupture. • Crack propagation is modeled in an arbitrary solution dependent path. • The FE model is used for estimating the rupture pressure of steam generator tubes. • Crack coalescence modeling is also demonstrated. • The method can be used for crack modeling of tubes under severe accident condition. - Abstract: A steam generator (SG) is an important component of any pressurized water reactor. Steam generator tubes represent a primary pressure boundary whose integrity is vital to the safe operation of the reactor. SG tubes may rupture due to propagation of a crack created by mechanisms such as stress corrosion cracking, fatigue, etc. It is thus important to estimate the rupture pressures of cracked tubes for structural integrity evaluation of SGs. The objective of the present paper is to demonstrate the use of extended finite element method capability of commercially available ABAQUS software, to model SG tubes with preexisting flaws and to estimate their rupture pressures. For the purpose, elastic–plastic finite element models were developed for different SG tubes made from Alloy 600 material. The simulation results were compared with experimental results available from the steam generator tube integrity program (SGTIP) sponsored by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and conducted at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL). A reasonable correlation was found between extended finite element model results and experimental results.

  2. Steam generator tube rupture simulation using extended finite element method

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Mohanty, Subhasish; Majumdar, Saurin; Natesan, Ken

    2016-01-01

    Highlights: • Extended finite element method used for modeling the steam generator tube rupture. • Crack propagation is modeled in an arbitrary solution dependent path. • The FE model is used for estimating the rupture pressure of steam generator tubes. • Crack coalescence modeling is also demonstrated. • The method can be used for crack modeling of tubes under severe accident condition. - Abstract: A steam generator (SG) is an important component of any pressurized water reactor. Steam generator tubes represent a primary pressure boundary whose integrity is vital to the safe operation of the reactor. SG tubes may rupture due to propagation of a crack created by mechanisms such as stress corrosion cracking, fatigue, etc. It is thus important to estimate the rupture pressures of cracked tubes for structural integrity evaluation of SGs. The objective of the present paper is to demonstrate the use of extended finite element method capability of commercially available ABAQUS software, to model SG tubes with preexisting flaws and to estimate their rupture pressures. For the purpose, elastic–plastic finite element models were developed for different SG tubes made from Alloy 600 material. The simulation results were compared with experimental results available from the steam generator tube integrity program (SGTIP) sponsored by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and conducted at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL). A reasonable correlation was found between extended finite element model results and experimental results.

  3. Set-up for steam generator tube bundle washing after explosion expanding the tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Osipov, S.I.; Kal'nin, A.Ya.; Mazanenko, M.F.

    1985-01-01

    Set-up for steam generator tube bundle washing after the explosion expanding of tubes is described. Washing is accomplished by distillate. Steam is added to distillate for heating, and compersed air for preventing hydraulic shock. The set-up is equiped by control equipment. Set-up performances are presented. Time for one steam generator washing constitutes 8-12 h. High economic efficiency is realized due to the set-up introduction

  4. Dryout in sodium-heated helically-coiled steam generator tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Tomita, Y.; Kosugi, T.; Kubota, J.; Nakajima, K.; Tsuchiya, T.

    1984-01-01

    Experimental research on the dryout phenomenon in sodium heated, helically coiled steam generator tubes was carried out. The fluctuation of the tube wall temperature caused by dryout was measured with thermocouples installed in the center of the tube wall. Empirical correlations of dryout quality were developed as functions of critical heat flux, water mass velocity and saturation pressure. These correlations confirmed that the design criterion of the MONJU steam generator was reasonable. (author)

  5. Research perspectives on the evaluation of steam generator tube integrity

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Muscara, J.; Diercks, D. R.; Majumdar, S.; Kupperman, D. S.; Bakhtiari, S.; Shack, W. J.

    2001-01-01

    Industry effects have been largely successful in managing degradation of steam generator tubes due to wastage, pitting, and denting, but fretting, SCC and intergranular attack have proved more difficult to manage. Although steam generator replacements are proceeding there is substantial industry interest in operating with degraded steam generators, and significant numbers of plants will continue to do so. In most cases degradation of steam generator tubing by stress corrosion cracking is still managed by plug or repair on detection, because current NDE techniques for characterization of flaws are not accurate enough to permit continued operation. This paper reviews some of the historical background that underlies current steam generator degradation management strategies and outlines some of the additional research that must be done to provide more effective management of degradation in current generators and provide greater assurance of satisfactory performance in replacement steam generators

  6. Fracture toughness determination in steam generator tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Bergant M; Yawny, A; Perez Ipina, J

    2012-01-01

    The assessment of the structural integrity of steam generator tubes in nuclear power plants deserved increasing attention in the last years due to the negative impact related to their failures. In this context, elastic plastic fracture mechanics (EPFM) methodology appears as a potential tool for the analysis. The application of EPFM requires, necessarily, knowledge of two aspects, i.e., the driving force estimation in terms of an elastic plastic toughness parameter (e.g., J) and the experimental measurement of the fracture toughness of the material (e.g., the material J-resistance curve). The present work describes the development of a non standardized experimental technique aimed to determine J-resistance curves for steam generator tubes with circumferential through wall cracks. The tubes were made of Incoloy 800 (Ni: 30.0-35.0; Cr: 19.0-23.0; Fe: 35.5 min, % in weight). Due to its austenitic microstructure, this alloy shows very high toughness and is widely used in applications where a good corrosion resistance in aqueous environment or an excellent oxidation resistance in high temperature environment is required. Finally, a procedure for the structural integrity analysis of steam generator tubes with crack-like defects, based on a FAD diagram (Failure Assessment Diagram), is briefly described (author)

  7. Steam generator tubing development for commercial fast breeder reactors

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Sessions, C.E.; Uber, C.F.

    1981-01-01

    The development work to design, manufacture, and evaluate pre-stressed double-wall 2/one quarter/ Cr-1 Mo steel tubing for commercial fast breeder reactor steam generator application is discussed. The Westinghouse plan for qualifying tubing vendors to produce this tubing is described. The results achieved to date show that a long length pre-stressed double-wall tube is both feasible and commercially available. The evaluation included structural analysis and experimental measurement of the pre-stress within tubes, as well as dimensional, metallurgical, and interface wear tests of tube samples produced. This work is summarized and found to meet the steam generator design requirements. 10 refs

  8. Estimating probable flaw distributions in PWR steam generator tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Gorman, J.A.; Turner, A.P.L.

    1997-01-01

    This paper describes methods for estimating the number and size distributions of flaws of various types in PWR steam generator tubes. These estimates are needed when calculating the probable primary to secondary leakage through steam generator tubes under postulated accidents such as severe core accidents and steam line breaks. The paper describes methods for two types of predictions: (1) the numbers of tubes with detectable flaws of various types as a function of time, and (2) the distributions in size of these flaws. Results are provided for hypothetical severely affected, moderately affected and lightly affected units. Discussion is provided regarding uncertainties and assumptions in the data and analyses

  9. In service inspection for steam generator tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Comby, R.; Eyrolles, Ph.

    1988-01-01

    In this paper the authors show the means putting in place for examination of steam generators tubes. These means (eddy current probes, ultrasonic testing) associated with a knowledge on degradation phenomena allow mapping controlled tubes and limiting undesirable obturations [fr

  10. Assesment of integrity of WWER steam generator tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Splichal, K.; Brozova, A.; Zdarek, J.

    1992-01-01

    Full text: The leak rates measurement project was held to give experimental data enabling the Czechoslovak Atomic Agency Inspection to decree the change in the Technical Specification allowable limit of steam generator activity release on secondary side. The WWER types of nuclear power plants in Czechoslovakia have horizontal steam generators. The tubes studying in frame of the project belong to steam generator WWER- 440 type, the diameter of tube is 16 mm, the wall thickness 1.4 mm. The subject of the project was the measurement of service leak rates of typical in service cracks. Secondary side stress corrosion cracks were determined as the typical crack created in service condition. These cracks were prepared in tubes artificially by exposition in chloride environment accompanied by an internal stress. The experimental device consisted of a pressure vessel connected with pressure water loop, a cooling vessel for leakage medium and a measuring vessel. The leak rates were determined as a slope of plots the leakage volume - time. Inside the pressure vessel the steam generator operation environment was simulated. It means: primary side of tube 12.5 MPa, Z90 deg. C, secondary side -4.6MPa, 250 deg. C, water service quality. We observed reduce of leak rate in course of time in each experiment. We suppose the tubes were stopped up by deposits formed in manufacturing of crack and in experiment. Our opinion has been proved by fractography. Project results in recommendation for in service leak rate limit based on safety factors with respect to critical crack lengths and for determination of tube plugging criteria. (author)

  11. Integrity Analysis of Damaged Steam Generator Tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Stanic, D.

    1998-01-01

    Variety of degradation mechanisms affecting steam generator tubes makes steam generators as one of the critical components in the nuclear power plants. Depending of their nature, degradation mechanisms cause different types of damages. It requires performance of extensive integrity analysis in order to access various conditions of crack behavior under operating and accidental conditions. Development and application of advanced eddy current techniques for steam generator examination provide good characterization of found damages. Damage characteristics (shape, orientation and dimensions) may be defined and used for further evaluation of damage influence on tube integrity. In comparison with experimental and analytical methods, numerical methods are also efficient tools for integrity assessment. Application of finite element methods provides relatively simple modeling of different type of damages and simulation of various operating conditions. The stress and strain analysis may be performed for elastic and elasto-plastic state with good ability for visual presentation of results. Furthermore, the fracture mechanics parameters may be calculated. Results obtained by numerical analysis supplemented with experimental results are the base for definition of alternative plugging criteria which may significantly reduce the number of plugged tubes. (author)

  12. Extending service life of steam generators by sleeving tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Gutzwiller, J.E.

    1982-01-01

    Steam generator tubes that are failing due to IGA in the tubesheet crevice can be kept in service by using the basic sealable sleeve design developed by BandW. Variations of the present sleeve design could significantly reduce the number of tubes that must be plugged each year. Sleeving had the potential of keeping 28 percent more tubes in service during 1979. Lowering the overall rate at which tubes are removed from service by plugging will reduce the probability of having to derate the plant or replace the steam generator. Considering tomorrow's replacement power costs, sleeving to keep tubes in service is a practical and sound investment

  13. Analysis of induced steam generator tube rupture using MAAP 4.0

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kenton, M.; Epstein, M.; Henry, R.E.; Paik, C.; Fuller, E.

    1996-01-01

    The nuclear industry has initiated a program of Steam Generator Degradation Specific Management (SGDSM) to cope with the various types of corrosion that have been observed in pressurized water reactor (PWR) steam generators. In parallel, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is promulgating revised rules on steam generator tube integrity. To support these efforts, the Electric Power Research Institute has sponsored calculations with the MAAP 4 code. The principal objective of these calculations is to estimate the peak temperatures experienced by the steam generator tubes during high-pressure severe accidents. These results are used to evaluate the potential for degraded tubes to leak or rupture. Attention was focused on station blackout (SBO) accidents with loss of turbine-driven auxiliary feedwater because these generally result in the greatest threat to the tubes

  14. Inspection and repair of steam generator tubing with a robot

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Boehm, H.H.; Foerch, H.

    1985-01-01

    During inspection and repair of steam generator tubing, radiation exposure to personnel is an unrequested endowment. To combat this intrinsic handicap, a robot has been designed for deployment in all operations inside the steam generator water chamber. This measure drastically reduces entering time and also improves inspection capabilities with regard to the accuracy and reproduction of the desired tube address. The inherent flexibility of the robot allows for performing various inspection and repair techniques: eddy-current testing of tubing; ultrasonic testing of tubing; visual examination of tube ends; profilometry measurements; tube plugging; plug removal; tube extraction; sleeving of tubes; tube end repair; chemical cleaning; and thermal treatment. Plant experience has highlighted the following features of the robot: 1) short installation and demounting periods; 2) installation independent of manhole location; 3) installation possible from outside the steam generator; 4) only one relocation required to address all the tube positions; 5) fast and highly accurate positioning; 6) operational surveillance not required; and 7) drastic reduction of radiation exposure to personnel during repair work

  15. Wolsong 3 and 4 steam generator tube inspection

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Jang, Kyoung Sik; Son, Tai Bong; Kwon, Dong Ki; Choi, Jin Hyuk

    2001-01-01

    During the pre-service inspection for Wolsong unit 3 and 4 in 1997/1998 respectively, 17 distorted roll transition indications (over expanded beyond tubesheet secondary face) were identified at the unit 4 (S/G B, D). Six(6) tubes out of these tubes were plugged in 1998. However the first periodic inspection identified additional 110 indications in 1999 and 2000. The additionally identified 110 indication call, not reported at the pre-service inspection, are; 2 not-finally-expanded-tubes and 108 distorted roll transition tubes. Design limit of each steam generator tube plugging is 6.4.%. Plugging was performed by the steam generator manufacturer under the warranty. When distorted roll transition indications were first identified on the unit 4 in 1998 the degree of over-expansion was measured using an inner dial-gage to make the disposition of nonconformance report. 2 Not-finally-expanded-tubes were plugged and 10 tubes out of 108 distorted roll transition tubes were also plugged as a preventive measure

  16. Reliability of eddy current examination of steam generator tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Birks, A.S.; Ferris, R.H.; Doctor, P.G.; Clark, R.A.; Spanner, G.E.

    1985-04-01

    A unique study of nondestructive examination reliability is underway at the Pacific Northwest Laboratory under US Nuclear Regulatory Commission sponsorship. Project participants include the Electric Power Research Institute and consortiums from France, Italy, and Japan. This study group has conducted a series of NDE examinations of tubes from a retired-from-service steam generator, using commercially available multifrequency eddy current equipment and ASME procedures. The examination results have been analyzed to identify factors contributing to variations in NDE inspection findings. The reliability of these examinations will then be validated by destructive analyses of the steam generator tubes. The program is expected to contribute to development of a model for steam generator inservice inspection sampling plans and inspection periods, as well as to improved regulatory guidelines for tube plugging

  17. Strategy for assessment of WWER steam generator tube integrity. Report prepared within the framework of the coordinated research project on verification of WWER steam generator tube integrity

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    2007-12-01

    Steam generator heat exchanger tube degradations happen in WWER Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). The situation varies from country to country and from NPP to NPP. More severe degradation is observed in WWER-1000 NPPs than in case of WWER-440s. The reasons for these differences could be, among others, differences in heat exchanger tube material (chemical composition, microstructure, residual stresses), in thermal and mechanical loadings, as well as differences in water chemistry. However, WWER steam generators had not been designed for eddy current testing which is the usual testing method in steam generators of western PWRs. Moreover, their supplier provided neither adequate methodology and criteria nor equipment for planning and implementing In-Service Inspection (ISI). Consequently, WWER steam generator ISI infrastructure was established with delay. Even today, there are still big differences in the eddy current inspection strategy and practice as well as in the approach to steam generator heat exchanger tube structural integrity assessment (plugging criteria for defective tubes vary from 40 to 90% wall thickness degradation). Recognizing this situation, the WWER operating countries expressed their need for a joint effort to develop methodology to establish reasonable commonly accepted integrity assessment criteria for the heat exchanger tubes. The IAEA's programme related to steam generator life management is embedded into the systematic activity of its Technical Working Group on Life Management of Nuclear Power Plants (TWG-LMNPP). Under the advice of the TWG-LMNPP, an IAEA coordinated research project (CRP) on Verification of WWER Steam Generator Tube Integrity was launched in 2001. It was completed in 2005. Thirteen organizations involved in in-service inspection of steam generators in WWER operating countries participated: Croatia, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Hungary, Russian Federation, Slovakia, Spain, Ukraine, and the USA. The overall objective was to

  18. Implementation status of performance demonstration program for steam generator tubing analysts in Korea

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Cho, Chan Hee; Lee, Hee Jong; Yoo, Hyun Ju; Nam, Min Woo; Hong, Sung Yull

    2013-01-01

    Some essential components in nuclear power plants are periodically inspected using non destructive examinations, for example ultrasonic, eddy current and radiographic examinations, in order to determine their integrity. These components include nuclear power plant items such as vessels, containments, piping systems, pumps, valves, tubes and core support structure. Steam generator tubes have an important safety role because they constitute one of the primary barriers between the radioactive and non radioactive sides of the nuclear power plant. There is potential that if a tube bursts while a plant is operating, radioactivity from the primary coolant system could escape directly to the atmosphere. Therefore, in service inspections are critical in maintaining steam generator tube integrity. In general, the eddy current testing is widely used for the inspection of steam generator tubes due tube integrity. In general, the eddy current testing is widely used for the inspection of steam generator tubes due to its high inspection speed and flaw detectability on non magnetic tubes. However, it is not easy to analyze correctly eddy current signals because they are influenced by many factors. Therefore, the performance of eddy current data analysts for steam generator tubing should be demonstrated comprehensively. In Korea, the performance of steam generator tubing analysts has been demonstrated using the Qualified Data Analyst program. This paper describes the performance demonstration program for steam generator tubing analysts and its implementation results in Korea. The pass rate of domestic analysts for this program was 71.4%

  19. Implementation status of performance demonstration program for steam generator tubing analysts in Korea

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Cho, Chan Hee; Lee, Hee Jong; Yoo, Hyun Ju; Nam, Min Woo [KHNP Central Research Institute, Daejeon (Korea, Republic of); Hong, Sung Yull [Yeungnam Univ., Gyeongsan (Korea, Republic of)

    2013-02-15

    Some essential components in nuclear power plants are periodically inspected using non destructive examinations, for example ultrasonic, eddy current and radiographic examinations, in order to determine their integrity. These components include nuclear power plant items such as vessels, containments, piping systems, pumps, valves, tubes and core support structure. Steam generator tubes have an important safety role because they constitute one of the primary barriers between the radioactive and non radioactive sides of the nuclear power plant. There is potential that if a tube bursts while a plant is operating, radioactivity from the primary coolant system could escape directly to the atmosphere. Therefore, in service inspections are critical in maintaining steam generator tube integrity. In general, the eddy current testing is widely used for the inspection of steam generator tubes due tube integrity. In general, the eddy current testing is widely used for the inspection of steam generator tubes due to its high inspection speed and flaw detectability on non magnetic tubes. However, it is not easy to analyze correctly eddy current signals because they are influenced by many factors. Therefore, the performance of eddy current data analysts for steam generator tubing should be demonstrated comprehensively. In Korea, the performance of steam generator tubing analysts has been demonstrated using the Qualified Data Analyst program. This paper describes the performance demonstration program for steam generator tubing analysts and its implementation results in Korea. The pass rate of domestic analysts for this program was 71.4%.

  20. WWER steam generator tube structural and leakage integrity

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Splichal, K.; Krhounek, Vl.; Otruba, J.; Ruscak, M.

    1998-01-01

    The integrity of heat exchange tubes may influence the lifetime of WWER steam generators and appears to be an important criterion for the evaluation of their safety and operational reliability. The basic requirements are to assure very low probability of radioactive water leakage, preventing unstable crack growth and sudden tube rupture. These requirements led to development of permissible limits for primary to secondary leak evaluation and heat exchange tubes plugging. The stress corrosion cracking and pitting are the main corrosion damages of WWER heat exchange tubes and are initiated from the outer surface. Both the initiation and crack growth cause thinning of the tube wall and lead to part thickness cracks and through wall cracks, oriented preferentially in the axial direction. The paper presents the leakage and plugging limits for WWER steam generators, which have been determined from leak tests and burst tests. The tubes with axial part-through and through-wall defects have been used. The permissible value of primary to secondary leak rate was evaluated with respect to permissible axial through-wall defect size of WWER 440 and 1000 steam generator tubes. Blocking of the tube cracks by corrosion product particles and other compounds reduces the primary to secondary leak rate. The plugging limits involve the following factors: permissible tube wall thickness which determine further operation of the tubes with defects and assures their integrity under operating conditions and permissible size of a through-wall crack which is sufficiently stable under normal and accident conditions in relation to the critical crack length. For the evaluation of burst test of heat exchange tubes with longitudinal through-wall defects the instability criterion has been used and the dependence of the normalised burst pressure on the normalised length of an axial through-wall defect has been determined. The validity of the criterion of instability for WWER tubes with through

  1. Failure of fretted steam generator tubes under accident conditions

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Forrest, C.F.

    1996-10-01

    Tests were carried out with a bank of tubes in a water tunnel to determine the tolerance of flawed nuclear reactor steam generator tubes to accident conditions which would result in high cross-flow velocities. Fourteen specimen tubes were tested, each having one or two types of defect machined into the surface simulating fretting-wear type scars found in some operating steam generators. The tubes were tested at flow velocities sufficient to induce high fluid elastic-type vibrations. Seven of the tubes failed near the thinnest section of the defects during the one-hour tests, due to impacting and/or rubbing between the tube and the support. Strain gauges, displacement transducers, force gauges and an accelerometer were used on the target tube and/or the tube immediately downstream of it to measure their vibrational characteristics

  2. Analysis of steam generator tube sections removed from Gentilly-2 nuclear generating station

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Semmler, J.; Lockley, A.J.; Doyon, D.

    2010-01-01

    In order to meet the requirements of CSA Standards CAN/CSA N285.4-94, which states, 'A section of one tube in a deposit region shall be removed from one steam generator for metallurgical examination', Gentilly-2 has been removing steam generator tube sections on a regular basis for analysis at Chalk River Laboratories. In 2009 April, sections from the hot leg and the cold leg of a steam generator tube were removed for detailed metallographic examination and characterization. The hot leg tube section covered the area from within the tube sheet up to below the second support plate, and the cold leg tube section covered the area from within the tube sheet to below the third preheater support plate. After a general visual and photographic examination, the area above the tube sheet on the hot leg side where the sludge pile is highest was examined in detail. Visual and macro-photography of the two tube sections within the tube sheet were also examined. Additional metallographic and surface examinations of both tube inner diameter and tube outer diameter, and surface roughness measurements of tube inner diameter were also completed. The surface activities (μCi/cm 2 ) of cold leg and hot leg specimens were measured before and after electrolytic descaling, and major and minor radionuclides were identified; a comparison of the surface activities for hot leg with the values for the cold leg were made. The results from the initial γ-spectroscopy measurements, and the measurements after the descaling of the specimens were used to estimate decontamination factors for each specimen and for each radionuclide. The tube specimens had thin outer diameter oxides; all four steam generators were chemically cleaned in 2005. All specimens had inner diameter deposits; the inner diameter deposits on the cold leg were heavier than those on the hot leg as expected. Primary side oxide loadings of specimens were used to estimate the total oxide inventory in 2009. The oxide

  3. Analysis of tube vibrations in D-4 steam generator

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Mavko, B.; Peterlin, G.; Boltezar, M.

    1983-01-01

    Accelerometer data for the most exposed tube in steam generator D-4 were recorded on magnetic tape. Procedures for calculations of the most characteristic parameters were prepared for spectral analyzer on SD 360. Parameters which most satisfactorily describe the vibrations are power spectral densities peak to peak acceleration volume and root mean square displacement. Computer program was written to calculate the natural frequencies of a multispaned tube. Procedures and the computer program will be used for independent analysis of tube vibrations in Krsko D-4 type steam generator. (author)

  4. Steam generator tube integrity requirements and operating experience in the United States

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Karwoski, K.J.

    2009-01-01

    Steam generator tube integrity is important to the safe operation of pressurized-water reactors. For ensuring tube integrity, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission uses a regulatory framework that is largely performance based. This performance-based framework is supplemented with some prescriptive requirements. The framework recognizes that there are three combinations of tube materials and heat treatments currently used in the United States and that the operating experience depends, in part, on the type of material used. This paper summarizes the regulatory framework for ensuring steam generator tube integrity, it highlights the current status of steam generators, and it highlights some of the steam generator issues and challenges that exist in the United States. (author)

  5. Fretting wear damage of steam generator tubes and its prediction modeling

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Che Honglong; Lei Mingkai

    2013-01-01

    The steam generator is the key equipment used for the energy transition in nuclear power plant. Since the high-temperature and high-pressure fluid flows with high speed, the steam generator tubes will be excited and vibrate, leading to the tremendous fretting wear problem on the tubes, sometimes even leading to tube cracking. This paper introduces typical fretting wear cases, the result of corresponding simulation wear experiment and damage mechanism which combining mechanical wear and erosion-corrosion. Work rate model could give a reasonable life prediction about the steam generator tube, and this predictive model has been used in nuclear power plant safety assessment. (authors)

  6. Failures of fine tubes of steam generators and the essential defects

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kawano, Shinji; Ebisawa, Toru; Sato, Susumu.

    1976-01-01

    Light water reactors were sold to Japan as their economy and safety have been established, but the average availability of 11 reactors in Japan during 7 year operation is only 53%, and it is being proved that there are questions in the safety and economy. In this report, the failures of fine tubes of steam generators are discussed from the standpoint of the corrosion of materials. First, the functions and construction of the fine tubes of steam generators in PWRs are explained. The failures of the fine tubes of steam generators became frequent since the beginning of 1970s as large capacity nuclear power stations have started the operation. When the fine tubes are pierced with holes during operation and the radioactivity in primary coolant leaks into secondary coolant, it is detected with radioactivity monitors. In order to find out the broken tubes, eddy current flaw detectors are used, and the tubes on which flaws were detected we plugged by explosion welding. In these works, many manual operations are included, and the radiation exposure of workers and the difficulties in the operations are the problems. The cases of the tube failures in Japan and foreign countries, the causes and the countermeasures are described. Chemical corrosion, thermal stress cycle, shaving off due to eddy flow, and stress corrosion are the probable causes. The safety of steam generators is essentially in extremely poor state. The seriousness of the tube failures in steam generators is emphasized. (Kako, I.)

  7. Steam Generator Tube Integrity Program: Surry Steam Generator Project, Hanford site, Richland, Benton County, Washington: Environmental assessment

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    1980-03-01

    The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has placed a Nuclear Regulatory Research Order with the Richland Operations Office of the US Department of Energy (DOE) for expanded investigations at the DOE Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL) related to defective pressurized water reactor (PWR) steam generator tubing. This program, the Steam Generator Tube Integrity (SGTI) program, is sponsored by the Metallurgy and Materials Research Branch of the NRC Division of Reactor Safety Research. This research and testing program includes an additional task requiring extensive investigation of a degraded, out-of-service steam generator from a commercial nuclear power plant. This comprehensive testing program on an out-of-service generator will provide NRC with timely and valuable information related to pressurized water reactor primary system integrity and degradation with time. This report presents the environmental assessment of the removal, transport, and testing of the steam generator along with decontamination/decommissioning plans

  8. A Study on the Profile Change Measurement of Steam Generator Tubes with Tube Expansion Methods

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kim, Young Kyu; Song Myung Ho; Choi, Myung Sik

    2011-01-01

    Steam generator tubes for nuclear power plants contain the local shape transitions on their inner or outer surface such as dent, bulge, over-expansion, eccentricity, deflection, and so on by the application of physical force during the tube manufacturing and steam generator assembling and by the sludge (that is, corrosion products) produced during the plant operation. The structural integrity of tubes will be degraded by generating the corrosive crack at that location. The profilometry using the traditional bobbin probes which are currently applied for measuring the profile change of tubes gives us basic information such as axial locations and average magnitudes of deformations. However, the three-dimensional quantitative evaluation on circumferential locations, distributional angle, and size of deformations will have to be conducted to understand the effects of residual stresses increased by local deformations on corrosive cracking of tubes. Steam generator tubes of Korean standard nuclear power plants expanded within their tube-sheets by the explosive expansion method and suffered from corrosive cracks in the early stage of power operation. Thus, local deformations of steam generator tubes at the top of tube-sheet were measured with an advanced rotating probe and a laser profiling system for the two cases where the tubes expanded by the explosive expansion method and hydraulic expansion. Also, the trends of eccentricity, deflection, and over-expansion of tubes were evaluated. The advanced eddy current profilometry was confirmed to provide accurate information of local deformations compared with laser profilometry

  9. Failure Pressure Estimates of Steam Generator Tubes Containing Wear-type Defects

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Yoon-Suk Chang; Jong-Min Kim; Nam-Su Huh; Young-Jin Kim; Seong Sik Hwang; Joung-Soo Kim

    2006-01-01

    It is commonly requested that steam generator tubes with defects exceeding 40% of wall thickness in depth should be plugged to sustain all postulated loads with appropriate margin. The critical defect dimensions have been determined based on the concept of plastic instability. This criterion, however, is known to be too conservative for some locations and types of defects. In this context, the accurate failure estimation for steam generator tubes with a defect draws increasing attention. Although several guidelines have been developed and are used for assessing the integrity of defected tubes, most of these guidelines are related to stress corrosion cracking or wall-thinning phenomena. As some of steam generator tubes are also failed due to fretting and so on, alternative failure estimation schemes for relevant defects are required. In this paper, three-dimensional finite element (FE) analyses are carried out under internal pressure condition to simulate the failure behavior of steam generator tubes with different defect configurations; elliptical wastage type, wear scar type and rectangular wastage type defects. Maximum pressures based on material strengths are obtained from more than a hundred FE results to predict the failure of the steam generator tube. After investigating the effect of key parameters such as wastage depth, wastage length and wrap angle, simplified failure estimation equations are proposed in relation to the equivalent stress at the deepest point in wastage region. Comparison of failure pressures predicted according to the proposed estimation scheme with some corresponding burst test data shows good agreement, which provides a confidence in the use of the proposed equations to assess the integrity of steam generator tubes with wear-type defects. (authors)

  10. WWER Steam Generators Tubing Performance and Aging Management

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Trunov, Nikolay B.; Davidenko, Stanislav E.; Grigoriev, Vladimir A.; Popadchuk, Valery S.; Brykov, Sergery I.; Karzov, Georgy P.

    2006-01-01

    At WWER NPPs the horizontal steam generators (SGs), are used that differ in design concept from vertical SGs mostly used at western NPPs. Reliable operation of SG heat-exchanging tubes is the crucial worldwide problem for NPP of various types. According to the operation feedback the water chemistry is the governing factor affecting operability of SG tubing. The secondary side corrosion is considered to be the main mechanism of SG heat-exchanging tubes damage at WWER plants. To make the assessment of the tubing integrity the combination of pressure tests and eddy-current tests is used. Assessment of the tubing performance is an important part of SG life extension practice. The given paper deals with the description of the tube testing strategy and the approach to tube integrity assessment based on deterministic and probabilistic methods of fracture mechanics. Requirements for eddy-current test are given as well. Practice of condition monitoring and implementing the database on steam generators operation are presented. The approach to tubes plugging criteria is described. The research activities on corrosion mechanism studies and residual lifetime evaluation are mentioned. (authors)

  11. Scale Thickness Measurement of Steam Generator Tubing Using Eddy Current Signal of Bobbin Coil

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kim, Chang Soo; Um, Ki Soo; Kim, Jae Dong

    2012-01-01

    Steam generator is one of the major components of nuclear power plant and steam generator tubes are the pressure boundary between primary and secondary side, which makes them critical for nuclear safety. As the operating time of nuclear power plant increases, not only damage mechanisms but also scaled deposits on steam generator tubes are known to be problematic causing tube support flow hole blockage and heat fouling. The ability to assess the extent and location of scaled deposits on tubes became essential for management and maintenance of steam generator and eddy current bobbin data can be utilized to measure thickness of scale on tubes. In this paper, tube reference standards with various thickness of scaled deposit has been set up to provide information about the overall deposit condition of steam generator tubes, providing essential tool for steam generator management and maintenance to predict and prevent future damages. Also, methodology to automatically measure scale thickness on tubes has been developed and applied to field data to estimate overall scale amount.

  12. Technical basis for the CANDU steam generator tube fitness-for-service guidelines

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kozluk, M.J.; Scarth, D.A.; Graham, D.B.

    2002-01-01

    Active degradation mechanisms in steam generators and preheaters in Canadian CANDU T M generating stations are managed through Steam Generator Programs that incorporate tube inspection, maintenance (cleaning), fitness-for-service assessment, and preventative plugging as part of the overall steam generator management strategy. Steam generator and preheater tubes are inspected in accordance with the CSA Standard CAN/CSA-N285.4-94[l]. When a detected flaw indication does not satisfy the criteria of acceptance by examination, CSA-N285.4-94 permits a fitness-for-service assessment to determine acceptability. In 1999 Ontario Power Generation issued, for trial use, fitness-for-service guidelines for steam generator and preheater tubes in CANDU nuclear power plants. The main objectives of the Fitness-for-Service Guidelines are to provide reasonable assurance that tube structural integrity is maintained, and to provide reasonable assurance that there are adequate margins between estimated accumulated dose and applicable site dose limits. The Fitness-for-Service Guidelines are intended to provide industry-standard acceptance criteria and evaluation procedures for assessing the condition of steam generator and preheater tubes in terms of tube structural integrity, operational leak rate, and consequential leakage during an upset or abnormal event. This paper describes the technical basis for the minimum required safety factors specified in Table IC-1 of the Fitness-for-Service Guidelines and for the flaw models used to develop the flaw stability requirements in the nonmandatory, Appendix C of the Fitness-for-Service Guidelines. (author)

  13. NRC concerns about steam generator tube U-bend failures

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Dillon, R.L.

    1981-01-01

    This paper concerns itself with genralized NRC regulatory policy regarding SGT failures and staff reports and opinions which may tend to influence the developing policy specific to U-bend failures. The most significant analysis at hand in predicting NRC policy on SGT U-bend failures is Marsh's Evaluation of Steam Generator Tube Rupture Events. Marsh sets out to describe and analyze the five steam generator tube ruptures that are known to NRC. All have occurred in the period 1975 to 1980

  14. Effects of Chemistry Parameters of Primary Water affecting Leakage of Steam Generator Tube Cracks

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Shin, D. M.; Cho, N. C.; Kang, Y. S.; Lee, K. H. [KHNP CRI, Daejeon (Korea, Republic of)

    2016-10-15

    Degradation of steam generator (SG) tubes can affect pressure boundary tightness. As a defense-in-depth measure, primary to secondary leak monitoring program for steam generators is implemented, and operation is allowed under leakage limits in nuclear power plants. Chemistry parameters that affect steam generator tube leakage due to primary water stress corrosion cracking (PWSCC) are investigated in this study. Tube sleeves were installed to inhibit leakage and improve tube integrity as a part of maintenance methods. Steam generators occurred small leak during operation have been replaced with new steam generators according to plant maintenance strategies. The correlations between steam generator leakage and chemistry parameters are presented. Effects of primary water chemistry parameters on leakage from tube cracks were investigated for the steam generators experiencing small leak. Unit A experienced small leakage from steam generator tubes in the end of operation cycle. It was concluded that increased solubility of oxides due to high pHT could make leakage paths, and low boron concentration lead to less blockage in cracks. Increased dissolved hydrogen may retard crack propagations, but it did not reduce leak rate of the leaking steam generator. In order to inhibit and reduce leakage, pH{sub T} was controlled by servicing cation bed operation. The test results of decreasing pHT indicate low pHT can reduce leak rate of PWSCC cracks in the end of cycle.

  15. Effects of Chemistry Parameters of Primary Water affecting Leakage of Steam Generator Tube Cracks

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Shin, D. M.; Cho, N. C.; Kang, Y. S.; Lee, K. H.

    2016-01-01

    Degradation of steam generator (SG) tubes can affect pressure boundary tightness. As a defense-in-depth measure, primary to secondary leak monitoring program for steam generators is implemented, and operation is allowed under leakage limits in nuclear power plants. Chemistry parameters that affect steam generator tube leakage due to primary water stress corrosion cracking (PWSCC) are investigated in this study. Tube sleeves were installed to inhibit leakage and improve tube integrity as a part of maintenance methods. Steam generators occurred small leak during operation have been replaced with new steam generators according to plant maintenance strategies. The correlations between steam generator leakage and chemistry parameters are presented. Effects of primary water chemistry parameters on leakage from tube cracks were investigated for the steam generators experiencing small leak. Unit A experienced small leakage from steam generator tubes in the end of operation cycle. It was concluded that increased solubility of oxides due to high pHT could make leakage paths, and low boron concentration lead to less blockage in cracks. Increased dissolved hydrogen may retard crack propagations, but it did not reduce leak rate of the leaking steam generator. In order to inhibit and reduce leakage, pH_T was controlled by servicing cation bed operation. The test results of decreasing pHT indicate low pHT can reduce leak rate of PWSCC cracks in the end of cycle

  16. Effect of tube plugging in the thermalhydraulic performance of 'U' tube steam generators

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Braga, C.V.M.; Carajilescov, P.

    1981-05-01

    The thermalhydraulic performance of Angra II steam generator has been simulated using the model developed by Braga, C.V.M., 'Thermohydraulic model for steam generator of PWR power plants', in steady state, with plugging up to 40% of total number of tubes. (E.G.) [pt

  17. Wear behavior of steam generator tubes in nuclear power plant operating condition

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kim, In-Sup; Hong, Jin-Ki; Kim, Hyung-Nam; Jang, Ki-Sang

    2003-01-01

    Reciprocating sliding wear tests were performed on steam generator tubes materials at steam generator operating temperature. The material surfaces react with oxygen to form oxides. The oxide properties such as formation rate and mechanical properties are varied with the test temperature and alloy composition. So, it is important to investigate the wear properties of each steam generator tube materials in steam generator operating condition. The tests results indicated that the wear coefficient in work rate model of alloy 690 was faster than that of alloy 800. From the scanning electron microscopy observation, the wear scars were similar each other and worn surfaces were covered with oxide layers. It seemed that the oxide layers were formed by wear debris sintering or cold welding and these layer properties affected the wear rate of steam generator tube materials. (author)

  18. Loss of feed flow, steam generator tube rupture and steam line break thermohydraulic experiments

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Mendler, O.J.; Takeuchi, K.; Young, M.Y.

    1986-10-01

    The Westinghouse Model Boiler No. 2 (MB-2) steam generator test model at the Engineering Test Facility in Tampa, Florida, was reinstrumented and modified for performing a series of tests simulating steam generator accident transients. The transients simulated were: loss of feed flow, steam generator tube rupture, and steam line break events. This document presents a description of (1) the model boiler and the associated test facility, (2) the tests performed, and (3) the analyses of the test results

  19. Loss of feed flow, steam generator tube rupture and steam line break thermohydraulic experiments

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Mendler, O J; Takeuchi, K; Young, M Y

    1986-10-01

    The Westinghouse Model Boiler No. 2 (MB-2) steam generator test model at the Engineering Test Facility in Tampa, Florida, was reinstrumented and modified for performing a series of tests simulating steam generator accident transients. The transients simulated were: loss of feed flow, steam generator tube rupture, and steam line break events. This document presents a description of (1) the model boiler and the associated test facility, (2) the tests performed, and (3) the analyses of the test results.

  20. How safe is defect specific maintenance of steam generator tubes?

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Dvorsek, T.; Cizelj, L.

    1995-01-01

    Outside diameter stress corrosion cracking at the tube to tube support plate intersections is assessed in the paper. The impact of defect specific maintenance on steam generator operation safety and reliability was investigated. This was performed by comparing efficiencies of defect specific and traditional maintenance strategy. The efficiency was studied through expected primary-to-secondary leak rate and tube rupture probability in a case of postulated accidental operating conditions, and number of tubes which shall be plugged using both maintenance strategies. In general, the efficiency of specific maintenance is function of particular steam generator and operating cycle. (author)

  1. Pressure drop-flow rate curves for single-phase steam in Combustion Engineering type steam generator U-tubes during severe accidents

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Fynan, Douglas A.; Ahn, Kwang-Il, E-mail: kiahn@kaeri.re.kr

    2016-12-15

    Highlights: • Pressure drop-flow rate curves for superheated steam in U-tubes were generated. • Forward flow of hot steam is favored in the longer and taller U-tubes. • Reverse flow of cold steam is favored in short U-tubes. • Steam generator U-tube bundle geometry and tube diameter are important. • Need for correlation development for natural convention heat transfer coefficient. - Abstract: Characteristic pressure drop-flow rate curves are generated for all row numbers of the OPR1000 steam generators (SGs), representative of Combustion Engineering (CE) type SGs featuring square bend U-tubes. The pressure drop-flow rate curves are applicable to severe accident natural circulations of single-phase superheated steam during high pressure station blackout sequences with failed auxiliary feedwater and dry secondary side which are closely related to the thermally induced steam generator tube rupture event. The pressure drop-flow rate curves which determine the recirculation rate through the SG tubes are dependent on the tube bundle geometry and hydraulic diameter of the tubes. The larger CE type SGs have greater variation of tube length and height as a function of row number with forward flow of steam favored in the longer and taller high row number tubes and reverse flow favored in the short low row number tubes. Friction loss, natural convection heat transfer coefficients, and temperature differentials from the primary to secondary side are dominant parameters affecting the recirculation rate. The need for correlation development for natural convection heat transfer coefficients for external flow over tube bundles currently not modeled in system codes is discussed.

  2. Depth-Sizing Technique for Crack Indications in Steam Generator Tubing

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Cho, Chan Hee; Lee, Hee Jeong; Kim, Hong Deok

    2009-01-01

    The nuclear power plants have been safely operated by plugging the steam generator tubes which have the crack indications. Tube rupture events can occur if analysts fail to detect crack indications during in-service inspection. There are various types of crack indication in steam generator tubes and they have been detected by the eddy current test. The integrity assessment should be performed using the crack-sizing results from eddy current data when the crack indication is detected. However, it is not easy to evaluate the crack-depth precisely and consistently due to the complexity of the methods. The current crack-sizing methods were reviewed in this paper and the suitable ones were selected through the laboratory tests. The retired steam generators of Kori Unit 1 were used for this study. The round robin tests by the domestic qualified analysts were carried out and the statistical models were introduced to establish the appropriate depth-sizing techniques. It is expected that the proposed techniques in this study can be utilized in the Steam Generator Management Program

  3. Effect of heat transfer tube leak on dynamic characteristic of steam generator

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Sun Baozhi; Shi Jianxin; Li Na; Zheng Lusong; Liu Shanghua; Lei Yu

    2015-01-01

    Taking the steam generator of Daya Bay Nuclear Power Station as the research object, one-dimensional dynamic model of the steam generator based on drift flux theory and leak model of heat transfer tube were established. Steady simulation of steam generator under different conditions was carried out. Based on verifying the drift flux model and leak model of heat transfer tube, the effect of leak location and flow rate under different conditions on steam generator's key parameters was studied. The results show that the drift flux model and leak model can reflect the law of key parameter change accurately such as vapor mass fraction and steam pressure under different leak cases. The variation of the parameters is most apparent when the leak is at the entrance of boiling section and vapor mass fraction varies from 0.261 to 0.163 when leakage accounts for 5% of coolant flow rate. The successful prediction of the effect of heat transfer tube leak on dynamic characteristics of the steam generator based on drift flux theory supplies some references for monitoring and taking precautionary measures to prevent heat transfer tube leak accident. (authors)

  4. Indian Point 2 steam generator tube rupture analyses

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Dayan, A.

    1985-01-01

    Analyses were conducted with RETRAN-02 to study consequences of steam generator tube rupture (SGTR) events. The Indian Point, Unit 2, power plant (IP2, PWR) was modeled as a two asymmetric loops, consisting of 27 volumes and 37 junctions. The break section was modeled once, conservatively, as a 150% flow area opening at the wall of the steam generator cold leg plenum, and once as a 200% double-ended tube break. Results revealed 60% overprediction of breakflow rates by the traditional conservative model. Two SGTR transients were studied, one with low-pressure reactor trip and one with an earlier reactor trip via over temperature ΔT. The former is more typical to a plant with low reactor average temperature such as IP2. Transient analyses for a single tube break event over 500 seconds indicated continued primary subcooling and no need for steam line pressure relief. In addition, SGTR transients with reactor trip while the pressurizer still contains water were found to favorably reduce depressurization rates. Comparison of the conservative results with independent LOFTRAN predictions showed good agreement

  5. Dynamic Characteristics of Steam Generator Tubes with Defect due to Wear

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Park, Sangjin; Rhee, Huinam [Sunchon National Univ., Sunchon (Korea, Republic of); Yoon, Doo Byung [Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Daejeon (Korea, Republic of)

    2013-05-15

    These defects may affect the dynamic characteristics of tubes, and therefore, the vibrational behavior of the tube due to flow-induced loads can be varied. Change in the vibrational response of a tube may result in different wear characteristics from the design condition, which must be checked for both safety and economic point of view. This paper deals with the study on the effect of wears or cracks on the dynamic characteristics of steam generator tubes using finite element analysis. In this paper the effect of defects on the surface due to wear on the variation of dynamic characteristics of steam generator tubes was studied using the finite element analysis. The changes of natural frequencies and mode shapes can directly affect the flow-induced vibration response characteristics, therefore, they must be evaluated appropriately. The results in this study can be a good basis to estimate the FIV characteristics of the steam generator tubes having defects such as wear or crack.

  6. Current Status on the Development of a Double Wall Tube Steam Generator

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Nam, Ho Yun; Choi, Byoung Hae; Kim, Jong Man; Kim, Byung Ho

    2007-12-15

    A fast reactor, which uses sodium as a coolant, has a lot of merits as a next generation nuclear reactor. However, the possibility of a sodium-water reaction occurrence hinders the commercialization of this reactor. As one way to improve the reliability of a steam generator, a double-wall tube steam generator is being developed in GEN-4 program. In this report, the current state of the technical developments for a double-wall tube steam generator are reviewed and a future plan for the development of a double-wall tube steam generator is established. The current focuses of this research are an improvement of the heat transfer capability for a double-wall tube and the development of a proper leak detection method for the failure of a double-wall tube during a reactor operation. The ideal goal is an on-line leak detection of a double wall tube to prevent the sodium-water reaction. However, such a method is not developed as yet. An alternative method is being used to improve the reliability of a steam generator by performing a non-destructive test of a double wall tube during the refueling period of a reactor. In this method a straight double wall tube is employed to perform this test easily, but has a difficulty regarding an absorption of a thermal expansion of the used materials. If an on-line leak detection method is developed, the demerits of a straight double-wall tube are avoided by using a helical type double-wall tube, and the probability of a sodium-water reaction can be reduced to a level less than the design-based accident.

  7. Fluidelastic instability analysis of steam generator U-tubes at antivibration bar-inactive modes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lee, S.K.; Jo, J.C.

    1995-01-01

    This paper presents the results of thermal-hydraulic and fluidelastic U-tube instability analyses performed for the vertical type pressurized water reactor (PWR) steam generator model being employed at Kori units 2, 3 and 4, and Yonggwang units 1 and 2 in Korea. The thermal-hydraulic analysis for providing the detailed three-dimensional two-phase flow field in the secondary side of the steam generator was accomplished using the ATHOS3 steam generator thermal-hydraulic analysis code. The UTVA2 code designed for calculating both the free vibration responses and fluidelastic stability ratio of a specific U-tube under consideration was used to assess the potential for fluidelastic instability of the steam generator U-tubes at various conditions of antivibration bar (AVB)-inactive modes. The results of the fluidelastic instability analysis were discussed in comparison with those obtained for the steam generator U-tubes at AVB-active mode

  8. Heat exchanging tube behaviour in steam generators of pressurized water reactors

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Pastor, D.; Oertel, K.

    1979-01-01

    Based on a comprehensive failure statistics, materials corrosion chemistry and thermohydraulics problems of the tubings of steam generators are considered. A historical review of failures in the tubings of steam generators in pressurized water reactors reflects the often successless measures by designers, manufacturers and operating organizations for preventing failures, especially with regard to materials selection and water regime. It is stated that laboratory tests could not give sufficient information about safe and stable operation of nuclear steam generators unless real constructive, hydrodynamic, thermodynamical and chemical conditions of operation had been taken into account. (author)

  9. Use of virtual steam generator cassette for tube spatial design and SGC assembling procedure

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kim, Y. W.; Kim, J. I.; Ji, S. K.

    2003-01-01

    A method of determining spatial arrangement of tube connection and assembling procedure of once-through helical steam generator cassette utilizing three dimensional virtual steam generator cassette has been developed on the basis of recent 3-D modelling technology. One ends of the steam generator tubes are connected to the module feed water header and the other sides are connected to the module steam header. Due to the complex geometry of tube arrangement, it is very difficult to connect the tubes to the module headers without the help of a physical engineering mock up. A comparative study has been performed at each design step for the tube arrangement and heat transfer area. Heat transfer area computed from thermal sizing was 4% less than that of measured. Heat transfer area calculated from the virtual steam generator cassette mock up has only 0.2% difference with that of measured. Assembling procedure of the steam generator cassette also, can be developed in the design stage

  10. Detection of steam generator tube leaks in pressurized water reactors

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Roach, W.H.

    1985-01-01

    This report addresses the early detection of small steam generator tube leaks in pressurized water reactors. It discusses the third, and final, year's work on an NRC-funded project examining diagnostic instrumentation in water reactors. The first two years were broad in coverage, concentrating on anticipatory measurements for detection of potential problems in both pressurized- and boiling-water reactors, with recommendations for areas of further study. One of these areas, the early detection of small steam tube leaks in PWRs, formed the basis of study for the last year of the project. Four tasks are addressed in this study of the detection of steam tube leaks. (1) Determination of which physical parameters indicate the onset of steam generator tube leaks. (2) Establishing performance goals for diagnostic instruments which could be used for early detection of steam generator tube leaks. (3) Defining the diagnostic instrumentation and their location which satisfy Items 1 and 2 above. (4) Assessing the need for diagnostic data processing and display. Parameters are identified, performance goals established, and sensor types and locations are specified in the report, with emphasis on the use of existing instrumentation with a minimum of retrofitting. A simple algorithm is developed which yields the leak rate as a function of known or measurable quantities. The conclusion is that leak rates of less than one-tenth gram per second should be detectable with existing instrumentation. (orig./HP)

  11. Research perspectives on the evaluation of steam generator tube integrity

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Muscara, J.; Diercks, D.R.; Majumdar, S.; Kupperman, D.S.; Bakhtiari, S.; Shack, W.J.

    2002-01-01

    Industry efforts have been largely successful in managing degradation of steam generator tubes due to wastage, pitting, and denting, but fretting, stress corrosions cracking (SCC) and intergranular attack have proved more difficult to manage. Although steam generator replacements are proceeding, there is substantial industry interest in operating with degraded steam generators, and significant numbers of plants will continue to do so. In most cases degradation of steam generator tubing by stress corrosion cracking is still managed by 'plug or repair on detection' because current NDE techniques for characterization of flaws and the knowledge of SCC crack growth rates are not accurate enough to permit continued operation. Replacement generators with improved designs and materials have performed well to date, but previous experience with the appearance of some types of SCC in Alloy 600 after 10 years or more of operation and laboratory results suggest additional understanding of corrosion performance of these materials is needed. This paper reviews some of the historical background that underlies current steam generator degradation management strategies and outlines some of the additional research that must be done to provide more effective management of degradation in current generators and provide greater assurance of satisfactory performance in replacement steam generators. (author)

  12. Vibration and wear characteristics of steam generator tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Choi, Young Hwan

    2003-06-01

    This study investigates the fluid elastic instability characteristics of Steam Generator (SG) U-tubes with defect and the safety assessment of the potential for fretting-wear damages on Steam Generator (SG) U-tubes caused by foreign object in operating nuclear power plants. The operating SG shell-side flow field conditions for determining the fluid elastic instability or fretting-wear parameters such as damping ratio, added mass and flow velocity are obtained from three-dimensional SG flow calculation using the ATHOS3 code. To get the natural frequency, corresponding mode shape and participation factor, modal analyses are performed for the U-tubes either with axial or circumferential flaw with different sizes. Special emphases are on the effects of flaw orientation and size on the modal and instability characteristics of tubes, which are expressed in terms of the natural frequency, corresponding mode shape and stability ratio. Also, the wear rate of U-tube caused by foreign object is calculated using the Archard formula and the remaining life of the tube is predicted, and discussed in this study is the effect of the flow velocity and vibration of the tube on the remaining life of the tube. In addition, addressed is the effect of the internal pressure on the vibration and fretting-wear characteristics of the tube

  13. Analysis of reverse flow in inverted U-tubes of steam generator under natural circulation condition

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Yang Ruichang; Liu Ruolei; Liu Jinggong; Qin Shiwei

    2008-01-01

    In this paper, we report on the analysis of reverse flow in inverted U-tubes of a steam generator under natural circulation condition. The mechanism of reverse flow in inverted U-tubes of the steam generator with natural circulation is graphically analyzed by using the full-range characteristic curve of parallel U-tubes. The mathematical model and numerical calculation method for analyzing the reverse flow in inverted U-tubes of the steam generator with natural circulation have been developed. The reverse flow in an inverted U-tube steam generator of a simulated pressurized water reactor with natural circulation in analyzed. Through the calculation, the mass flow rates of normal and reverse flows in individual U-tubes are obtained. The predicted sharp drop of the fluid temperature in the inlet plenum of the steam generator due to reverse flow agrees very well with the experimental data. This indicates that the developed mathematical model and solution method can be used to correctly predict the reverse flow in the inverted U-tubes of the steam generator with natural circulation. The obtained results also show that in the analysis of natural circulation flow in the primary circuit, the reverse flow in the inverted U-tubes of the steam generator must be taken into account. (author)

  14. Tube tightness survey during Phenix steam generator operation

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Cambillard, E.

    1976-01-01

    Phenix steam generators are once-through vessels with single-wall heat-exchange tubes. This design means that any leakage of water into the sodium must be detected as quickly as possible so that the installation can be shut down before extensive damage occurs. The detection of water leaks in Phenix steam generators is based on measurement of the concentration in the sodium, of hydrogen produced by the sodium-water reaction. Since the various modules--evaporators, superheaters, and reheaters--have no free sodium surfaces, detection of hydrogen in argon is not used in Phenix steam generators. The measurement systems employ a probe made of nickel tubes 0.3 mm thick. Hydrogen in the sodium diffuses into a chamber kept under vacuum by an ion pump. The hydrogen pressure in the chamber is measured by a quadrupole mass spectrometer. The nine measurement systems (three per steam generator) are calibrated by injecting hydrogen into the sodium of the secondary circuits. The data-processing computer calculates the hydrogen concentration in the sodium from the spectrometer signals and the probe temperatures, which are not regulated in Phenix; it generates instructions that enable the operator to act if a leak appears. So far, no leaks have been detected. These systems also make it possible to determine rates of hydrogen diffusion caused by corrosion of the steel walls on the water side

  15. On the evaluation of lifetime of evaporative tubes of once-through steam generators at steam-generating surface temperature oscillations in the burnout region

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Vorob'ev, V.A.; Loshchinin, V.M.; Remizov, O.V.

    1978-01-01

    Suggested is a method for evaluation of a stressed state of evaporation tubes of once-through steam generators at temperature oscillations in the burnout region. Calculated is the amplitude of steam-generating surface temperature oscillations in the burnout region depending on the frequency of a liquid-steam boundary transfer and on this basis determined are thermal stresses in a tube wall. Knowing a fatigue curve gives the possibility to evaluate a heat transfer tube lifetime

  16. Proceedings of steam generator sludge deposition in recirculating and once through steam generator upper tube bundle and support plates

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Baker, R.L.; Harvego, E.A.

    1992-01-01

    The development of remedial measures of shot peening have given nuclear utilities viable measures to address primary water stress corrosion cracking to extend steam generator life. The nuclear utility industry is now faced with potential replacement of steam generators in nuclear power plants due to stress corrosion cracking and intergranular attach in crevice locations on the secondary side of steam generators at tube support plates and at the crevice at the top of the tube sheet. Significant work has been done on developing and understanding of the effects of sludge buildup on the corrosion process at these locations. This session was envisioned to provide a forum for the development of an understanding of the mechanisms which control the transport and deposition of sludge on the secondary side of steam generators. It is hoped that this information will aid utilities in monitoring the progression of fouling of these crevices by further knowledge in where to look for the onset of support plate crevice fouling. An understanding of the progression of fouling from upper tube support plates to those lower in the steam generator where higher temperatures cause the corrosion process to initiate first can aid the nuclear utility industry in developing remedial measures for this condition and in providing a forewarning of when to apply such remedial measures

  17. Stress analysis of HTR-10 steam generator heat exchanging tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Dong Jianling; Zhang Xiaohang; Yin Dejian; Fu Jiyang

    2001-01-01

    Steam Generator (SG) heat exchanging tubes of 10 MW High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor (HTR-10) are protective screens between the primary loop of helium with radioactivity and the secondary loop of feeding water and steam without radioactivity. Water and steam will enter into the primary loop when rupture of the heat exchanging tubes occurs, which lead to increase of the primary loop pressure and discharge of radioactive materials. Therefore it is important to guarantee the integrity of the tubes. The tube structure is spiral tube with small bending radius, which make it impossible to test with volumetric in-service detection. For such kind of spiral tube, using LBB concept to guarantee the integrity of the tubes is an important option. The author conducts stress analysis and calculation of HTR-10 SG heat exchanging tubes using the FEM code of piping stress analysis, PIPESTRESS. The maximum stress and the dangerous positions are obtained

  18. Calculation of reverse flow in inverted U-Tubes of steam generator during natural circulation

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Yang Ruichang; Liu Jinggong; Liu Ruolei; Qin Shiwei; Huang Yanping

    2010-01-01

    The mechanism of reverse flow in inverted U-tubes of steam generators of pressurized water reactors during natural circulation is analyzed by using the full range characteristic curve of parallel U-tubes. A lumped-distributed model to calculate the reverse flow occurred in inverted U-tubes of real steam generators with a large number of U-tubes during natural circulation is developed. The model has the advantages of quick calculation and high accuracy for the analysis of reverse flow in inverted U-tubes of real steam generators with natural circulation. This model has been used to calculate the normal and reverse flows occurred in inverted U-tubes of a steam generator with natural circulation. The comparison of calculated results indicates a well agreement with that predicted by the model in which normal or reverse flow in each individual U-tube is analyzed, which verifies the reliability of the model developed in this paper. (authors)

  19. Structural integrity assessment of steam generator tubes deteriorated through primary water stress corrosion cracking in transition region of tube expansion

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Silveira, Helvecio Carlos Klinke da

    2002-01-01

    In PWR plants, steam generator tube degradation has been one of the most important economical concerns, besides causing operational safety problems. In this work, a survey of steam generator tube degradation modes is done. Degradation mechanisms and influence factors are introduced and discussed. The importance of stress corrosion cracking, especially in transition region of tube expansion zone, is underlined. The actual steam generator tube plugging criteria are conservative. Proposed alternative criteria are introduced and discussed. Distinction is done to structural integrity assessment of defective tubes. Real data of tube defect indications of axial cracks in expansion transition zone due to primary water stress corrosion cracking are used in analysis. Results allow discussing application aspects of deterministic and probabilistic criteria on structural integrity assessment of tubes with defect indications. Applied models are specifics, but the application of concept may be extended to other steam generator tube degradation modes. (author)

  20. Identification of leaky steam generators by iodine mapping technique and development of tools for cutting of tubes of steam generators of Indian PHWRS

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Subba Rao, D.

    2006-01-01

    Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (2X220 MWe) located in Mandvi Taluka of Surat District in the state of Gujarat is the fifth Nuclear Power Station of the country. It has got an excellent record in the field of operation, safety, public awareness and emergency preparedness. KAPS Unit -1 achieved first criticality in Sep-1992 and was declared for commercial operation in may-1993. KAPS Unit -2 achieved first criticality in Jan-1995 and was declared for commercial operation in Sep-1995. So far station has generated about 30 billion units.Unit-1 achieved 98.4% and was graded as a world's No.1 in year 2002 amongst all CANDU type reactors. KAPS Unit -1 has made another record of operating continuously for more than 300 days in Indian PHWR s operating history. This paper mainly deals with the Indian PHWRs Steam Generators (SG) tube leaks, leaky steam generator identification by Iodine mapping, and development of special tool for cutting, removal and plugging of leaky tubes. These Steam Generators are designed by M/s Kraft Werke Union (KWU) of Siemens Group, West Germany, and Manufactured by M/s ENSA, SPAIN for Unit- 1 and by M/s MAN-GHH, Germany for Unit- 2. First time in October-2002 one of the Steam Generators of Unit-1 developed tube leak. To identify leaky Steam Generator, KAPS has established a method of Iodine mapping. With that the leaky SG was identified in very short time and corrective actions were taken immediately. Total three tube leaks (two in SG-4 of Unit-1 and one in SG-1 of unit-2) were experienced in both Units'. Following observations were made on SG tubes failure: All failures were in cold leg side; All Failures / deterioration locations were in front of main feed water nozzle; All Failures / deterioration locations were observed to be just above tube support plate (TSP) number 4 or 5; Deterioration ( i.e. wall thinning) observed from OD side and these tubes were adjacent to failed tubes; In all the three incidents, failed / deteriorated tubes were

  1. Steam Generator tube integrity -- US Nuclear Regulatory Commission perspective

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Murphy, E.L.; Sullivan, E.J.

    1997-01-01

    In the US, the current regulatory framework was developed in the 1970s when general wall thinning was the dominant degradation mechanism; and, as a result of changes in the forms of degradation being observed and improvements in inspection and tube repair technology, the regulatory framework needs to be updated. Operating experience indicates that the current U.S. requirements should be more stringent in some areas, while in other areas they are overly conservative. To date, this situation has been dealt with on a plant-specific basis in the US. However, the NRC staff is now developing a proposed steam generator rule as a generic framework for ensuring that the steam generator tubes are capable of performing their intended safety functions. This paper discusses the current U.S. regulatory framework for assuring steam generator (SG) tube integrity, the need to update this regulatory framework, the objectives of the new proposed rule, the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulatory guide (RG) that will accompany the rule, how risk considerations affect the development of the new rule, and some outstanding issues relating to the rule that the NRC is still dealing with

  2. Design Concept of Array ECT Sensor for Steam Generator Tubing Inspection

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Cho, Chan Hee; Lee, Tae Hun; Yoo, Hyun Ju [Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Co. Ltd. CRI, Daejeon (Korea, Republic of)

    2015-05-15

    The eddy current testing, which is one of the nondestructive examination methods, is widely used for the inspection of heat exchangers including steam generator tubing in the nuclear power plant. It uses electromagnetic induction to detect flaws in conductive materials. Two types of eddy current probes are conventionally used for the inspection of steam generator tubing according to the main purpose. One is the bobbin probe technology and the other is the rotating probe. During the inspection, they have restrictions for the flaw detection or the inspection speed. An array probe can be alternative to the bobbin and rotating probes. The design concept of array coils with high sensitivity is described in this paper. It is expected that the eddy current testing using this type of array sensors may provide high detectability and resolution for flaws in steam generator tubing. Eddy current technology has some barriers for the inspection of steam generator tubing in the nuclear power plant. Bobbin probes offer poor circumferential crack detection and rotating probes are time and money consuming due to the mechanical rotation. Array probe inspection technique can replace bobbin and rotating probe techniques due to its sensitivity for flaw detection and inspection speed. In general, circular-shaped coils are considered in an array eddy current probe.

  3. Evaluation of EDTA based chemical formulations for the cleaning of monel-400 tubed steam generators

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Velmurugan, S.; Rufus, A.L.; Sathyaseelan, V.S.; Kumar, P.S.; Veena, S.N.; Srinivasan, M.P.; Narasimhan, S.V.

    1998-01-01

    The Steam Generator (SG) is an important component in any nuclear power plant which contributes significantly for the over all performance of the reactor. The failure of SG tubes occurs mainly by corrosion under accelerated conditions caused by fouling. There is continuous ingress of the corrosion products and ionic impurities from the condenser and feed train of the secondary heat transfer system. The corrosion products accumulate in the stagnant areas near the tube sheet, over the tube support plates and in the tube to tube support plate crevices. These accumulated deposits help to concentrate the aggressive impurities and induce a variety of corrosion processes affecting the structural materials and finally leading to failure of the SG tube. Scale forming impurities can deposit over the tube surfaces and result in reduction of heat transfer efficiency and over heating of the surfaces. Every effort is being made to control the transport of impurities to the steam generator. Increased blow down, installation of condensate polishers and use of all volatile amines have helped to reduce the corrosion product and ionic impurities input into the steam generators of PHWRs. Despite these efforts, failures of SG tubes in PHWRs have been reported. Hence, attempts are being made to develop chemical formulations to clean the deposits accumulated in the steam generators. The EPRI-SGOG chemical cleaning process has been tried with good success in steam generators of different designs including the steam generators of PHWRs. This paper discusses the work on the evaluation of EDTA based chemical cleaning formulations for monel-400 tubed steam generators of PHWRs. (author)

  4. Process of corrosion protection for a steam generator tube and device to apply it

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Malagola, P.; Vassal, J.M.

    1985-01-01

    The steam generator tube is fixed by crimping in a tube plate; a metallic layer compatible with the tube material is electrodeposited on the inner side of the tube after its mounting in the tube plate, on both side of the plate face in contact with the water to be steamed, along a length approximately longer than the transition zone between the crimped part of the tube and the part which is not crimped. The external side of the tube can be also covered by a metallic layer before its mounting through the tube plate. The metallic layer can be nickel. The invention applies, more particularly, to PWR steam generators [fr

  5. Vibration and wear prediction for steam generator tubes: Final report

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Rao, M.S.M.; Gupta, G.D.; Eisinger, F.L.

    1988-06-01

    As part of the overall EPRI program to develop a mechanistic model for tube fretting and wear prediction, Foster Wheeler Development Corporation undertook the responsibility of developing analytical models to predict structural response and wear in a multispan tube. The project objective was to develop the analytical capability to simulate the time-dependent motion of a multispan steam generator tube in the presence of the clearance gaps at each tube baffle or support. The models developed were to simulate nonlinear tube-to-tube support interaction by determining the impact force, the sliding distance, and the resultant tube wear. Other objectives of the project included: validate the models by comparing the analytical results with the EPRI tests done at Combustion Engineering (C-E) on single multispan tubes; test the models for simulating the U-bend region of the steam generator tube, including the antivibration bars; and develop simplified methods to treat the nonlinear dynamic problem of a multispan tube so that computing costs could be minimized. 15 refs., 53 figs., 27 tabs

  6. Recent developments in plugging of steam generator tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Buhay, S.; Abucay, R.C.

    1995-01-01

    Mechanical Plugging capability has been developed for Bruce Nuclear Generating Station (BNGS) steam generator (SG) tubes and Darlington Nuclear Generating Station (DNGS) SG tubes and tubesheet holes. The plug concept was a modified ABB/Combustion Engineering Inconel 690 plug with a nickel band, rolled into the tube or tubesheet hole from the primary side of the tubesheet. The qualification program included analytical justification of the plug body and experimental testing to verify the leak tightness of the rolled joint under conditions which meet or exceed all service or design requirements. Tools and procedures were developed and tested for manual and remote/robotic installation and removal of the mechanical plugs. Additionally, tools and procedures were developed to plug tubes/tubesheet holes at DNGS in the event the steam generator is recalled to service to act as a heat sink. A crew of Ontario Hydro personnel were trained and qualified for the installation of mechanical plugs for permanent and recall applications. During the DNGS Unit 4 spring 1995 outage, 6 tubes were plugged and the 'Recall Plugging Capability' was deployed and ready for use during a primary side SG tube removal. The mechanical plugs were installed manually with a typical 3 minute/plug in-bowl duration time with an average radiation dose of 12.5 mrem per plug. This compares favourably with manual plug welding during the same outage in the same SG bowl at approximately 15-30 minutes/plug in-bowl duration with an average radiation dose of 117 mrem/plug. (author)

  7. Repair technology for steam generator tubes

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Kim, Seung Ho; Jung, Hyun Kyu; Jung, Seung Ho; Kim, Chang Hoi; Jung, Young Moo; Seo, Yong Chil; Kim, Jung Su; Seo, Moo Hong

    2001-02-01

    The most commonly used sleeving materials are thermally treated Alloy 600 and thermally treated Alloy 690 Alloy. Currently, thermally treated Alloy 690 and Alloy 800 are being offered although Alloy 800 has not been licensed in the US. To install sleeve, joint strength, leak tightness, PWSCC resistance, evaluation on process parameter range and the effect of equipments and procedures on repair plan and radiation damage have to be investigated before sleeving. ABB CE provides three type of leak tight Alloy 690 TIG welded and PLUSS sleeve. Currently, Direct Tube Repair technique using Nd:YAG laser has been developed by ABB CE and Westinghouse. FTI has brazed and kinetic sleeve designs for recirculating steam generator and hydraulic and rolled sleeve designs for one-through steam generators. Westinghouse provides HEJ, brazed and laser welded sleeve design. When sleeve is installed in order to repair the damaged S/G tubes, it is certain that defects can be occurred due to the plastic induced stress and thermal stress. Therefore it is important to minimize the residual stress. FTI provides the electrosleeve technique as a future repair candidate using electroplating.

  8. Repair technology for steam generator tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kim, Seung Ho; Jung, Hyun Kyu; Jung, Seung Ho; Kim, Chang Hoi; Jung, Young Moo; Seo, Yong Chil; Kim, Jung Su; Seo, Moo Hong

    2001-02-01

    The most commonly used sleeving materials are thermally treated Alloy 600 and thermally treated Alloy 690 Alloy. Currently, thermally treated Alloy 690 and Alloy 800 are being offered although Alloy 800 has not been licensed in the US. To install sleeve, joint strength, leak tightness, PWSCC resistance, evaluation on process parameter range and the effect of equipments and procedures on repair plan and radiation damage have to be investigated before sleeving. ABB CE provides three type of leak tight Alloy 690 TIG welded and PLUSS sleeve. Currently, Direct Tube Repair technique using Nd:YAG laser has been developed by ABB CE and Westinghouse. FTI has brazed and kinetic sleeve designs for recirculating steam generator and hydraulic and rolled sleeve designs for one-through steam generators. Westinghouse provides HEJ, brazed and laser welded sleeve design. When sleeve is installed in order to repair the damaged S/G tubes, it is certain that defects can be occurred due to the plastic induced stress and thermal stress. Therefore it is important to minimize the residual stress. FTI provides the electrosleeve technique as a future repair candidate using electroplating

  9. Material reliability of Ni alloy electrodeposition for steam generator tube repair

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kim, Dong Jin; Kim, Myong Jin; Kim, Joung Soo; Kim, Hong Pyo

    2007-01-01

    Due to the occasional occurrences of Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) in steam generator tubing (Alloy 600), degraded tubes are removed from service by plugging or are repaired for re-use. Since electrodeposition inside a tube dose not entail parent tube deformation, residual stress in the tube can be minimized. In this work, tube restoration via electrodeposition inside a steam generator tubing was performed after developing the following: an anode probe to be installed inside a tube, a degreasing condition to remove dirt and grease, an activation condition for surface oxide elimination, a tightly adhered strike layer forming condition between the electroforming layer and the Alloy 600 tube, and the condition for an electroforming layer. The reliability of the electrodeposited material, with a variation of material properties, was evaluated as a function of the electrodeposit position in the vertical direction of a tube using the developed anode. It has been noted that the variation of the material properties along the electrodeposit length was acceptable in a process margin. To improve the reliability of a material property, the causes of the variation occurrence were presumed, and an attempt to minimize the variation has been made. A Ni alloy electrodeposition process is suggested as a Primary Water Stress Corrosion Cracking (PWSCC) mitigation method for various components, including steam generator tubes. The Ni alloy electrodeposit formed inside a tube by using the installed assembly shows proper material properties as well as an excellent SCC resistance

  10. HTGR steam generator development

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Schuetzenduebel, W.G.; Hunt, P.S.; Weber, M.

    1976-01-01

    More than 40 gas-cooled reactor plants have produced in excess of 400 reactor years of operating experience which have proved a reasonably high rate of gas-cooled reactor steam generator availability. The steam generators used in these reactors include single U-tube and straight-tube steam generators as well as meander type and helically wound or involute tube steam generators. It appears that modern reactors are being equipped with helically wound steam generators of the once-through type as the end product of steam generator evolution in gas-cooled reactor plants. This paper provides a general overview of gas-cooled reactor steam generator evolution and operating experience and shows how design criteria and constraints, research and development, and experience data are factored into the design/development of modern helically wound tube steam generators for the present generation of gas-cooled reactors

  11. Structural and leakage integrity assessment of WWER steam generator tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Splichal, K.; Otruba, J.; Keilova, E.; Krhounek, V.; Turek, J.

    1996-01-01

    The leakage and plugging limits were derived for WWER steam generators based on leak and burst tests using tubes with axial part-through and through-wall defects. The following conclusions were arrived at: (i) The permissible primary-to-secondary leak rate with respect to the permissible through-wall defect size of WWER-440 and WWER-1000 steam generator tubes is 8 l/h. (ii) The primary-to-secondary leak rate is reduced by the blocking of the tube cracks by corrosion product particles and other substances. (iii) The rate of crack penetration through the tube wall is higher than the crack widening. (iv) The validity of the criterion of instability for tubes with through-wall cracks was confirmed experimentally. For the WWER-440 and WWER-1000 steam generators, the critical size of axial through-wall cracks, for the threshold primary-to-secondary pressure difference, is 13.8 and 12.0 mm, respectively. (v) The calculated leakage for the rupture of one tube and for the assumed extreme defects is two orders and one order of magnitude, respectively, higher than the proposed primary water leakage limit of 8 l/h. (vi) The experiments gave evidence that the use of the permissible thinning limit of 80% for the heat exchange tube plugging does not bring about uncontrollable leakage or unstable crack growth. This is consistent with experience gained at WWER-440 type nuclear power plants. 4 tabs., 5 figs., 9 refs

  12. Eddy current testing of steam generator tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Neumaier, P.

    1981-01-01

    A rotating probe is described for improving the inspection of tubes and end plate in steam generators. The method allows a representation of the whole defect, consequently the observer is able to determine directly the type of defect, signal processing in-line or off-line is possible [fr

  13. CANDU steam generator tubing material service experience and allied development

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hart, A.E.; Lesurf, J.E.

    1976-01-01

    This paper covers the following aspects for the tube materials in CANDU-PHW steam generators: inservice performance with respect to tube leaks and coolant activity attributable to boiler tube corrosion, selection of tube materials for use with non-boiling and boiling primary coolants, supporting development on corrosion, vibration, fretting wear, tube inspection, leak detection and plugging of defective tubes. (author)

  14. Steam generator tube failures: experience with water-cooled nuclear power reactors during 1976

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Tatone, O.S.; Pathania, R.S.

    1978-02-01

    A survey was conducted of experience with steam generator tubes at nuclear power stations during 1976. Failures were reported at 25 out of 68 water-cooled reactors. The causes of these failures and the repair and inspection procedures designed to cope with them are summarized. Examination of the data indicates that corrosion was the major cause of steam generator tube failures. Improvements are needed in steam generator design, condenser integrity and secondary water chemistry control. (author)

  15. Hideout in steam generator tube deposits

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Balakrishnan, P.V.; Franklin, K.J.; Turner, C.W.

    1998-05-01

    Hideout in deposits on steam generator tubes was studied using tubes coated with magnetite. Hideout from sodium chloride solutions at 279 degrees C was followed using an on-line high-temperature conductivity probe, as well as by chemical analysis of solution samples from the autoclave in which the studies were done. Significant hideout was observed only at a heat flux greater than 200 kW/m 2 , corresponding to a temperature drop greater than 2 degrees C across the deposits. The concentration factor resulting from the hideout increased highly non-linearly with the heat flux (varying as high as the fourth power of the heat flux). The decrease in the apparent concentration factor with increasing deposit thickness suggested that the pores in the deposit were occupied by a mixture of steam and water, which is consistent with the conclusion from the thermal conductivity measurements on deposits in a separate study. Analyses of the deposits after the hideout tests showed no evidence of any hidden-out solute species, probably due to the concentrations being very near the detection limits and to their escape from the deposit as the tests were being ended. This study showed that hideout in deposits may concentrate solutes in the steam generator bulk water by a factor as high as 2 x 10 3 . Corrosion was evident under the deposit in some tests, with some chromium enrichment on the surface of the tube. Chromium enrichment usually indicates an acidic environment, but the mobility required of chromium to become incorporated into the thick magnetite deposit may indicate corrosion under an alkaline environment. An alkaline environment could result from preferential accumulation of sodium in the solution in the deposit during the hideout process. (author)

  16. The influence of lead on stress corrosion cracking of steam generator tubing

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ryan Curtis Wolfe

    2015-01-01

    Lead (Pb) is present at low concentrations on the secondary side of steam generators, but is known to accumulate in steam generator sludge and become concentrated in crevices and cracks. Pb is known to have played a role in the degradation of Alloy 600MA tubing, necessitating the replacement of those steam generators. There is new evidence which indicates that Pb has also played a role in the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of Alloy 600TT. Furthermore. laboratory testing indicates that advanced tubing alloys such as Alloy 690TT and Alloy 800NG area also susceptible to this attack. In response to these vulnerabilities, utilities are attempting to manufacture tubing using processes which will impart optimal corrosion resistance, fabricate and operate SG's to minimize stress in the tubing, undertake efforts to identify and remove the sources of Pb, reduce the existing inventory of Pb using chemical or mechanical cleaning processes, and maintain rigorous chemistry controls. Research is warranted to qualify chemical methods to mitigate PbSCC that may be observed in service. This presentation will review work performed through the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to address the issue of Pb-assisted stress corrosion cracking of steam generator tubing. (author)

  17. Stress analysis of steam generator row-1 tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kim, Woo Gon; Ryu, Woo Seog; Lee, Ho Jin; Kim, Sung Chung

    2000-01-01

    Residual stresses induced in U-bending and tube-to-tubesheet joining processes of PWR's steam generator row-1 tube were measured by X-ray method and Hole-Drilling Method(HDM). The stresses resulting from the internal pressure and the temperature gradient in the steam generator were also estimated theoretically. In U-bent regions, the residual stresses at extrados were induced with compressive stress(-), and its maximum value reached -319 Mpa in axial direction at ψ=0 .deg. in position. Maximum tensile residual stress of 170 MPa was found to be at the flank side at position of ψ=90 deg., i.e., at apex region. In tube-to-tubesheet joining methods, the residual stresses induced by the explosive joint method were found to be lower than that by the mechanical roll method. The gradient of residual stress along the expanded tube was highest at the transition region, and the residual stress in circumferential direction was found to be higher than the residual stress in axial direction. Hoop stress due to an internal pressure between primary and secondary side was analyzed to be 76 MPa and thermal stress was 45 MPa

  18. Stress analysis and fatigue life prediction for a U-bend steam generator tube

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Cheng Weili; Finnie, I.

    1996-01-01

    An analysis is carried out to determine the stresses in a steam generator tube that failed by fatigue. Using data available for the failed tube and for failures in two similar steam generators, the magnitudes of the alternating and mean stresses produced during operation are estimated. The cause for the early fatigue failure is shown to be the high mean stress caused by denting of the tube in the location where it passed through the tube sheet. (orig.)

  19. Study of scratch-induced stress corrosion cracking for steam generator tubes and scratch control

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Meng, F.; Xu, X.; Liu, X.; Wang, J.

    2014-01-01

    This paper introduces field cases for scratch-induced stress corrosion cracking (SISCC) of steam generator tubes in PWR and current studies in laboratories. According to analysis result of broke tubes, scratches caused intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) with outburst. The effect of microstructure for nickel-base alloys, residual stresses caused by scratching process and water chemistry on SISCC and possible mechanism of SISCC are discussed. The result shows that scratch-induced microstructure evolution contributes to SISCC significantly. The causes of scratches during steam generator tubing manufacturing and installation process are stated and improved reliability with scratch control is highlighted for steam generator tubes in newly built nuclear power plants. (author)

  20. Study of scratch-induced stress corrosion cracking for steam generator tubes and scratch control

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Meng, F.; Xu, X.; Liu, X. [Shanghai Nuclear Engineering Research and Design Institute, Shanghai (China); Wang, J. [Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Metal Research, Shenyang (China)

    2014-07-01

    This paper introduces field cases for scratch-induced stress corrosion cracking (SISCC) of steam generator tubes in PWR and current studies in laboratories. According to analysis result of broke tubes, scratches caused intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) with outburst. The effect of microstructure for nickel-base alloys, residual stresses caused by scratching process and water chemistry on SISCC and possible mechanism of SISCC are discussed. The result shows that scratch-induced microstructure evolution contributes to SISCC significantly. The causes of scratches during steam generator tubing manufacturing and installation process are stated and improved reliability with scratch control is highlighted for steam generator tubes in newly built nuclear power plants. (author)

  1. Improved in-service inspection program for management of degradation in steam generator tubing

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kurtz, R.; Heasler, P.; Muscara, J.

    1992-01-01

    This paper presents an overview of significant results from NRC-sponsored research on steam generator tube integrity and inspection. Burst test results are described along with empirical models to relate flaw geometry and size to tube burst pressure. Results of round robin examinations of a retired-from-service steam generator to determine eddy current inspection reliability are presented. An evaluation and comparison of various sampling plans for in-service inspection of steam generators is discussed. Finally, performance demonstration qualification efforts for eddy current inspection systems are described

  2. Development of expanded type plugging technique for leaky tubes of steam generators of Indian PHWRs

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Das, Nirupam; Samuel, K.A.; Joemon, V.; Rupani, B.B.

    2006-01-01

    Steam generators are very important component of Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), as they are part of Primary Heat Transport (PHT) system of Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs). A nuclear power plant of 220 MWe capacity has four mushroom type steam generators, each consisting of 1830 U-tubes (16 mm outside diameter and 1 mm wall thickness) made of Incoloy-800 material. The tubes of 'tube and shell type steam generator' act as the pressure boundary of PHT System. Any structural failure of these tubes may lead to release of radioactivity along with plant outage and significant economic loss. Hence, it is necessary to plug the leaky tubes for continued and safe operation of a steam generator. An expanded type plugging technique has been developed at Reactor Engineering Division to plug the leaky tubes. This plugging technique is selected because of low residual stress imparted in the adjacent 'tube to tube-sheet' joints. This plug meets the various codal requirements of steam generator. A number of qualification trials have been carried out with such plugs in the mock up facility. The expanded plugs meet the design requirements for pull out strength and leak-tightness. This paper describes the design concept of the plug, developmental aspects and qualification of the plugging technique. (author)

  3. Development of the visual inspection system for the top of the tube sheet in steam generators

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kim, Gyung Sub; Choi, Sang Hoon; Kim, Ki Chul

    2008-01-01

    Steam Generators at Nuclear Power plants have a important function to isolate Radioactivity between the primary side radioactive fluid running through tubes and the secondary side with non-radioactive fluid through out of a tube bundle, in addition to a function of steam generation. Therefore, To obtain integrity of Steam Generator is really important for safety in the nuclear power plant. At the same time, sludge and foreign objects in steam generators are known as major sources causing the damage of SG tubes. But there is no way to prevent those coming to steam generators until now. Therefore, a periodic inspection and removal of those in steam generators is the only way for those Generally, Most of the Nuclear Power Plants have been inspecting visually every outage for the top of the tube sheet in which sludge and foreign objects lead to the buildup to know how these are

  4. A State of the Art Report on Wear Damage of Steam Generator Tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lim, Yun Soo; Kim, Joung Soo; Kim, Hong Pyo; Hwang, Seong Sik; Jung, Man Kyo

    2004-10-01

    The recent status on wear damage of steam generator tubes caused by flow-induced vibration was investigated, and the criteria for structural integrity evaluation of the wear-damaged tubes were reviewed. It was surveyed how the wear damage of tubes could be affected by main parameters, such as, materials properties and their combination, impact load and vibration amplitude/frequency, contact areas and diametral clearance between the tube and tube support plate, wear test duration, and test temperature. Finally, corrosive wear, which means the combined action of corrosion and wear simultaneously, was also surveyed in this report. There has been only a few works concerned on the wear damage of steam generator tubes in Korea, compared with the leading foreign research institutes. Especially, the experience related to the wear characteristics of Alloy 690, which has become a replacement material for Alloy 600 as steam generator tubes, is far from satisfactory. Systematic studies, therefore, concerned with structural integrity of tubes as well as improvement of were resistance of Alloy 690 in the PWR environment are needed

  5. Using MAAP 4.0 to determine risks from steam generator tube leaks or ruptures

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Fuller, E.L.; Kenton, M.A.

    1996-01-01

    As part of the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) program on steam generator degradation specific management (SGDSM), the nuclear industry is investigating the effects on plant risk of severe accidents involving steam generator tube leaks or ruptures. Such accidents fall into three classes: those caused by spontaneous, steam generator tube ruptures (SGTRs) that subsequently result in core damage; those caused by design-basis accidents that lead to induced tube ruptures and subsequent core damage; and those that progress to core damage, such as a station blackout (SBO), with subsequent induced tube leakage or rupture. In each case, the potential exists for a significant fraction of the fission products released from a damaged core to reach the environment through the leaking or ruptured tubes

  6. Support vector regression model based predictive control of water level of U-tube steam generators

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Kavaklioglu, Kadir, E-mail: kadir.kavaklioglu@pau.edu.tr

    2014-10-15

    Highlights: • Water level of U-tube steam generators was controlled in a model predictive fashion. • Models for steam generator water level were built using support vector regression. • Cost function minimization for future optimal controls was performed by using the steepest descent method. • The results indicated the feasibility of the proposed method. - Abstract: A predictive control algorithm using support vector regression based models was proposed for controlling the water level of U-tube steam generators of pressurized water reactors. Steam generator data were obtained using a transfer function model of U-tube steam generators. Support vector regression based models were built using a time series type model structure for five different operating powers. Feedwater flow controls were calculated by minimizing a cost function that includes the level error, the feedwater change and the mismatch between feedwater and steam flow rates. Proposed algorithm was applied for a scenario consisting of a level setpoint change and a steam flow disturbance. The results showed that steam generator level can be controlled at all powers effectively by the proposed method.

  7. Investigation of reliability of EC method for inspection of VVER steam generator tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Corak, Z.

    2004-01-01

    Complete and accurate non-destructive examinations (NDE) data provides the basis for performing mitigating actions and corrective repairs. It is important that detection and characterization of flaws are done properly at an early stage. EPRI Document PWR Steam Generator Examination Guidelines recommends an approach that is intended to provide the following: Ensure accurate assessment of steam generator tube integrity; Extend the reliable, cost effective, operating life of the steam generators, and Maximize the availability of the unit. Steam Generator Eddy Current Data Analysis Performance Demonstration represents the culmination of the intense two-year industry effort in the development of a performance demonstration program for eddy current testing (ECT) of steam generator tubing. It is referred to as the Industry Database (IDB) and provides a capability for individual organizations to implement SG ECT performance demonstration programs in accordance with the requirements specified in Appendices G and H of the ISI Guidelines. The Appendix G of EPRI Document PWR Steam Generator Examination Guidelines specifies personnel training and qualification requirements for NDE personnel who analyze NDE data for PWR steam generator tubing. Its purpose is to insure a continuing uniform knowledge base and skill level for data analysis. The European methodology document is intended to provide a general framework for development of qualifications for the inspection of specific components to ensure they are developed in a consistent way throughout Europe while still allowing qualification to be tailored in detail to meet different nation requirements. In the European methodology document one will not find a detailed description of how the inspection of a specific component should be qualified. A recommended practice is a document produced by ENIQ to support the production of detailed qualification procedures by individual countries. VVER SG tubes are inspected by EC method but a

  8. Analysis methods for evaluating leak-before-break in U-tube steam generators

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Griesbach, T.; Cipolla, R.

    1985-01-01

    In recent years, there has been an increased incidence of cracking in steam generator tubes. As a result, there has been increased effort in assuring that cracks in steam generator tubes will leak well in advance of significant loss in structural integrity. Demonstrating a leak-before-break condition is an integrated analysis process that utilizes several engineering disciplines, specifically, materials engineering, fracture mechanics, stress analysis, and fluid mechanics. The output from a leak-before-break assessment is typically depicted in terms of available margins against failure and measurable or detectable leak rate. In this paper, the analysis methods for performing a leak-before-break analysis for the U-tubes of a recirculating steam generator are presented. The results from generic analysis for the first row U-tubes illustrates the analysis techniques. Because of realistic input values used herein, these results also suggest that large leak rates are possible from cracks in U-bend regions, yet these cracks are small relative to their critical size for failure. Hence, orderly shutdowns can be completed prior to the point when tube bursting is of concern

  9. The relative impact of sizing errors on steam generator tube failure probability

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Cizelj, L.; Dvorsek, T.

    1998-01-01

    The Outside Diameter Stress Corrosion Cracking (ODSCC) at tube support plates is currently the major degradation mechanism affecting the steam generator tubes made of Inconel 600. This caused development and licensing of degradation specific maintenance approaches, which addressed two main failure modes of the degraded piping: tube rupture; and excessive leakage through degraded tubes. A methodology aiming at assessing the efficiency of a given set of possible maintenance approaches has already been proposed by the authors. It pointed out better performance of the degradation specific over generic approaches in (1) lower probability of single and multiple steam generator tube rupture (SGTR), (2) lower estimated accidental leak rates and (3) less tubes plugged. A sensitivity analysis was also performed pointing out the relative contributions of uncertain input parameters to the tube rupture probabilities. The dominant contribution was assigned to the uncertainties inherent to the regression models used to correlate the defect size and tube burst pressure. The uncertainties, which can be estimated from the in-service inspections, are further analysed in this paper. The defect growth was found to have significant and to some extent unrealistic impact on the probability of single tube rupture. Since the defect growth estimates were based on the past inspection records they strongly depend on the sizing errors. Therefore, an attempt was made to filter out the sizing errors and to arrive at more realistic estimates of the defect growth. The impact of different assumptions regarding sizing errors on the tube rupture probability was studied using a realistic numerical example. The data used is obtained from a series of inspection results from Krsko NPP with 2 Westinghouse D-4 steam generators. The results obtained are considered useful in safety assessment and maintenance of affected steam generators. (author)

  10. Vertical steam generator with slab-type tube-plate with even tube bundle washing

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Manek, O.; Masek, V.; Motejl, V.; Quitta, R.

    1980-01-01

    A shielding plate supporting the tubes attached to the tube plate of a vertical steam generator is mounted above the tube plate. Tube sleeves are designed with a dimensional tolerance relative to the heat transfer tubes and the sleeve end and the tube plate end. A separate space is thus formed above the tube plate in which circulation or feed water is introduced to flow between the branch and the heat transfer tube. This provides intensive washing of heat transfer tubes at a critical point and prevents deposit formation, thus excluding heat transfer tube failures. (J.B.)

  11. Evaluation of steam generator tube integrity during earthquakes

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Kusakabe, Takaya; Kodama, Toshio [Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., Kobe (Japan). Kobe Shipyard and Machinery Works; Takamatsu, Hiroshi; Matsunaga, Tomoya

    1999-07-01

    This report shows an experimental study on the strength of PWR steam generator (SG) tubes with various defects under cyclic loads which simulate earthquakes. The tests were done using same SG tubing as actual plants with axial and circumferential defects with various length and depth. In the tests, straight tubes were loaded with cyclic bending moments to simulate earthquake waves and number of load cycles at which tube leak started or tube burst was counted. The test results showed that even tubes with very long crack made by EDM more than 80% depth could stand the maximum earthquake, and tubes with corrosion crack were far stronger than those. Thus the integrity of SG tubes with minute potential defects was demonstrated. (author)

  12. Simulating Porous Magnetite Layer Deposited on Alloy 690TT Steam Generator Tubes.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Jeon, Soon-Hyeok; Son, Yeong-Ho; Choi, Won-Ik; Song, Geun Dong; Hur, Do Haeng

    2018-01-02

    In nuclear power plants, the main corrosion product that is deposited on the outside of steam generator tubes is porous magnetite. The objective of this study was to simulate porous magnetite that is deposited on thermally treated (TT) Alloy 690 steam generator tubes. A magnetite layer was electrodeposited on an Alloy 690TT substrate in an Fe(III)-triethanolamine solution. After electrodeposition, the dense magnetite layer was immersed to simulate porous magnetite deposits in alkaline solution for 50 days at room temperature. The dense morphology of the magnetite layer was changed to a porous structure by reductive dissolution reaction. The simulated porous magnetite layer was compared with flakes of steam generator tubes, which were collected from the secondary water system of a real nuclear power plant during sludge lancing. Possible nuclear research applications using simulated porous magnetite specimens are also proposed.

  13. Experimental facility design for study of fretting in steam generator tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Balbiani, J.P.; Bergant, M.; Yawny, A.

    2012-01-01

    The design of an experimental facility for fretting wear testing of steam generator tubes under pressurized water up to 340 o C, is presented. The main component of the device consists in an autoclave which permits to recreate steam generator operating conditions. CAD CATIA V5R18, CAE ABAQUS and ASME Sec. VII Div. 1 (Rules for Construction of Pressure Vessels) were used along the design process. The design of the autoclave included the pressure vessel itself and the necessary flanges and nozzles. In addition, an axial dynamic sealing system was designed to allow for actuation from outside the pressure boundary. Complementary, typical tube - support contact conditions were analyzed and the principal variables affecting their mutual interaction determined. In addition, a simple device which allows performing fretting wear testing on steam generator tubes in air at room temperature was fabricated and the feasibility of a quantitative assessment of different aspects related with the fretting induced damage was explored. Characterization techniques available at Centro Atomico Bariloche, like light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive analysis of X-ray (EDAX) and surface damage analysis by optic profilometry were shown to be appropriate for this aim. The designed facility will allow evaluating fretting damage of tubes - support combinations that might be used on the steam generator of the prototype reactor CAREM-25. It is also expected it could be applied to characterize fretting severity in other applications (nuclear fuel elements) (author)

  14. Experimental modeling of flow-induced vibration of multi-span U-tubes in a CANDU steam generator

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Mohany, A.; Feenstra, P.; Janzen, V.P.; Richard, R.

    2009-01-01

    Flow-induced vibration of the tubes in a nuclear steam generator is a concern for designers who are trying to increase the life span of these units. The dominant excitation mechanisms are fluidelastic instability and random turbulence excitation. The outermost U-bend region of the tubes is of greatest concern because the flow is almost perpendicular to the tube axis and the unsupported span is relatively long. The support system in this region must be well designed in order to minimize fretting wear of the tubes at the support locations. Much of the previous testing was conducted on straight single-span or cantilevered tubes in cross-flow. However, the dynamic response of steam generator multi-span U-tubes with clearance supports is expected to be different. Accurate modeling of the tube dynamics is important to properly simulate the dynamic interaction of the tube and supports. This paper describes a test program that was developed to measure the dynamic response of a bundle of steam generator U-tubes with Anti-Vibration Bar (AVB) supports, subjected to Freon two-phase cross-flow. The tube bundle has similar geometrical conditions to those expected for future CANDU steam generators. Future steam generators will be larger than previous CANDU steam generators, nearly twice the heat transfer area, with significant changes in process conditions in the U-bend region, such as increased steam quality and a broader range of flow velocities. This test program was initiated at AECL to demonstrate that the tube support design for future CANDU steam generators will meet the stringent requirements associated with a 60 year design life. The main objective of the tests is to address the issue of in-plane and out-of-plane fluidelastic instability and random turbulent excitation of a U-tube bundle with Anti-Vibration Bar (AVB) supports. Details of the test rig, measurement techniques and preliminary instrumentation results are described in the paper. (author)

  15. High temperature technological heat exchangers and steam generators with helical coil assembly tube bundle

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Korotaev, O.J.; Mizonov, N.V.; Nikolaevsky, V.B.; Nazarov, E.K.

    1990-01-01

    Analysis of thermal hydraulics characteristics of nuclear steam generators with different tube bundle arrangements and waste heat boilers for ammonia production units was performed on the basis of operating experience results and research and development data. The present report involves the obtained information. The estimations of steam generator performances and repair-ability are given. The significant temperature profile of the primary and secondary coolant flows are attributed to all steam generator designs. The intermediate mixing is found to be an effective means of temperature profile overcoming. At present the only means to provide an effective mixing in heat exchangers of the following types: straight tubes, field tubes, platen tubes and multibank helical coil tubes (with complicated bend distribution along their length) are section arrangements in series in conjunction with forced and natural mixing in connecting lines. Development of the unificated system from mini helical coil assemblies allows to design and manufacture heat exchangers and steam generators within the wide range of operating conditions without additional expenses on the research and development work

  16. Fatigue cracking on a steam generator tube

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Boccanfuso, M.; Lothios, J.; Thebault, Y.; Bruyere, B.; Duisabeau, L.; Herms, E.

    2015-01-01

    A circumferential fatigue crack was observed on a steam generator tube of the unit 2 of the Fessenheim plant. The results of destructive testing and the examination of the fracture surface show that the circumferential crack is linked to a large number of cycles with a very low stress intensity factor. Other aggravating factors like inter-granular corrosion have played a role in the initiating phase of fatigue cracking. The damage has been exacerbated by the lack of support of the tube at the level of the anti-vibration bars. (A.C.)

  17. Steady-state heat transfer in an inverted U-tube steam generator

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Boucher, T.J.

    1987-01-01

    Experimental results are presented involving U-tube steam generator tube bundle local heat transfer and fluid conditions during stead-state, full-power operations performed at high temperatures and pressures with conditions typical of a pressurized water reactor (15.0 MPa primary pressure, 600 K steam generator inlet plenum fluid temperatures, 6.2 MPa secondary pressure). The Semiscale (MOD-2C facility represents the state-of-the-art in measurement of tube local heat transfer data and average tube bundle secondary fluid density at several elevations, which allows an estimate of the axial heat transfer and void distributions during steady-state and transient operations. The method of heat transfer data reduction is presented and the heat flux, secondary convective heat transfer coefficient, and void fraction distributions are quantified for steady-state, full-power operations

  18. Transient analysis of a U-tube natural circulation steam generator

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Gaikwad, A J; Kumar, Rajesh; Bhadra, Anu; Chakraborty, G; Venkat Raj, V [Reactor Safety Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai (India)

    1994-06-01

    A computer code has been developed, for transient thermal-hydraulic analysis of proposed 500 MWe PHWR steam generator. The transient behaviour of a nuclear power plant is very much dependent on the steam generator performance, as it provides a thermal linkage between the primary and secondary systems. Study of dynamics of steam generator is essential for over all power plant dynamics as well as design of control systems for steam generator. A mathematical model has been developed for the simulation of thermal-hydraulic phenomena in a U tube natural circulation steam generator. Fluid model is based on one dimensional, nonlinear, single fluid conservation equations of mass, momentum, energy and equation of state. This model includes coupled two phase flow heat transfer and natural circulation. The model accounts for both compressibility and thermal expansion effects. The process simulation and results obtained for transients such as step change in load and total loss of feed water are presented. (author). 5 refs., 7 figs.

  19. Steam generator secondary pH during a steam generator tube rupture

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Adams, J.P.; Peterson, E.S.

    1991-12-01

    The Nuclear Regulatory Commission requires utilizes to determine the response of a pressurized water reactor to a steam generator tube rupture (SGTR) as part of the safety analysis for the plant. The SGTR analysis includes assumptions regarding the partitioning of iodine between liquid and vapor in steam generator secondary. Experimental studies have determined that the partitioning of iodine in water is very sensitive to the pH. Based on this experimental evidence, the NRC requested the INEL to perform an analytical assessment of secondary coolant system (SCS) pH during an SGTR. Design basis thermal and hydraulic calculations were used together with industry standard chemistry guidelines to determine the SCS chemical concentrations during an SGTR. These were used as input to the Facility for Analysis of Chemical Thermodynamics computer system to calculate the equilibrium pH in the SCS at various discrete time during an SGTR. The results of this analysis indicate that the SCS pH decreases from the initial value of 8.8 to approximately 6.5 by the end of the transient, independent of PWR design

  20. Viewing device of a steam generator tube-plate

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Denis, J.; Poirier, D.

    1984-01-01

    The invention proposes a device to observe the tubular plate of a steam generator including rows of parallel tubes situated in a shell provided with at least one entrance situated face to the interval between two adjacent rows. The device comprises a boom of which transversal dimension is less important than the interval; the boom can be inserted by the entrance; it contains a rigid endoscope terminated in an eyepiece and an optical fibre lighguide in the same vertical plane for illumination of the far end. The respective rotary angled mirrors are driven simultaneously by drums connected to a rack-and-pinion mechanism which is operated by a plunger held by a spring against a rocking lever driven by a motor and cam. As the mirrors rotate, the illuminated zone overlaps the field of view of the endoscope. The tube plate area in the shadow of the endoscope mirror (20) is illuminated separately by an ailiary fibre with a fixed terminal mirror. The invention enables the observation of the tube plate on both sides of the boom. It can be used in the case of the inspection of the steam generator of a pressurized water reactor [fr

  1. Development of the double-wall-tube steam generator. Evaluation of inner tube leak detection system

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Teraoku, Takuji; Kisohara, Naoyuki

    1995-01-01

    A double-wall-tube steam generator (DWT-SG) is considered to have possibility of eliminating a secondary heat transport system to realize a reliable and simplified FBR plant. Thus, basic tests for inner/outer tube leak detection and prototypical leak tests by use of the 1MWt DWT-SG model have been performed to evaluate the feasibility of DWT-SG. Their results demonstrated that the inner leak detection system can definitely detect a steam leak from an inner tube flaw. Analyses of the inner tube leak and detection behavior obtained in the 1MWt DWT-SG test enabled to estimate the performance of the inner tube detection system of the commercial DWT-SG system. (author)

  2. Limits to the Recognizability of Flaws in Non-Destructive Testing Steam-Generator Tubes for Nuclear-Power Plants

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kuhlmann, A.; Adamsky, F.-J.

    1965-01-01

    In the Federal Republic of Germany there are nuclear reactors under construction with steam generators inside the reactor pressure-vessel. As a result design repairs of steam- generator tubes are very difficult and cause large shut-down times of the nuclear-power plant. It is known that numerous troubles in operating conventional power plants are results of steam-generator tube damages. Because of the high total costs of these reactors it. is necessary to construct the steam generators especially in such a manner that the load factor of the power plant is as high as possible. The Technischer Überwachungs-Verein Rheinland was charged to supervise and to test fabrication and construction of the steam generators to see that this part of the plant was as free of defects as possible. The experience gained during this work is of interest for manufacture and construction of steam generators for nuclear-power plants in general. This paper deals with the efficiency limits of non-destructive testing steam-generator tubes. The following tests performed will be discussed in detail: (a) Automatic ultrasonic testing of the straight tubes in the production facility; (b) Combined ultrasonic and radiographic testing of the bent tubes and tube weldings; (c) Other non-destructive tests. (author) [fr

  3. Steam generator tube integrity program: Annual report, August 1995--September 1996. Volume 2

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Diercks, D.R.; Bakhtiari, S.; Kasza, K.E.; Kupperman, D.S.; Majumdar, S.; Park, J.Y.; Shack, W.J.

    1998-02-01

    This report summarizes work performed by Argonne National Laboratory on the Steam Generator Tube Integrity Program from the inception of the program in August 1995 through September 1996. The program is divided into five tasks: (1) assessment of inspection reliability, (2) research on ISI (inservice-inspection) technology, (3) research on degradation modes and integrity, (4) tube removals from steam generators, and (5) program management. Under Task 1, progress is reported on the preparation of facilities and evaluation of nondestructive evaluation techniques for inspecting a mock-up steam generator for round-robin testing, the development of better ways to correlate failure pressure and leak rate with eddy current (EC) signals, the inspection of sleeved tubes, workshop and training activities, and the evaluation of emerging NDE technology. Results are reported in Task 2 on closed-form solutions and finite-element electromagnetic modeling of EC probe responses for various probe designs and flaw characteristics. In Task 3, facilities are being designed and built for the production of cracked tubes under aggressive and near-prototypical conditions and for the testing of flawed and unflawed tubes under normal operating, accident, and severe-accident conditions. Crack behavior and stability are also being modeled to provide guidance for test facility design, develop an improved understanding of the expected rupture behavior of tubes with circumferential cracks, and predict the behavior of flawed and unflawed tubes under severe accident conditions. Task 4 is concerned with the acquisition of tubes and tube sections from retired steam generators for use in the other research tasks. Progress on the acquisition of tubes from the Salem and McGuire 1 nuclear plants is reported

  4. Fission product retention during faults involving steam generator tube rupture

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Rodliffe, R.S.

    1983-08-01

    In some PWR fault conditions, such as stuck open safety relief valve in the secondary circuit or main steam line break, the release of fission products to the atmosphere may be increased by the leakage of primary coolant into the secondary circuit following steam generator tube rupture. The release may be reduced by retention either within the primary circuit or within the affected steam generator unit (SGU). The mechanisms leading to retention are reviewed and quantified where possible. The parameters on which any analysis will be most critically dependent are identified. Fission product iodine and caesium may be retained in the secondary side of a SGU either by partition to retained water or by droplet deposition on surfaces and subsequent evaporation to dryness. Two extreme simplifications are considered: SGU 'dry', i.e. the secondary side is steam filled, and SGU 'wet', i.e. the tube bundle is covered with water. Consideration is given to: the distribution of fission products between gaseous and aerosol forms; mechanisms for droplet formation, deposition and resuspension; fission product retention during droplet or film evaporation primary coolant mixing and droplet scrubbing in a wet SGU; and the performance of moisture separators and steam driers. (author)

  5. Predicted wear on the tube outside surface due to foreign object in the secondary side of steam generator

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kim, Hyung Nam; Cho, Nam Cheoul

    2012-01-01

    It is necessary to evaluate the effects of foreign objects on steam generator tubes and to use this information to take appropriate safety precautions to prevent nuclear accidents. Foreign objects may include loose parts from the feed water system and items lost by workers during o/h, and may flow into the secondary side of steam generators during operation. A foreign object could damage steam generator tube walls if there is relative motion between the tube and the foreign object. This is especially true for foreign objects that land on the tube sheet because the velocity of cross flow, which creates a contact force between the tube and foreign object, is relatively high there. During steam generator overhauls, foreign objects are detected by non destructive methods such as the visual test and/or the eddy current test. Confirmed foreign objects should be removed for nuclear safety. The Foreign Object Search and Retrieval System (FOSAR) can be used to remove foreign objects from the steam generators with a square tube array. However, the FOSAR cannot be used (or can be used in only a very restricted area, such as the outside of the tube bundle) in the steam generators with a triangular tube array. In order to continue nuclear power plant operations without removing foreign objects, the integrity of the steam generator tube must be verified. This paper introduces a practical method developed to evaluate the effects of foreign objects detected on tube sheets in the secondary sides of steam generators

  6. Possibilities of the metallurgical base in the manufacture of tubes for nuclear power plant steam generators

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Prnka, T.; Walder, V.; Dolenek, J.

    Current possibilities are briefly summarized of metallurgy in the manufacture of high-quality tubes for nuclear power plant steam generators, mainly for fast reactor power plants. Discussed are steel making possibilities, semi-finished product and tube forming with special regard to 2.25Cr1MoNiNb steel problems, heat treatment, finishing, and testing. Necessary equipment and technology for the production of steam generator tubes are less common in the existing practice and are demanding on investment; their introduction, however, is inevitable for securing quality production of steam generator tubes. (Kr)

  7. A calculating method of tube-to-tubesheet joints design for steam generator

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zhang Fuyuan

    1993-01-01

    A theoretical calculating method of the hydraulically expanded tube-to-tubesheet joints design is described. As a mathematical model, the total expanded process of the joints is divided in four stages. with the elastic and plastic theories, the stress, strain and displacement of the tube or tube and tubesheet are analysed by stages, then expansion pressure, deformation, residual stress and push-out force are evaluated. The method may be used to design the steam generators and steel tubular heat exchangers. The paper points out that the hydraulic-expansion plus local roller expansion (hybrid expansion) is better than the only hydraulic-expansion for the tube-to-tubesheet joints of the nuclear steam generators

  8. Evaluation of sampling plans for in-service inspection of steam generator tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kurtz, R.J.; Heasler, P.G.; Baird, D.B.

    1994-02-01

    This report summarizes the results of three previous studies to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of sampling plans for steam generator tube inspections. An analytical evaluation and Monte Carlo simulation techniques were the methods used to evaluate sampling plan performance. To test the performance of candidate sampling plans under a variety of conditions, ranges of inspection system reliability were considered along with different distributions of tube degradation. Results from the eddy current reliability studies performed with the retired-from-service Surry 2A steam generator were utilized to guide the selection of appropriate probability of detection and flaw sizing models for use in the analysis. Different distributions of tube degradation were selected to span the range of conditions that might exist in operating steam generators. The principal means of evaluating sampling performance was to determine the effectiveness of the sampling plan for detecting and plugging defective tubes. A summary of key results from the eddy current reliability studies is presented. The analytical and Monte Carlo simulation analyses are discussed along with a synopsis of key results and conclusions

  9. Experimental results of the consequences of sodium water reactions at the bottom tube plate region of straight tube steam generators

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ruloff, G.

    1990-01-01

    Experience with sodium water reactions has shown, that the course of such a steam generator accident depends strongly on its place in the steam generator. For the EFR steam generators we have to differentiate between: weld region at the upper tube plate (gas space); bundle region; weld region at the bottom tube plate. This paper describes results of a running tests program simulating the bottom tube plate area. One main part of these tests is the investigation of the influence of wastage protection shrouds between the tubes in the weld region to avoid a fast leak propagation and to give time for leak detection and mastering of the accidents. (author). 10 figs, 2 tabs

  10. Evaluation of ECT reliability for axial ODSCC in steam generator tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lee, Jae Bong; Park, Jai Hak; Kim, Hong Deok; Chung, Han Sub

    2010-01-01

    The integrity of steam generator tubes is usually evaluated based on eddy current test (ECT) results. Because detection capacity of the ECT is not perfect, all of the physical flaws, which actually exist in steam generator tubes, cannot be detected by ECT inspection. Therefore it is very important to analyze ECT reliability in the integrity assessment of steam generators. The reliability of an ECT inspection system is divided into reliability of inspection technique and reliability of quality of analyst. And the reliability of ECT results is also divided into reliability of size and reliability of detection. The reliability of ECT sizing is often characterized as a linear regression model relating true flaw size data to measured flaw size data. The reliability of detection is characterized in terms of probability of detection (POD), which is expressed as a function of flaw size. In this paper the reliability of an ECT inspection system is analyzed quantitatively. POD of the ECT inspection system for axial outside diameter stress corrosion cracks (ODSCC) in steam generator tubes is evaluated. Using a log-logistic regression model, POD is evaluated from hit (detection) and miss (no detection) binary data obtained from destructive and non-destructive inspections of cracked tubes. Crack length and crack depth are considered as variables in multivariate log-logistic regression and their effects on detection capacity are assessed using two-dimensional POD (2-D POD) surface. The reliability of detection is also analyzed using POD for inspection technique (POD T ) and POD for analyst (POD A ).

  11. Studies of the steam generator degraded tubes behavior on BRUTUS test loop

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Chedeau, C.; Rassineux, B. [EDF/DER/MTC, Moret Sur Loing (France); Flesch, B. [EDF/EPN/DMAINT, Paris (France)] [and others

    1997-04-01

    Studies for the evaluation of steam generator tube bundle cracks in PWR power plants are described. Global tests of crack leak rates and numerical calculations of crack opening area are discussed in some detail. A brief overview of thermohydraulic studies and the development of a mechanical probabilistic design code is also given. The COMPROMIS computer code was used in the studies to quantify the influence of in-service inspections and maintenance work on the risk of a steam generator tube rupture.

  12. Evaluation and field validation of Eddy-Current array probes for steam generator tube inspection

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Dodd, C.V.; Pate, J.R.

    1996-07-01

    The objective of the Improved Eddy-Current ISI for Steam Generator Tubing program is to upgrade and validate eddy-current inspections, including probes, instrumentation, and data processing techniques for inservice inspection of new, used, and repaired steam generator tubes; to improve defect detection, classification, and characterization as affected by diameter and thickness variations, denting, probe wobble, tube sheet, tube supports, copper and sludge deposits, even when defect types and other variables occur in combination; to transfer this advanced technology to NRC's mobile NDE laboratory and staff. This report describes the design of specialized high-speed 16-coil eddy-current array probes. Both pancake and reflection coils are considered. Test results from inspections using the probes in working steam generators are given. Computer programs developed for probe calculations are also supplied

  13. Acoustic detection for water/steam leak from a tube of LMFBR steam generator

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Sonoda, Masataka; Shindo, Yoshihisa

    1989-01-01

    Acoustic leak detector is useful for detecting more quickly intermediate leak than the existing hydrogen detector and is available for identification of leak location on the accident of water/steam leak from a tube of LMFBR steam generator. This paper presents the overview of HALD (High frequency Acoustics Leak Detection) system, which is more sensitive for leak detection and lower cost of equipment for identification of leak location than a low frequency type detector. (author)

  14. Tests and analysis on steam generator tube failure propagation

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Tanabe, Hiromi

    1990-01-01

    The understanding of leak enlargement and failure propagation behavior is essential to select a design basis leak (DBL) of LMFBR steam generators. Therefore, various series of experiments, such as self-enlargement tests, target wastage tests, failure propagation tests were conducted in a wide range of leak using test facilities of SWAT at PNC/OEC. Especially, in the large leak tests, potential of overheating failure was investigated under a prototypical steam cooling condition inside target tubes. In the small leak, the difference of wastage resistivity was clarified among several tube materials such as 9-chrome steels. In regard to an analytical approach, a computer code LEAP (Leak Enlargement and Propagation) was developed on the basis of all of these experimental results. The code was used to validate the previously selected DBL of the prototype reactor, Monju, steam generator. This approach proved to be successful in spite of somewhat over-conservatism in the analysis. Moreover, LEAP clarified the effectiveness of a rapid steam dump and an enhanced leak detection system. The code improvement toward a realistic analysis is desired, however, to lessen the DBL for a future large plant and then the re-evaluation of the experimental data such as the size of secondary failure is under way. (author). 4 refs, 8 figs, 1 tab

  15. Multifrequency eddy current testing of helical tubes of steam generators

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Pigeon, M.; David, B.

    1983-06-01

    In the event of a water-sodium reaction in a steam-generator of a fast breeder reactor, it is necessary to test the tubes close to the leak to evaluate the damage. In SUPERPHENIX, the tubes are about 100m long and are coiled on a dead body. This report describes the equipment and the technic to test such tubes with multifrequency eddy current technics [fr

  16. Evaluation of the inner wall axial cracks of steam generator tubes by eddy current test

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hur, Do Haeng; Choi, Myung Sik; Lee, Doek Hyun; Han, Jung Ho

    2001-01-01

    For the enhancement of ECT reliability on the primary water stress corrosion cracks of nuclear steam generator tubes, it is important to comprehend the signal characteristics on crack morphology and to select an appropriate probe type. In this paper, the sizing accuracy and the detectability for the inner wall axial cracks of tubes were quantitatively evaluated using the electric discharge machined notches and the corrosion cracks which were developed on the operating steam generator tubes. The difference of eddy current signal characteristics between pancake and axial coil were also investigated. The results obtained from this study provide a useful information for more precise evaluation on the inner wall axial cracks of steam generator tubes.

  17. Steam-generator tube failures: world experience in water-cooled nuclear power reactors during 1972

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Stevens-Guille, P.D.

    1975-01-01

    During 1972, approximately one in three operating reactors with steam generators incurred tube failures, predominantly near the tube sheet and in the bend region. Various forms of corrosion were the most frequent cause of failure. Eddy-current inspection was the preferred method for locating and investigating the cause of failure. Extensive use was made of both mechanical and explosive plugs for repair. As a class, steam generators with Monel 400 tubes had the lowest failure rates, and those with Inconel 600 tubes had the highest. (U.S.)

  18. Flaw analysis in steam generator tube

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hutin, J.P.; Billon, F.

    1985-08-01

    Operating more than 30 PWR units, Electricite de France has to face several steam generator tube problems. One of the most serious difficulties is the stress corrosion cracking due to primary fluid, just above the tube sheet, in the roll transition region. With regard to availability it is, of course, a major concern; with regard to safety, the point is that tube rupture should be preceded by a significant primary-to-secondary leak during normal operation so that the reactor should be shut down before failure occurs. The demonstration of this assessment asks for experimental and analytical evidences. In 1981, Elecricite de France started a comprehensive program on that subject. A general description of this program and the main results are to be presented during the SMIRT-8 Conference. The purpose of the present paper is to develop in greater detail the analytical part of the work

  19. Automated analysis technique developed for detection of ODSCC on the tubes of OPR1000 steam generator

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kim, In Chul; Nam, Min Woo

    2013-01-01

    A steam generator (SG) tube is an important component of a nuclear power plant (NPP). It works as a pressure boundary between the primary and secondary systems. The integrity of a SG tube can be assessed by an eddy current test every outage. The eddy current technique(adopting a bobbin probe) is currently the main technique used to assess the integrity of the tubing of a steam generator. An eddy current signal analyst for steam generator tubes continuously analyzes data over a given period of time. However, there are possibilities that the analyst conducting the test may get tired and cause mistakes, such as: missing indications or not being able to separate a true defect signal from one that is more complicated. This error could lead to confusion and an improper interpretation of the signal analysis. In order to avoid these possibilities, many countries of opted for automated analyses. Axial ODSCC (outside diameter stress corrosion cracking) defects on the tubes of OPR1000 steam generators have been found on the tube that are in contract with tube support plates. In this study, automated analysis software called CDS (computer data screening) made by Zetec was used. This paper will discuss the results of introducing an automated analysis system for an axial ODSCC on the tubes of an OPR1000 steam generator.

  20. Evaluation of plugging criteria on steam generator tubes and coalescence model of collinear axial through-wall cracks

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lee, Jin Ho; Park, Youn Won; Song, Myung Ho; Kim, Young Jin; Moon, Seong In

    2000-01-01

    In a nuclear power plant, steam generator tubes cover a major portion of the primary pressure-retaining boundary. Thus very conservative approaches have been taken in the light of steam generator tube integrity. According to the present criteria, tubes wall-thinned in excess 40% should be plugged whatever causes are. However, many analytical and experimental results have shown that no safety problems exist even with thickness reductions greater than 40%. The present criterion was developed about twenty years ago when wear and pitting were dominant causes for steam generator tube degradation. And it is based on tubes with single cracks regardless of the fact that the appearance of multiple cracks is more common in general. The objective of this study is to review the conservatism of the present plugging criteria of steam generator tubes and to propose a new coalescence model for two adjacent through-wall cracks existing in steam generator tubes. Using the existing failure models and experimental results, we reviewed the conservatism of the present plugging criteria. In order to verify the usefulness of the proposed new coalescence model, we performed finite element analysis and some parametric studies. Then, we developed a coalescence evaluation diagram

  1. Failure analysis of steam generator tubes with dented and wastage configurations

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Reich, M.; Prachuktam, S.; Gardner, D.; Goradia, H.; Bezler, P.; Kao, K.

    1978-03-01

    The occurrence of PWR steam generator tube cracking, denting, and wastage has been reported in the recent literature. As indicated by its title, this paper concerns itself with the inelastic structural response of the tubes that result from various assumed monotonic as well as cyclic loading conditions, which ultimately could lead to the tube failure

  2. Evaluation of Eddy Current Signals from the Inner Wall Axial Cracks of Steam Generator Tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Choi, Myung Sik; Hur, Do Haeng; Lee, Doek Hyun; Han, Jung Ho; Park, Jung Am

    2001-01-01

    For the enhancement of ECT reliability on the primary water stress corrosion cracks of nuclear steam generator tubes, of which the occurrence is on the increase, it is important to comprehend the signal characteristics on crack morphology and to select an appropriate probe type. In this paper, the sizing accuracy and the detectability for the inner wall axial cracks of tubes were quantitatively evaluated using the following specimens: the electric discharge machined notches and the corrosion cracks which were developed on the operating steam generator tubes. The difference of eddy current signal characteristics between pancake and axial coil were also Investigated. The results obtained from this study provide a useful information for more precise evaluation on the inner wall axial tracks oi steam generator tubes

  3. Wear on Plugged Tube due to the Foreign Objects on the Secondary Side of Steam Generator

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kim, Hyung Nam; Cho, Nam Cheoul; Nam, Min Woo

    2013-01-01

    In this paper, the changes of the tube frequency and amplitude are introduced before and after plugging. The amplitude of the bottom span for the steam generator tube is not much changed after tube plugging. Moreover, the contact force between the plugged tube and the foreign object is the same as that of intact tube and the foreign object. However, the frequencies of plugged tubes are about 9∼12% higher than those of intact tubes. That means the wear due to the foreign object would be accelerated after the tube plugging. Therefore, the tube stabilizer should be installed when the tube is plugged due to the foreign object wear. The tube wall of steam generator is a pressure boundary between the coolant of the primary system and the feedwater of the secondary system. It is very important to insure the structural integrity of the tubes because the radioactive coolant is flow into the feedwater due to the pressure difference as the result of tube failure. The degradations of steam generator tubes are corrosion, wear, fatigue and foreign object wear, etc. The foreign object wear is one of mechanical degradation due to materials flew into the secondary side of steam generator. The steam generator tubes, estimated not to insure structural integrity from the results of the nondestructive evaluation such as eddy current test and visual inspection, are excluded from the service with plugging. However, the tube wear is still being progressed after the plugging because the relative motion between the tube and structure is still existed due to the secondary side flow in the steam generator. If the tube is completely cut because of the degradation, the tube can be a stress or of failure of tubes around the plugged tube. The contact force between the structure and tube is lowered as the wear is progressed. However, the contact force between the foreign object and tube is not changed as the wear is progressed. Therefore, the structural integrity of tubes around the foreign

  4. Steam generator tubing NDE performance

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Henry, G.; Welty, C.S. Jr.

    1997-01-01

    Steam generator (SG) non-destructive examination (NDE) is a fundamental element in the broader SG in-service inspection (ISI) process, a cornerstone in the management of PWR steam generators. Based on objective performance measures (tube leak forced outages and SG-related capacity factor loss), ISI performance has shown a continually improving trend over the years. Performance of the NDE element is a function of the fundamental capability of the technique, and the ability of the analysis portion of the process in field implementation of the technique. The technology continues to improve in several areas, e.g. system sensitivity, data collection rates, probe/coil design, and data analysis software. With these improvements comes the attendant requirement for qualification of the technique on the damage form(s) to which it will be applied, and for training and qualification of the data analysis element of the ISI process on the field implementation of the technique. The introduction of data transfer via fiber optic line allows for remote data acquisition and analysis, thus improving the efficiency of analysis for a limited pool of data analysts. This paper provides an overview of the current status of SG NDE, and identifies several important issues to be addressed

  5. Ultrasonic wall thickness gauging for ferritic steam generator tubing as an in-service inspection tool

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Haesen, W.M.J.; Tromp, Th.J.

    1980-01-01

    In-service inspection of LWR steam generators is more or less a standard routine operation. The situation can be very different for LMFBRs. For the SNR 300 (Kalkar Power Station) the situation is different because the steam generators have ferritic tubing. The tube walls are comparatively thick, 2 to 4.5 mm. During inservice examinations the steam generators will be drained on both sides, however on the sodium side a sodium film will be present. Furthermore the SNR 300 will have two types of steam generator. A straight tube design and a helical coil design will be used. Both types consist of a evaporator and superheater. The steam generators are of course not radioactive. It is obvious that in this case the eddy current (EC) technique is not an enviable inservice inspection tool. Basically EC is a surface flaw detection technique. Only the saturation magnetisation method will improve the EC technique sufficiently for ferritic material. However the 'in bore examination' with the saturation technique was, in case of the SNR 300 steam generator tubing, considered impossible since the inner diameters are fairly small. Furthermore sodium traces may influence the EC method. Although multifrequency methods can solve this problem, EC is not considered as a useful tool for examining ferritic tubing. Another method is to employ the 'stray flux' method which is under development with the TNO organization in Holland. The EC and stray flux method do have one drawback, these methods do not detect gradual changes in wall thickness. Ultrasonic examinations will be used in the SNR 300 as the main inspection tool for the steam generators. In this paper the reasons why ultrasonic examination was selected are explained. The results of the development work on this subject are discussed

  6. The effect of tube rupture location on the consequences of multiple steam generator tube rupture event

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Jeong, Ji Hwan; Kweon, Young Chul

    2002-01-01

    A multiple steam generator tube rupture (MSGTR) event has never occurred in the commercial operation of nuclear reactors while single steam generator tube rupture (SGTR) events are reported to occur every 2 years. As there has been no occurrence of a MSGTR event, the understanding of transients and consequences of this event is very limited. In this study, a postulated MSGTR event in an advanced power reactor 1400 (APR 1400) is analyzed using the thermal-hydraulic system code, MARS1.4. The APR 1400 is a two-loop, 3893 MWt, PWR proposed to be built in 2010. The present study aims to understand the effects of rupture location in heat transfer tubes following a MSGTR event. The effects of five tube rupture locations are compared with each other. The comparison shows that the response of APR1400 allows the shortest time for operator action following a tube rupture in the vicinity of the hot-leg side tube sheet and allows the longest time following a tube rupture at the tube top. The MSSV lift time for rupture at the tube-top is evaluated as 24.5% larger than that for rupture at the hot-leg side tube sheet

  7. Duplex-tube sodium-indication steam generator

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Matal, O.; Martoch, J.

    1984-01-01

    The steam generator with duplex tubes and sodium indication is connected to the main sodium input and output via the inlet and outlet chambers and has indication spaces connected to the interspaces of the duplex tubes. The first indication space is linked with the auxiliary inlet pipe to the inlet chamber and the second indication space is connected with the auxiliary pipe to the outlet chamber. Mounted to the auxiliary inlet pipe is at least one closure, i.e., a valve or electromagnetic stop. Mounted on the auxiliary outlet pipe is an indication sensor, e.g., a sodium flow sensor. At least one indication space is provided with an alarm sensor, e.g., a thermocouple, a pressure gauge and one sensor to monitor the hydrogen content of sodium. (J.P.)

  8. Probe for detection of denting in PWR steam generator tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Gerardin, J.P.; Germain, J.L.; Nio, J.C.

    1994-07-01

    In certain types of PWR steam generator, oxide deposits can lead to embedding, and subsequently to deformation of a tube (the phenomenon of ''denting''). Such embedding changes the vibratory behavior of the tubes and can result in fatigue cracking. This type of cracking can also be worsened in the event of improper assembly of the anti-vibration spacer bars supporting the U-bends. To prevent such incidents and provide for effective preventive condition-directed maintenance of its PWR steam generators, EDF has undertaken the study and development of a probe to detect this type of phenomenon. The studies began in 1990 and led to the building of an initial prototype probe. The principle behind the probe consists in inducing vibration in the U-bend and determining the main resonance modes of the tube. Measurements of frequency and amplitude and calculation of damping enable characterization of the mechanical behavior of the U-bend. The most important parameter is damping, for which the value must be sufficiently high to ensure that the tube is not subjected to major vibratory amplitudes during operation. Numerous tests have been performed with the first prototype version of the probe, on a mock-up in the test area and on one of the demounted steam generators on the Dampierre site. These different tests have enabled validation of the operating principle, fine-tuning the process, pinpointing certain mechanical problems in the probe design, and obtaining the first indications as to the real vibratory behavior of U-bends on a steam generator. On the basis of these preliminary tests, the specifications were drawn up for an industrial version of the probe. Following a call for bids and the choice of a manufacturer, work began on fabrication of a new probe model in 1993. This version was delivered at the end of 1993 and testing began in 1994. (authors). 5 figs., 2 tabs

  9. Evaluating Steam Generator Tubing Corrosion through Shutdown Nickel and Cobalt Releases

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Marks, Chuck; Little, Mike; Krull, Peter; Dennis Hussey; Kenny Epperson

    2012-09-01

    During power operation in PWRs, steam generator tubing corrodes. In PWRs with nickel alloy steam generator tubing this leads to the release of nickel into the coolant. While not structurally significant, this process leads to corrosion product deposition on the fuel surfaces that can threaten fuel integrity, provide a site for boron precipitation, and, through activation and subsequent release, lead to increased out-of-core radiation fields. During shutdown, decreases in temperature and pH and an increase in the oxidation potential lead to dissolution of some corrosion products from the core. This work evaluated the masses of corrosion products released during shutdown as a proxy for steam generator tubing corrosion rates. The masses were evaluated for trends with time (e.g., the number of cycles) and for the influence of design and operating features such as tubing manufacturer, plant design (e.g., three loop versus four loop), and operating chemistry program. This project utilized the EPRI PWR Chemistry Monitoring and Assessment database. Data from over 20 units, many over several cycles, were assessed. The focus was on corrosion product release from Alloy 690TT tubing and all data were from units that had replaced steam generators. Data were analyzed using models developed from corrosion rate test data reported in the literature with a heavy reliance on data from the EDF BOREAL testing. The most striking result of this analysis was a clear division between plants that exhibited corrosion with a falling rate (i.e., following an exponential decay as has been observed, for example, in the BOREAL testing) and those that showed a constant corrosion rate, sustained for many outages. This difference appears to be most closely correlated with the manufacturer of the tubing. Within the two distinct plant groups (decaying corrosion rate and constant corrosion rate), details of the trends were evaluated for correlation with zinc addition history, plant type, and operating

  10. Operational control and maintenance integrity of typical and atypical coil tube steam generating systems

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Beardwood, E.S.

    1999-07-01

    Coil tube steam generators are low water volume to boiler horsepower (bhp) rating, rapid steaming units which occupy substantially less space per boiler horsepower than equivalent conventional tire tube and water tube boilers. These units can be retrofitted into existing steam systems with relative ease and are more efficient than the generators they replace. During the early 1970's they became a popular choice for steam generation in commercial, institutional and light to medium industrial applications. Although these boiler designs do not require skilled or certified operators, an appreciation for a number of the operational conditions that result in lower unscheduled maintenance, increased reliability and availability cycles would be beneficial to facility owners, managers, and operators. Conditions which afford lower operating and maintenance costs will be discussed from a practical point of view. An overview of boiler design and operation is also included. Pitfalls are provided for operational and idle conditions. Water treatment application, as well as steam system operations not conducive to maintaining long term system integrity; with resolutions, will be addressed.

  11. Multi-target Wastage Phenomena on Steam Generator Tubes During an SWR Event

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Jeong, Ji Young; Kim, Jong Man; Kim, Tae Joon; Eoh, Jae Hyuk; Choi, Jong Hyeun; Lee, Yong Bum

    2011-01-01

    The Korean sodium cooled fast reactor, KALIMER- 600 (Korea Advanced LIquid MEtal Reactor) of which the electric output is 600MWe, was developed. The steam generator (SG) of this system is a shell-and-tube type counter-current flow heat exchanger, which is vertically oriented with fixed tube-sheets. A direct heat exchange occurs between the shell-side sodium and the tube-side water at the SG unit. Feed-water enters the inlet nozzle at the lower part of the unit and it flows upward along the helically coiled heat transfer tubes. The inflow sodium is cooled down at the bundle region and then flows out through the sodium outlet nozzle at the bottom of the unit. The typical configuration of the KALIMER-600 SG is shown in Figure 1. In a steam generator, sodium and water are separated by the heat transfer tube wall and it makes a strong pressure boundary between the shell-side sodium and the tube-side water/steam. For this reason, if there is a small hole or crack, even with a pin hole, on heat transfer tubes, a large amount of water/steam would leak into the liquid sodium due to the high pressure difference more than 150 bars, and an exothermic sodium-water chemical reaction takes place as a result. This type of sodium-water reaction (SWR) has been considered as one of the most important safety issues to be resolved. From previous studies, it was obviously figured out that the number of ruptured tubes during an SWR event is one of the most significant factors to determine the temperature and pressure transient. Any subsequent tube rupture behavior in the vicinity of the initially postulated single ruptured tube should be evaluated by considering the single- and multi-target wastage phenomena. Wastage is defined as damage to the structural material (e.g. heat transfer tubes) due to an impingement of the highly corrosive reaction product. Since the impingement may cause wastage of the neighboring heat transfer tubes, a subsequent tube failure can occur in a very short time

  12. Effect of Ovality on Maximum External Pressure of Helically Coiled Steam Generator Tubes with a Rectangular Wear

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Shin, Dong In; Lim, Eun Mo; Huh, Nam Su [Seoul National Univ. of Science and Technology, Seoul (Korea, Republic of); Choi, Shin Beom; Yu, Je Yong; Kim, Ji Ho; Choi, Suhn [Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Daejeon (Korea, Republic of)

    2013-10-15

    A structural integrity of steam generator tubes of nuclear power plants is one of crucial parameters for safe operation of nuclear power plants. Thus, many studies have been made to provide engineering methods to assess integrity of defective tubes of commercial nuclear power plants considering its operating environments and defect characteristics. As described above, the geometric and operating conditions of steam generator tubes in integral reactor are significantly different from those of commercial reactor. Therefore, the structural integrity assessment of defective tubes of integral reactor taking into account its own operating conditions and geometric characteristics, i. e., external pressure and helically coiled shape, should be made to demonstrate compliance with the current design criteria. Also, ovality is very specific characteristics of the helically coiled tube because it is occurred during the coiling processes. The wear, occurring from FIV (Flow Induced Vibration) and so on, is main degradation of steam generator tube. In the present study, maximum external pressure of helically coiled steam generator tube with wear is predicted based on the detailed 3-dimensional finite element analysis. As for shape of wear defect, the rectangular shape is considered. In particular, the effect of ovality on the maximum external pressure of helically coiled tubes with rectangular shaped wear is investigated. In the present work, the maximum external pressure of helically coiled steam generator tube with rectangular shaped wear is investigated via detailed 3-D FE analyses. In order to cover a practical range of geometries for defective tube, the variables affecting the maximum external pressure were systematically varied. In particular, the effect of tube ovality on the maximum external pressure is evaluated. It is expected that the present results can be used as a technical backgrounds for establishing a practical structural integrity assessment guideline of

  13. Steam generator tubes rupture probability estimation - study of the axially cracked tube case

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Mavko, B.; Cizelj, L.; Roussel, G.

    1992-01-01

    The objective of the present study is to estimate the probability of a steam generator tube rupture due to the unstable propagation of axial through-wall cracks during a hypothetical accident. For this purpose the probabilistic fracture mechanics model was developed taking into account statistical distributions of influencing parameters. A numerical example considering a typical steam generator seriously affected by axial stress corrosion cracking in the roll transition area, is presented; it indicates the change of rupture probability with different assumptions focusing mostly on tubesheet reinforcing factor, crack propagation rate and crack detection probability. 8 refs., 4 figs., 4 tabs

  14. Study of tritium permeation through Peach Bottom Steam Generator tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Yang, L.; Baugh, W.A.; Baldwin, N.L.

    1977-06-01

    The report describes the equipment developed, samples tested, procedures used, and results obtained in the tritium permeation tests conducted on steam generator tubing samples which were removed from the Peach Bottom Unit No. 1 reactor

  15. Process Technology Development of Ni Electroplating in Steam Generator Tube

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kim, Joung Soo; Kim, H. P.; Lim, Y. S.; Kim, S. S.; Hwang, S. S.; Yi, Y. S.; Kim, D. J.; Jeong, M. K.

    2009-11-01

    Operating nuclear power steam generator tubing material, Alloy 600, having superior resistance to corrosion has many experiences of damage by various corrosion mechanisms during long term operation period. In this research project, a new Ni electroplating technology to be applied to repair the damaged steam generator tubes has been developed. In this technology development, the optimum conditions for variables affecting the Ni electroplating process, optimum process conditions for maximum adhesion forces at interface between were established. The various mechanical properties (RT and HT tensile, fatigue, creep, burst, etc.) and corrosion properties (general corrosion, pitting, crevice corrosion, stress corrosion cracking, boric acid corrosion, doped steam) of the Ni plated layers made at the established optimum conditions have been evaluated and confirmed to satisfy the specifications. In addition, a new ECT probe developed at KAERI enable to detect defects from magnetic materials was confirmed to be used for Ni electroplated Alloy 600 tubes at the field. For the application of this developed technology to operating plants, a mock-up electroplating system has been designed and manufactured, and set up at Doosan Heavy Industry Co. and also its performance test has been done. At same time, the anode probe has been modified and improved to be used with the established mock-up system without any problem

  16. Procedure for generating steam and steam generator for operating said procedure

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Chlique, Bernard.

    1975-01-01

    This invention concerns the generation of steam by bringing the water to be vaporised into indirect thermal exchange relation with the heating steam which condenses when passing in series, along alternate routes, through bundles of tubes immersed in a vaporising chamber. A number of steam generators working on this principle already exist. The purpose of the invention is to modify the operating method of these steam generators by means of a special disposition making it possible to build a compact unit including an additional bundle of tubes heated by the condensates collected at the outlet of each bundle through which the heating steam passes [fr

  17. CFD evaluation on the thermohydraulic characteristics of tube support plates in steam generator

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Zhang, B.; Zhang, H.; Han, B.; Yang, B.W. [Xi' an Jiaotong Univ. (China). School of Nuclear Science and Technology; Mo, S.J.; Ren, H.B.; Qin, J.M.; Zuo, C.P. [China Nuclear Power Design Co. Ltd., ShenZhen (China)

    2016-07-15

    The integrity and thermal hydraulic characteristics of steam generator are of great concern in the nuclear industry. The tube support plates (TSP), one of the most important components of the steam generator, not only support the heat transfer tubes, but also affect the flow dynamic and thermal hydraulic characteristics of the secondary-side flow inside the steam generator. Different working conditions, ranging from single-phase adiabatic condition to two-phase high-void boiling condition, are simulated and analyzed. Calculated void fraction, under simple geometry, agrees well with the experiment data whilst the simulated heat transfer coefficient is tremendously close to the empirical correlation. Temperature, void fraction, and velocity distributions in different locations show reasonable distribution. The simulation results indicate that TSP can enhance the heat transfer in the secondary side of the steam generator. On the top of TSP, with the increase in cross-section flow area, the back-flow phenomenon occurs, which might lead to the contamination of precipitation.

  18. Round robin tests of the PISC III programme on defective steam generators tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Birac, C.; Herkenrath, H.; Crutzen, S.; Miyake, Y.; Maciga, G.

    1991-11-01

    The PISC III actions are intended to extend the results and methodologies of the previous PISC exercises, i.e. the assessment of the capabilities of the various examination techniques when used on real or realistic flaws in real components under real conditions of inspection. Being aware of the industrial problems that the degradation of steam generator tubes can create, the PISC III management board decided to include in the PISC III programme a special action on steam generator tubes testing (SGT). (author)

  19. Development of Evaluation Technology for Detection of Axial Crack at Eggcrate Intersection of Steam Generator Tube

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Choi, Myung Sik; Hur, Do Haeng; Kim, Kyung Mo; Han, Jung Ho; Lee, Deok Hyun; Song, Myung Ho

    2011-01-01

    The occurrence of outer diameter (OD) axial stress corrosion crack at egg crate intersection of steam generator tube in operating power plant is inspected primarily by the eddy current test using bobbin coil probe. Therefore, the characteristics of the bobbin coil signal from the axial crack at egg crate intersection of steam generator tube should be understood for the accurate and earlier detection of the crack. In this study, the mockup assembly simulating the steam generator tube with OD axial stress corrosion crack and tube support egg crate was manufactured, and the characteristics of bobbin coil eddy current signal was examined in order to extract the improved evaluation technique for the detection of the crack

  20. Influence of steam generator tube ruptures during semiscale loss-of-coolant experiments

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Cozzuol, J.M.; Larson, T.K.

    1978-01-01

    Examination of the U-tubes in the steam generators of some large commercial pressurized water reactors (PWR) has revealed the existence of leakage and in some cases structural weakening of the tubes. This structural weakening enhances the possibility of tubes rupturing during a hypothesized loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA). Considerable interest has been shown in the analysis of tube ruptures concurrent with a hypothesized LOCA since the presence of tube ruptures has the potential to influence the system thermal-hydraulic response and could foreseeably result in a more severe core thermal behavior than might otherwise occur. To experimentally investigate the influence of steam generator tube ruptures on the thermal-hydraulic response of PWR type system, a series of experiments was conducted in the Semiscale Mod-1 system by EG and G Idaho, Inc., for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Department of Energy. The primary objective of the experiments was to obtain data which could be used to evaluate the influence of the simulated tube ruptures on the system and core thermal-hydraulic response for a range of tube ruptures that was expected to provide the potential for high cladding temperatures in the Semiscale facility. The experiments were conducted assuming a variety in the number of tubes ruptured during large break loss-of-coolant conditions. The number of experiments conducted permitted determination of the range of tube ruptures for which high peak cladding temperatures could result in the Semiscale Mod-1 system. The paper contains a description of the Semiscale Mod-1 system and a discussion of the steam generator tube rupture tests conducted. The experimental results from the test series and the thermal-hydraulic phenomena found to influence the core thermal response during the experiments are discussed

  1. Analysis of prestressed double-wall tubing for LMFBR steam generators

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Uber, C.F.; Langford, P.J.

    1981-01-01

    A radial interface pressure is provided between the inner and outer tubes of each double-wall tube in a steam generator design now being developed for commercial breeder reactor plants. This paper describes a finite element analysis of the manufacturing technique used to prestress the double-wall tube. The analytical predictions are compared with experimental measurements of the residual interface pressure. Resulting residual stress states are used as the starting point for operating condition analyses. 9 refs

  2. Ultrasonic imaging of tube/support structure of power plant steam generators

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Saniie, J.; Nagle, D.T.

    1987-01-01

    The corrosion and erosion of steam generator tubing in nuclear power plants can present problems of both safety and economics. In steam generators, the inconel tubes are fit loosely through holes drilled in carbon steel support plates. Corrosion is of particular concern with such tube/support plate structures. Non-protective magnetite can build up on the inner surface of the support plate holes, and allowed to continue unchecked, will fill the gap, eventually denting and fracturing the tube walls. Therefore, periodic nondestructive inspection can be valuable in characterizing corrosion and can be used in evaluating the effectiveness of chemical treatments used to control or reduce corrosion. Presently, they are investigating the feasibility and practicality of using ultrasound in routing testing for gap measurement, for evaluating the corrosion and assessing the degree of denting. The tube/support structure can be modeled as a multilayer, reverberant target, which when tested with ultrasound results in two sets of reverberating echoes [1]. One set corresponds to the tube wall and the other to the support plate. These echoes must be decomposed and identified in order to evaluate the tube/support structure. This report presents experimental results along with a discussion of various measurements and processing techniques for decomposing and interpreting tube/support echoes at different stages of corrosion

  3. PROFIL-360 high resolution steam generator tube profilometry system

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Glass, S.W.

    1985-01-01

    A high-resolution profilometry system, PROFIL 360, has been developed to assess the condition of steam generator tubes and rapidly produce the data to evaluate the potential for developing in-service leaks. The probe has an electromechanical sensor in a rotating head. This technique has been demonstrated in the field, saving tubes that would have been plugged with the go-gauge criterion and indicating plugging other high-risk candidates that might otherwise not have been removed from service

  4. Profil-360 high resolution steam generator tube profilometry system

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Glass, S.W.

    1985-01-01

    A high-resolution profilometry system, PROFIL 360, has been developed to assess the condition of steam generator tubes and rapidly produce the data to evaluate the potential for developing in-service leaks. The probe has an electromechanical sensor in a rotating head. This technique has been demonstrated in the field, saving tubes that would have been plugged with the go-gauge criterion and indicating plugging other high-risk candidates that might otherwise not have been removed from service

  5. A Comparison of the Predicted Tube Plugging Rate for Alloy 600HTMA Steam Generator

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Boo, Myung Hwan; Kang, Yong Seok [Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Co., Daejeon (Korea, Republic of)

    2010-10-15

    To manage components that are used in long term operations such as steam generation, it is important to know the tube plugging rate, which can cause the performance degradation. The life of components can be predicted by the method using determinism and probability theory. With a method using probability theory, damage prediction of tube is possible. In this study, damage prediction for steam generation (SG) tube is performed using Weibull distribution and predicted plugging rate (life) is compared with the simple sum plugging number and case by case (failure cause) plugging number

  6. Steam generator operation and maintenance

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lee, C.K.

    2004-01-01

    Corrosion of steam generator tube has resulted in the need for extensive repair and replacement of steam generators. Over the past two decades, steam generator problems in the United States were viewed to be one of the most significant contributor to lost generation in operating PWR plants. When the SGOG-I (Steam Generator Owners Groups) was formed in early 1977, denting was responsible for almost 90% of the tube plugging. By the end of 1982, this figure was reduced to less than 2%. During the existence of SGOG-II (from 1982 to 1986), IGA/SCC (lntergranular Attack/Stress Corrosion Cracking) in the tube sheet, primary side SCC, pitting, and fretting surfaced as the primary causes of tube degradation. Although significant process has been made with wastage and denting, the utilities experience shows that the percentage of reactors plugging tubes and the percentage of tubes being plugged each year has remained relatively constant. The diversity of the damage mechanisms means that no one solution is likely to resolve all problems. The task of maintaining steam generator integrity continues to be formidable and challenging. As the older problems were brought under control, many new problems emerged. SGOG-II (Steam Generator Owners Group program from 1982 to 1986) has focused on these problem areas such as tube stress corrosion cracking (SCC) and intergranular attack (IGA) in the open tube sheet crevice, primary side tube cracking, pitting in the lower span, and tube fretting in preheated section and anti-vibration bar (AVB) locations. Primary Water Stress Corrosion Cracking (PWSCC) in the tube to tubesheet roll transition has been a wide spread problem in the Recirculation Steam Generators (RSG) during this period. Although significant progress has been made in resolving this problem, considerable work still remains. One typical problem in the Once Through Steam Generator (OTSG) was the tube support plate broached hole fouling which affects the OTSG steam generating

  7. Internal ultrasonic testing of steam generator tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Furlan, J.; Soleille, G.; Chalaye, H.

    1983-01-01

    The ''in situ'' inspection of steam generator tubes uses generally Foucault currents before starting and along its life. This inspection aims at searching cracks and corrosion defects. The Foucault current method is quite badly adapted to ''closed crack'' detection, for it doesn't introduce neither resistivity or magnetic permeability variation, or lack of matter. More, it is sensible to the magnetic properties of the tube itself and to its environment (tubular or support plates). It is why, this first systematic inspection has to be completed by an ultrasonic one allowing to bring new elements in the uncertain cases. A device with an internal probe has been developed. It ''lights'' the tube wall with the aid of a transducer of which beam reflects on a mirror. Operating conditions are the same as for Foucault current testing, that is to say the probe moves inside the tube without rotation of the device (bent parts are excluded) [fr

  8. Mitigation of caustic stress corrosion cracking of steam generator tube materials by blowdown -a case study

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Dutta, Anu; Patwegar, I.A.; Chaki, S.K.; Venkat Raj, V.

    2000-01-01

    The vertical U-tube steam generators are among the most important equipment in nuclear power plants as they form the vital link between the reactor and the turbogenerator. Over ∼ 35 years of operating experience of water cooled reactor has demonstrated that steam generator tubes are susceptible to various forms of degradation. This degradation leads to failure and outages of the power plant. A majority of these failures have been attributed to concentrated alkali attacks in the low flow areas such as crevices in the tube to tube sheet joints, baffle plate location and the areas of sludge deposits. Free hydroxides can be produced by improper maintenance of phosphate chemical control in the secondary side of the steam generators and also by the thermal decomposition of impurities present in the condenser cooling water which may leak into the feed water through the condenser tubes. The free hydroxides concentrate in the low flow areas. This buildup of free hydroxide in combination with residual stress leads to caustic stress corrosion cracking. In order to mitigate caustic stress corrosion cracking of Inconel 600 tubes, the trend is to avoid phosphate dosing. Instead All Volatile Treatment (AVT) for secondary water is used backed by full flow condensate polishing. Sodium hydroxide concentration is now being considered as the basis for steam generator blowdown. A methodology has been established for determining the blowdown requirement in order to mitigate caustic stress corrosion cracking in the secondary side of the vertical U-tube natural circulation steam generator. A case study has been carried out for zero solid treatment (AVT coupled with full flow condensate polishing plant) water chemistry. Only continuous blowdown schemes have been studied based on maximum caustic concentration permissible in the secondary side of the steam generator. The methodology established can also be used for deciding concentration of any other impurities

  9. Turbulence induced Fretting-wear characteristics of steam generator helical tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Jhung, Myung Jo; Jo, Jong Chull; Kim, Hho Jung; Yune, Young Gill; Yu, Seon Oh

    2005-01-01

    This study addresses safety assessment of the potential for fretting-wear damages on steam generator helical tubes due to turbulence-induced vibration in operating nuclear power plants. To get the natural frequency, corresponding mode shape and participation factor, modal analyses are performed for helical type tubes with various conditions. Special emphases are put on the effects of coil diameter and the number of turns on the modal and fretting wear characteristics of tubes. Also, investigated are the effects of external pressure on the tube modal characteristics as well as the effects of turbulence induced vibration on the fretting-wear characteristics of tubes

  10. Efficiency of defect specific maintenance od steam generator tubes: the case of ODSCC

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Cizelj, L.; Dvorsek, T.

    1996-01-01

    The outside diameter stress corrosion cracking at tube support plates became the dominating ageing mechanism in steam generators tubes made of Inconel 600. A variety of maintenance approaches were developed and implemented worldwide to deal with this mechanism. Despite different philosophical and physical backgrounds implemented, all of the applied approaches satisfy the relevant regulatory requirements. For our purpose, the maintenance approach consist of: (1) inspection of tubes, (2) accepting or rejecting the defective tube and (3) plugging of rejected tubes. The problem of selecting an optimal maintenance approach is raised in the paper. Consequently, a method comparing the efficiency of applicable maintenance approaches is proposed. The efficiency is defined by three parameters: (a) number of plugged tubes, (b) probability of steam generator tube rupture and (c) predicted accidental leak rates through the defects. An original probabilistic model is proposed to quantify the probability of tube rupture, while procedures available in literature were used to define the accidental leak rates. The numerical example considers the data from Krsko NPP (Westinghouse 632 MWe). The maintenance approaches analyzed include: (i) no repair at all, (ii) traditional defect depth (40%) based maintenance, (iii) alternate plugging criterion (bobbin coil voltage as defined by EPRI and U.S. NRC) and (iv) combined traditional and alternate approach. Advantages of the defect specific approaches (iii) and (iv) over the traditional one (defect depth) are clearly shown. A brief discussion on the optimization of safe life of steam generator is given. (author)

  11. Post-failure metallurgical investigation of KNK steam generator tube damage

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Lorenz, H; Herberg, G

    1975-07-01

    In September 1973 the sodium-cooled reactor KNK was shut down due to a steam generator tube damage. Failure location and results of the metallurgical examination of the damage are described. The cause of the damage is discussed. (author)

  12. High-definition radiography of tube-to-tubesheet welds of steam generator of prototype fast breeder reactor

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Venkatraman, B.; Sethi, V.K.; Jayakumar, T.; Raj, B.

    1995-01-01

    In the steam generator of the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR), steam is generated by the transfer of heat from secondary sodium to water. Due to the inherent dangers of sodium-water reaction, the integrity of weld joints separating sodium and water/steam is of paramount importance. This is particularly true and very important for the tube-to-tubesheet joints. This paper discusses the use of projective magnification technique by microfocal radiography for the quality evaluation and optimisation of the welding parameters of such small tube-to-tubesheet welds of the steam generator of PFBR. (author)

  13. PWR steam generators tube integrity: plugging criteria for PWSCC in roll transition zone

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Mattar Neto, Miguel; Cruz, Julio R.B.

    1999-01-01

    One of the most important causes for tube plugging in PWR (Pressurized Water Reactor) steam generators is the degradation mechanism called Primary Water Stress Corrosion Cracking (PWSCC) in roll transition zone (RTZ) near the tubesheet, mainly for Alloy 600 tubes. To avoid an excessive tube plugging, alternative criteria have been developed based on an approach that consists in withdrawing from service any tube containing a defect for which there is a high probability of a critical size under accident conditions to be reached during next operation cycle. Predictions of the number of tubes to be plugged can be done aiming at preventive maintenance and tube repair, and even a steam generator replacement, without a large and non-planned plant outage. This work presents important aspects related to tube plugging criteria for PWSCC in RTZ based on the risk of break after a leak detection. Calculations of allowable crack length and allowable leak rate for a particular situation are also shown. (author)

  14. Study on thermal and mechanical properties of U-tube materials for steam generator

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Rheu, Woo Suk; Kang, Young Hwan; Park, Jong Man; Joo, Ki Nam; Kim, Sung Soo; Maeng, Wan Young; Park, Se Jin

    1993-01-01

    Most of domestic nuclear plants have used I600 TT material for steam generator U-tube, and piled up the field experience. I600 HTMA and I690 TT, however, are recommended for an alternative of U-tube by ABB-CE since YK-3 and 4. Field experience of I600 HTMA and I690 TT have not compiled in the country, so it is concerned to select the future materials for U-tube. Thus, database on the thermal and mechanical properties of U-tube materials is very necessary for design documentations. In this study, the thermal, mechanical and metallugical properties were tested and evaluated to establish the database for steam generator U-tube. In addition, thermal conductivity of I600 and I690 was measured and compared statistically, providing a basic document for applying I690 to U-tube. The results will be used to improve the manufacturing process in order to increase the integrity of U-tube. (Author)

  15. Mode Selection for Axial Flaw Detection in Steam Generator Tube Using Ultrasonic Guided Wave

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Yoon, Byung Sik; Yang, Seung Han; Guon, Ki Il; Kim, Yong Sik

    2009-01-01

    The eddy current testing method is mainly used to inspect steam generator tube during in-service inspection period. But the general problem of assessing the structural integrity of the steam generator tube using eddy current inspection is rather complex due to the presence of noise and interference signal under various conditions. However, ultrasonic testing as a nondestructive testing tool has become quite popular and effective for the flaw detection and material characterization. Currently, ultrasonic guided wave is emerging technique in power industry because of its various merits. But most of previous studies are focused on detection of circumferential oriented flaws. In this study, the steam generator tube of nuclear power plant was selected to detect axially oriented flaws and investigate guided wave mode identification. The longitudinal wave mode is generated using piezoelectric transducer frequency from 0.5 MHz, 1.0 MHz, 2.25MHz and 5MHz. Dispersion based STFT algorithm is used as mode identification tool

  16. Modeling and dynamic simulation of U-tube steam generator

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Cui Zhenghua; Jia Dounan; Chen Xuejun; Yu Erjun

    1992-01-01

    An accurate and simple dynamic mathematical model of U-tube steam generator is presented. It is solved by Adams method and Gear method respectively. The results of this model are in good agreements with that of Kerlin's model which has been validated by the tests. And the two calculating methods are compared

  17. Hideout of sea water impurities in steam generator tube deposits: laboratory and field studies

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Balakrishnan, P.V.; Turner, C.W.; Thompson, R.; Sawochka, S.

    1996-01-01

    Sea water impurities hide out within thin (∼10 μm) deposits on steam generator tubes, as demonstrated by both laboratory studies using segments of fouled steam generator tubes pulled in 1992 from Crystal River-3 nuclear power station and field hideout return studies performed during recent plant shutdowns. Laboratory tests performed at 279 o C (534 o F) and heat fluxes ranging from 35 to 114 kW/m 2 (11,100 - 36,150 Btu/h.ft 2 ), conditions typical of the lower tubesheet to the first support plate region of a once-through steam generator, showed that impurity hideout can occur in thin free-span tube deposits. The extent of hideout increased with increasing heat flux. Soluble species, such as sodium and chloride ions, returned promptly to the bulk water from the deposits when the heat flux was turned off, whereas less soluble species, such as calcium sulfate and magnesium hydroxide, returned more slowly. Recent field hideout return studies performed at Crystal River-3 where the water level in the steam generators was maintained below the first tube support plate during the shutdown, thus wetting only the thin deposits in the free span and the small sludge pile, corroborate the laboratory findings, showing that hideout does indeed occur in the free-span regions of the tubes. These findings suggest that hideout within tube deposits has to be accounted for in the calculation of crevice chemistry from hideout return studies and in controlling the bulk chemistry using the molar ratio criterion. (author). 3 refs., 4 tabs., 3 figs

  18. Diagnostic system of steam generator, especially molten metal heated steam generator

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Matal, O.; Martoch, J.

    1986-01-01

    A diagnostic system is described and graphically represented consisting of a leak detector, a medium analyzer and sensors placed on the piping connected to the indication sections of both tube plates. The advantage of the designed system consists in the possibility of detecting tube failure immediately on leak formation, especially in generators with duplex tubes. This shortens the period of steam generator shutdown for repair and reduces power losses. The design also allows to make periodical leak tests during planned steam generator shutdowns. (A.K.)

  19. Assessment of the integrity of degraded steam generator tube by the use of heterogeneous finite element method

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Duan, X.; Kozluk, M.; Pagan, S.; Mills, B.

    2006-01-01

    Steam generator tubes at Ontario Power Generation (OPG) have been experiencing a variety of degradations such as pitting, fretting wear, erosion-corrosion, thinning and denting. To assist with steam generator life cycle management, OPG has developed Fitness-For-Service Guidelines (FFSG) for steam generator tubes. The FFSG are intended to provide standard acceptance criteria and evaluation procedures for assessing the condition of steam generator tubes for structural integrity, operational leak rate, and consequential leakage during an upset or abnormal event. Based on inspection results in conjunction with representative, postulated distributions of flaws in the un-inspected tubes, the FFSG provide an acceptable method of satisfying the intent of CSA-N285.4 and justifying the continued operation of degraded steam generator tubes. Some non-mandatory empirical axial and circumferential flaw models are also provided in the FFSG for structural integrity assessments. The test data from the OPG Steam Generator Tube Test Program (SGTTP) showed that the FFSG axial flaw model is conservative for a wide range of defect morphologies. A defect-specific axial flaw model was proposed for lattice-bar fret defects in I800 tubes by utilizing the SGTTP database of extensive test results. A defect-specific flaw model for outer diameter (OD) pitting and inner diameter (ID) intergranular attack in Monel 400 tubes was also developed using the SGTTP test data. More tests have been scheduled to support the development of defect specific models for axial flaws (OD cracks or ID laps) in Monel 400 and to supplement the database for Monel 400 pits. This paper explores the use of simulated testing for use in developing defect specific flaw models to reduce the amount of expensive tests. The Heterogeneous Finite Element Model (HFEM) has been developed and successfully applied to predict the failure behaviour of ductile metals under various deformation modes, i.e. plane stress, plane strain and

  20. Evaluation of steam generator U-tube integrity during PWR station blackout with secondary system depressurization

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hidaka, Akihide; Asaka, Hideaki; Sugimoto, Jun; Ueno, Shingo; Yoshino, Takehito

    1999-12-01

    In PWR severe accidents such as station blackout, the integrity of steam generator U-tube would be threatened early at the transient among the pipes of primary system. This is due to the hot leg countercurrent natural circulation (CCNC) flow which delivers the decay heat of the core to the structures of primary system if the core temperature increases after the secondary system depressurization. From a view point of accident mitigation, this steam generator tube rupture (SGTR) is not preferable because it results in the direct release of primary coolant including fission products (FP) to the environment. Recent SCDAP/RELAP5 analyses by USNRC showed that the creep failure of pressurizer surge line which results in release of the coolant into containment would occur earlier than SGTR during the secondary system depressurization. However, the analyses did not consider the decay heat from deposited FP on the steam generator U-tube surface. In order to investigate the effect of decay heat on the steam generator U-tube integrity, the hot leg CCNC flow model used in the USNRC's calculation was, at first, validated through the analysis for JAERI's LSTF experiment. The CCNC model reproduced well the thermohydraulics observed in the LSTF experiment and thus the model is mostly reliable. An analytical study was then performed with SCDAP/RELAP5 for TMLB' sequence of Surry plant with and without secondary system depressurization. The decay heat from deposited FP was calculated by JAERI's FP aerosol behavior analysis code, ART. The ART analysis showed that relatively large amount of FPs may deposit on steam generator U-tube inlet mainly by thermophoresis. The SCDAP/RELAP5 analyses considering the FP decay heat predicted small safety margin for steam generator U-tube integrity during secondary system depressurization. Considering associated uncertainties in the analyses, the potential for SGTR cannot be ignored. Accordingly, this should be considered in the evaluation of merits

  1. The impact of NPP Krsko steam generator tube plugging on minimum DNBR at nominal conditions

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lajtman, S.

    1996-01-01

    Typically, steam generator tube plugging (SGTP) both decreases the reactor coolant system (RCS) flow rate and the heat transfer surface area of the steam generator. At a constant thermal power and vessel outlet temperature, as tube plugging increases, the vessel average temperature, vessel inlet temperature and steam generator secondary side steam pressure decrease. This paper presents the analysis of impact of SGTP on Minimum Departure from Nucleate Boiling Ratio (MDNBR) at NPP Krsko (NEK), using the Improved Thermal Design Procedure (ITDP), WRB-1 correlation, and COBRA-III-C computer code. No credit was given to high plugging percentage region power reduction resulting from turbine volumetric flow limitations. MDNBR is found to be decreasing with increasing plugging, but not under the limiting values. (author)

  2. Steam generator tube rupture risk impact on design and operation of French PWR plants

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Depond, G.; Sureau, H.

    1984-01-01

    The experience of steam generator tube leaks incidents in PWR plants has resulted in an increase of EDF analysis leading to improvements in design and post-accidental operation for new projects and operating plants. The accident consequences are minimized for each of the NSSS three barriers: first barrier: safeguard systems design and operating procedures relying upon core safety allow to maintain a low level of primary radioactivity, second barrier: steam generator design and periodic inspection allow to reduce tube ruptures risks and third barrier: atmospheric releases are reduced as a result of optimal recovery procedures, detection improvements and atmospheric steam valves design improvements. (orig.)

  3. Experimental study of tube/support impact forces in multi-span PWR steam generator tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Axisa, F.; Desseaux, A.; Gibert, R.J.

    1984-12-01

    The vibro-impact response of a straight part of a steam generator tube is investigated experimentally and using numerical simulation with the aim to relate tube overall dynamics with excitation and tube-support clearance. Configuration studied here corresponds to the tube being excited in only one direction at its first resonance presenting an antinode of vibration at the impacted support. Tests show namely that midspan displacement of tube is almost proportional to excitation level and clearance. Impact forces averaged over a cycle of vibration are almost proportional to excitation and poorly dependent on clearance. Results of numerical simulation are in fairly good agreement with test results

  4. Study on antioxidant experiment on forged steel tube sheet and tube hole for steam generator

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zong Hai; Wang Detai; Ding Yang

    2012-01-01

    Antioxidant experiment on forged steel tube sheet and tube hole for steam generator was studied and the influence of different simulated heat treatments on the antioxidant performance of tube sheet and tube hole was made. The influence of different antioxidant methods on the size of tube hole was drawn. Furthermore, the change of size and weight of 18MnD5 forged steel tube sheet on the condition of different simulated heat treatments was also studied. The analytical results have proved reference information for the use of 18MnD5 material and for key processes of processing tube hole and wearing and expanding U-style tube. (authors)

  5. Steam generator tube degradation at the Doel 4 plant influence on plant operation and safety

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Scheveneels, G.

    1997-01-01

    The steam generator tubes of Doel 4 are affected by a multitude of corrosion phenomena. Some of them have been very difficult to manage because of their extremely fast evolution, non linear evolution behavior or difficult detectability and/or measurability. The exceptional corrosion behavior of the steam generator tubes has had its drawbacks on plant operation and safety. Extensive inspection and repair campaigns have been necessary and have largely increased outage times and radiation exposure to personnel. Although considerable effort was invested by the utility to control corrosion problems, non anticipated phenomena and/or evolution have jeopardized plant safety. The extensive plugging and repairs performed on the steam generators have necessitated continual review of the design basis safety studies and the adaptation of the protection system setpoints. The large asymmetric plugging has further complicated these reviews. During the years many preventive and recently also defence measures have been implemented by the utility to manage corrosion and to decrease the probability and consequences of single or multiple tube rupture. The present state of the Doel 4 steam generators remains troublesome and further examinations are performed to evaluate if continued operation until June '96, when the steam generators will be replaced, is justified

  6. Stress corrosion cracking susceptibility of steam generator tubing on secondary side in restricted flow areas

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Fulger, M.; Lucan, D.; Radulescu, M.; Velciu, L.

    2003-01-01

    Nuclear steam generator tubes operate in high temperature water and on the secondary side in restricted flow areas many nonvolatile impurities accidentally introduced into circuit tend to concentrate. The concentration process leads to the formation of highly aggressive alkaline or acid solutions in crevices, and these solutions can cause stress corrosion cracking (SCC) on stressed tube materials. Even though alloy 800 has shown to be highly resistant to general corrosion in high temperature water, it has been found that the steam generator tubes may crack during service from the primary and/or secondary side. Stress corrosion cracking is still a serious problem occurring on outside tubes in operating steam generators. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the environmental factors affecting the stress corrosion cracking of steam generators tubing. The main test method was the exposure for 1000 hours into static autoclaves of plastically stressed C-rings of Incoloy 800 in caustic solutions (10% NaOH) and acidic chloride solutions because such environments may sometimes form accidentally in crevices on secondary side of tubes. Because the kinetics of corrosion of metals is indicated by anodic polarization curves, in this study, some stressed specimens were anodically polarized in caustic solutions in electrochemical cell, and other in chloride acidic solutions. The results presented as micrographs, potentiokinetic curves, and electrochemical parameters have been compared to establish the SCC behavior of Incoloy 800 in such concentrated environments. (authors)

  7. Steam generator with U-tube bank arranged within an oblong pressure vessel

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Beckmann, G.; Fritz, K.

    1976-01-01

    This steam generator equipped with a U-tube bundle differs substantially from standard types because of its operational condition. The boiler is at a tilt of 45 0 , the piping base, the inlet, and the outlet for the primary medium are arranged at the top. This improves the heat flow of the secondary medium within the boiler. The steam room placed near the piping base is enlarged on the hot side of the U-tube bundle due to the tilt of the water level, allowing drying and overheating of the steam without additional mounting of water separators and special overheaters. The additional space obtained by this construction is estimated at 6%. (FW) [de

  8. Independent tube verification and dynamic tracking in et inspection of nuclear steam generator

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Xiongzi, Li; Zhongxue, Gan; Lance, Fitzgibbons

    2001-01-01

    The full text follows. In the examination of pressure boundary tubes in steam generators of commercial pressurized water nuclear power plants (PWR's), it is critical to know exactly which particular tube is being accessed. There are no definitive landmarks or markings on the individual tubes. Today this is done manually, it is tedious, and interrupts the normal inspection work, and is difficult due to the presence of water on the tube surface, plug ends instead of tube openings in the field of view, and varying lighting quality. In order to eliminate the human error and increase the efficiency of operation, there is a need to identify tube position during the inspection process, independent of robot encoder position and motion. A process based on a Cognex MVS-8200 system and its application function package has been developed to independently identify tube locations. ABB Combustion Engineering Nuclear Power's Outage Services group, USPPL in collaboration with ABB Power Plant Laboratories' Advanced Computers and Controls department has developed a new vision-based Independent Tube Verification system (GENESIS-ITVS-TM ). The system employ's a model-based tube-shape detection algorithm and dynamic tracking methodology to detect the true tool position and its offsets from identified tube location. GENESIS-ITVS-TM is an automatic Independent Tube Verification System (ITVS). Independent tube verification is a tube validation technique using computer vision, and not using any robot position parameters. This process independently counts the tubes in the horizontal and vertical axes of the plane of the steam generator tube sheet as the work tool is moved. Thus it knows the true position in the steam generator, given a known starting point. This is analogous to the operator's method of counting tubes for verification, but it is automated. GENESIS-ITVS-TM works independent of the robot position, velocity, or acceleration. The tube position information is solely obtained from

  9. Repairing a steam generator tube by inserting a sheath

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Gaudin, J.P.

    1986-01-01

    According to the invention, the mechanical deformation of the sheath, realized by expansion in its end part opposite to the expanded end within the tube plate, is situated along a limited height, and the parameters of the said mechanical deformation are calculated according to the welding parameters applied consecutively. Besides, the said welding parameters are determined according to the initial mechanical deformation to obtain stress relaxation more particularly in the singular zones of the mechanical deformation. The present invention applies to the repair of PWR steam generator tubes [fr

  10. Vertical steam generator

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Cuda, F.; Kondr, M.; Kresta, M.; Kusak, V.; Manek, O.; Turon, S.

    1982-01-01

    A vertical steam generator for nuclear power plants and dual purpose power plants consists of a cylindrical vessel in which are placed heating tubes in the form upside-down U. The heating tubes lead to the jacket of the cylindrical collector placed in the lower part of the steam generator perpendicularly to its vertical axis. The cylindrical collector is divided by a longitudinal partition into the inlet and outlet primary water sections of the heating tubes. One ends of the heating tube leads to the jacket of the collector for primary water feeding and the second ends of the heating tubes into the jacket of the collector which feeds and offtakes primary water from the heating tubes. (B.S.)

  11. Regulation of ageing steam generators

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Jarman, B.L.; Grant, I.M.; Garg, R.

    1998-01-01

    Recent years have seen leaks and shutdowns of Canadian CANDU plants due to steam generator tube degradation by mechanisms including stress corrosion cracking, fretting and pitting. Failure of a single steam generator tube, or even a few tubes, would not be a serious safety related event in a CANDU reactor. The leakage from a ruptured tube is within the makeup capacity of the primary heat transport system, so that as long as the operator takes the correct actions, the off-site consequences will be negligible. However, assurance that no tubes deteriorate to the point where their integrity could be seriously breached as result of potential accidents, and that any leakage caused by such an accident will be small enough to be inconsequential, can only be obtained through detailed monitoring and management of steam generator condition. This paper presents the AECB's current approach and future regulatory directions regarding ageing steam generators. (author)

  12. Steam generator sludge removal apparatus

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Schafer, B.W.; Werner, C.E.; Klahn, F.C.

    1992-01-01

    The present invention relates to equipment for cleaning steam generators and in particular to a high pressure fluid lance for cleaning sludge off the steam generator tubes away from an open tube lane. 6 figs

  13. Fracture mechanics analysis of the steam generator tube after shot peening

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Shin, Kyu In; Jhung, Myung Jo; Choi, Young Hwan; Park, Jai Hak

    2003-01-01

    One of the main degradation of steam generator tubes is stress corrosion cracking induced by residual stress. The resulting damages can cause tube bursting or leakage of the primary water which contained radioactivity. Primary water stress corrosion crack occurs at the location of tube/tubesheet hard rolled transition zone. In order to investigate the effect of shot peening on stress corrosion cracking, stress intensity factors are calculated for the crack which is located in the induced residual stress field

  14. Steam generator water lancing

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kamler, F.; Schneider, W.

    1992-01-01

    The tubesheet and tube support plate deposits in CANDU steam generators are notable for their hardness. Also notable is the wide variety of steam generator access situations. Because of the sludge hardness and the difficulty of the access, traditional water lancing processes which directed jets from the central tube free lane or from the periphery of the bundle have proven unsuitable. This has led to the need for some very unique inter tube water lancing devices which could direct powerful water jets directly onto the deposits. This type of process was applied to the upper broached plates of the Bruce A steam generators, which had become severely blocked. It has since been applied to various other steam generator situations. This paper describes the flexlance equipment development, qualification, and performance in the various CANDU applications. 4 refs., 2 tabs., 7 figs

  15. Steam-Generator Integrity Program/Steam-Generator Group Project

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    1982-10-01

    The Steam Generator Integrity Program (SGIP) is a comprehensive effort addressing issues of nondestructive test (NDT) reliability, inservice inspection (ISI) requirements, and tube plugging criteria for PWR steam generators. In addition, the program has interactive research tasks relating primary side decontamination, secondary side cleaning, and proposed repair techniques to nondestructive inspectability and primary system integrity. The program has acquired a service degraded PWR steam generator for research purposes. This past year a research facility, the Steam Generator Examination Facility (SGEF), specifically designed for nondestructive and destructive examination tasks of the SGIP was completed. The Surry generator previously transported to the Hanford Reservation was then inserted into the SGEF. Nondestructive characterization of the generator from both primary and secondary sides has been initiated. Decontamination of the channelhead cold leg side was conducted. Radioactive field maps were established in the steam generator, at the generator surface and in the SGEF

  16. Performance demonstration requirements for eddy current steam generator tube inspection

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kurtz, R.J.; Heasler, P.G.; Anderson, C.M.

    1992-10-01

    This paper describes the methodology used for developing performance demonstration tests for steam generator tube eddy current (ET) inspection systems. The methodology is based on statistical design principles. Implementation of a performance demonstration test based on these design principles will help to ensure that field inspection systems have a high probability of detecting and correctly sizing tube degradation. The technical basis for the ET system performance thresholds is presented. Probability of detection and flaw sizing tests are described

  17. Automation of inspection methods for eddy current testing of steam generator tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Meurgey, P.; Baumaire, A.

    1990-01-01

    Inspection of all the tubes of a steam generator when the reactor is stopped is required for some of these exchangers affected by stress corrosion cracking. Characterization of each crack, in each tube is made possible by the development of software for processing the signals from an eddy current probe. The ESTELLE software allows a rapid increase of tested tubes, more than 80,000 in 1989 [fr

  18. GRUVAL for ET inspection of the steam generator tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Garcia Bueno, A.; Francia, L.; Jimenez Garcia, J. J.; Garcia, R.; Castelinou, M.; Torrens, J.

    2013-01-01

    The steam generators of the nuclear power plants, PWR type are one of the most important components from the point of view of safety and plant availability. Thousands of tubes that form, approximately 1 mm of thickness, required to be inspected in accordance with codes and standards, to ensure the integrity of the component during the operation of the plant.

  19. Plugging criteria for steam generator tubes with axial cracks near tube support plates

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Mattar Neto, Miguel

    2000-01-01

    Stress corrosion cracking with intergranular attack occurs on the secondary side of steam generator (SG) tubes where impurities concentrate due to boiling under restricted flow conditions. In the most of cases, it can be called ODSCC (Outer Diameter Stress Corrosion Cracking). The typical locations are areas near support plates, in sludge piles and at top of tubesheet crevices. Though it can also occur on free spans under the relatively thin deposits that build up on the tube surfaces. ODSCC near tube plate supports have been the cause of plugging of many tubes. Thus, studies on SG tubes plugging criteria related to this degradation mechanism are presented in this paper. Th purpose is to avoid unnecessary tube plugging from either safety or reliability standpoint. Based on these studies some conclusions on the plugging criteria and on the difficulties to apply them are addressed. (author)

  20. Stress relief treatment of Alloy 600 steam generator tubing

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Rooyen, D. van; Cragnolino, C.

    1994-01-01

    The intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) of Alloy 600 tubing in the primary side of operating steam generators is the subject of this investigation. The objective of the program was to examine the feasibility of heat treatment to alleviate the IGSCC problem. In addition to this, tests were also performed to examine the IGSCC susceptibility of nuclear grade Alloy 600 tubing obtained from various sources. Examination of temperature-time combinations that may hold potential for improved IGSCC resistance of the transition regions of tubes expanded into tube sheet holes was done. The combinations fall in two categories. One is of short duration and relatively high temperature, where induction is the best method of heating because the treatment only lasts from some tens of seconds to a few minutes. The other is carried out in a lower temperature range and lasts for several hours. This latter combination of temperatures and times is considered for the so-called global heat treatment of entire tube sheet. To assess the effect of these treatments, reverse U-bend testing in high purity deaerated water containing an overpressure of hydrogen was employed and several heats of Alloy 600 were compared in tests at 365 degrees C, which is well above actual operating temperatures of steam generators, but provides an accelerated test procedure. Results of furnace heating in the range of 550-610 degrees C indicated improvement in IGSCC resistance, with best performance after a heat treatment at 610 degrees C for nine hours. In addition to stress relief, carbide precipitation can also occur, and their relative contributions to the improvement is discussed

  1. A two-fluid two-phase model for thermal-hydraulic analysis of a U-tube steam generator

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hung, Huanjen; Chieng, Chingchang; Pei, Baushei; Wang, Songfeng

    1993-01-01

    The Advanced Thermal-Hydraulic Analysis Code for Nuclear Steam Generators (ATHANS) was developed on the basis of the THERMIT-UTSG computer code for U-tube steam generators. The main features of the ATHANS model are as follows: (a) the equations are solved in cylindrical coordinates, (b) the number and the arrangement of the control volumes inside the steam generator can be chosen by the user, (c) the virtual mass effect is incorporated, and (d) the conjugate gradient squared method is employed to accelerate and improve the numerical convergence. The performance of the model is successfully validated by comparison with the test data from a Westinghouse model F steam generator at the Maanshan nuclear power plant. Better agreement with the test data can be obtained by a finer grid system using a cylindrical coordinate system and the virtual mass effect. With these advanced features, ATHANS provides the basic framework for further studies on the problems of steam generators, such as analyses of secondary-side corrosion and tube ruptures

  2. Process and device for locating a defective tube, particularly in the tube bundle of a steam generator

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Denis, Jean.

    1977-01-01

    A process is described for locating a defective tube, particularly in the tube bundle of a steam generator of the reversed U tube kind with the ends connected to a tube plate, marking with the bottom of the generator casing a space separated into two adjacent collectors, respectively for the inlet and outlet of a primary fluid flowing inside the tubes of the bundle, these being externally washed by a secondary vaporizing fluid. In this process a television camera that can be inserted into the casing is used. This process consists in transmitting to a display system outside the generator an image of the tube plate in each collector by means of a directional television camera and then to place over this image a luminous marker to locate the end or the faulty tube [fr

  3. Analytical TEM of service-induced SCC in alloy 600TT steam generator tubing

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Wolfe, R.; Legras, L.; Boccanfuso; Martin, A.

    2015-01-01

    In 2008, Vogtle Electric Generating Plant Unit 1 performed tube pulls to confirm outside diameter stress corrosion cracking (ODSCC) in a steam generator with thermally treated Alloy 600TT tubing. Subsequent metallographic and other laboratory work attributed the cracking to the non-optimal microstructure of the tubing and the elevated residual stresses at the expansion transition. In the current work, analytical transmission electron microscopy was performed to gain a better understanding of this in-service cracking through a detailed characterization of the oxides and crack tips. These examinations, which are the first of this kind for U.S. Alloy 600TT tubing service cracks, detected lead (Pb) in the region of the top-of-tube sheet crevice, in oxides at the crack tips, and at degraded grain boundaries. In addition, sulfur was observed in oxides on the outside surface of the tube in the free span area. The presence of Pb at the crack tip and the lack of plasticity on the observed failure surfaces suggest that the environment played a predominant role in the cracking of this tubing with a non-optimal microstructure. The significance of the degradation will be discussed in the context of overall corrosion indications in Alloy 600TT steam generators in the United States. (authors)

  4. Risk assessment of severe accident-induced steam generator tube rupture

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    1998-03-01

    This report describes the basis, results, and related risk implications of an analysis performed by an ad hoc working group of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to assess the containment bypass potential attributable to steam generator tube rupture (SGTR) induced by severe accident conditions. The SGTR Severe Accident Working Group, comprised of staff members from the NRC's Offices of Nuclear Reactor Regulation (NRR) and Nuclear Regulatory Research (RES), undertook the analysis beginning in December 1995 to support a proposed steam generator integrity rule. The work drew upon previous risk and thermal-hydraulic analyses of core damage sequences, with a focus on the Surry plant as a representative example. This analysis yielded new results, however, derived by predicting thermal-hydraulic conditions of selected severe accident scenarios using the SCDAP/RELAP5 computer code, flawed tube failure modeling, and tube failure probability estimates. These results, in terms of containment bypass probability, form the basis for the findings presented in this report. The representative calculation using Surry plant data indicates that some existing plants could be vulnerable to containment bypass resulting from tube failure during severe accidents. To specifically identify the population of plants that may pose a significant bypass risk would require more definitive analysis considering uncertainties in some assumptions and plant- and design-specific variables. 46 refs., 62 figs., 37 tabs

  5. Local chemical and thermal-hydraulic analysis of U-tube steam generators

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lee, J.Y.; No, H.C.

    1990-01-01

    In order to know how pH distribution affects corrosion in a U-tube steam generator, a study of the combination of water chemistry and thermal-hydraulic conditions is suggested. A two-fluid (unequal velocity and unequal temperature) formulation is proposed to describe the convective transport of volatile species in each phase, and a spherical bubble model is developed on the basis of the penetration theory to describe the interfacial mass transfer. The thermal-hydraulic local conditions are obtained by the U-tube steam generator design analysis code FAUST which is based on the three-dimensional two-fluid model. The results of the present study are compared with dynamic equilibrium model calculations. This study shows that, in contrast with dynamic equilibrium calculations, the pH is lower in the cold-leg side than in the hot-leg side because of liquid recirculation. Just above the tube sheet, however, the lower void fraction in this region than that in the hot-leg region results in higher pH, which agrees with the prediction of the dynamic equilibrium model. (orig.)

  6. Diagnosis of 3-dimensional geometry and stress corrosion cracking in steam generator tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lee, D.H.; Choi, M.S.; Hur, D.H.; Kim, K.M.; Han, J.H.; Song, M.H.

    2015-01-01

    Most of the corrosive degradations in steam generator tubes of nuclear power plants are closely related to the residual stress existing in the local region of a geometric change, that is, an expansion transition, u-bend, dent, bulge, etc. Therefore, accurate information on a geometric anomaly (precursor of degradation) in a tube is a prerequisite to the activity of pre- and in-service non destructive inspection for a precise and earlier detection of a defect in order to prevent a failure during an operation, and also for a root cause analysis of a failure. In this paper, a new diagnostic eddy current probe technology which has simultaneous dual function of a 3-dimensional geometry measurement and defect detection in steam generator tube is introduced. The D-Probe is a rotary type eddy current coil probe equipped with 3 different eddy current coil units (surface riding type plus-point and pancake coils for defect detection, and non-surface riding type shielded high frequency pancake coil for tube profile measurement). A specific data analysis software has been developed. By comparing the eddy current data from the defect with those from the geometric changes, the relationship between the degradation and geometric changes can be revealed. Also, it supplies information on tube location at which defect is most probable and thus, a more efficient detection of earlier degradation. The use of D-probe and analysis software has been demonstrated for steam generator tubes with various geometric anomalies in manufacturing and operating nuclear power plants

  7. Analysis of the State of Steam Generator Tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Bergunker, Olga

    2008-01-01

    The problem of safe operation of SG heat exchanging tubes, of both economical and effective control of their state is still important these days. Issues connected with peculiarities of methods of SG tubes inspection, automated analysis of the inspection results, tubes state analysis and development of algorithms of forecasting their state are considered in this report. The need for effective use of extensive data arrays on SG operation has led to the necessity of creating software tools for collection, storage and analysis of these data. The data-analytical system 'NPP Steam Generators' meant for data systematization and visualization as well as various types of analyses of data on eddy current inspection of WWER-440 and WWER-1000 SG tubes is presented in this report. The main possibilities of the data-analytical system (DAS), the code current state and prospects of its development are shown. The main fields of DAS application are considered and some results of its practical use are mentioned, namely, in the field of forecasting SG tubes state. (authors)

  8. Boreside rotating ultrasonic tester for wastage determination of LMFBR-type steam generator tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Neely, H.H.; Renger, H.L.

    1979-01-01

    Large sodium-water reaction (SWR) leak tests are being run in near-prototypic steam generators at prototypic plant conditions of the Liquid Metal Fast Breeder Reactor (LMFBR). These tests simulate various types of steam tube failure at predetermined locations. A SWR results in a highly energetic-exothermic-caustic reaction which erodes neighboring tubes. A boreside-rotating ultrasonic inspection device was developed to measure wall thickness and inside diameter of the 2/one quarter/Cr-1 Mo, 10.1 mm I.D. steam tubes. Rotation of the UT beam yields a complimentary scan of the full tube in a single pass. The UT system was designed with a 15 MHz transducer in pulse-echo compression-wave mode at a pulse rate of 10,000/second. The UT beam is rotated at 20 r/s on a 1.27 mm pitch. System outputs are diameter, wall thickness, attitude, and axial position. Measurements are processed, then fed to a CRT and computer for later retrieval and plotting

  9. Scale model test results for an inverted U-tube steam generator with comparisons to heat transfer correlations

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Boucher, T.J.

    1987-01-01

    To provide data for assessment and development of thermal-hydraulic computer codes, bottom main feedwater-line-break transient simulations were performed in a scale model (Semiscale Mod-2C) of a pressurized water reactor (PWR) with conditions typical of a PWR (15.0 MPa primary pressure, 600 K steam generator inlet plenum fluid temperatures, 6.2 MPa secondary pressure). The state-of-the-art measurements in the scale model (Type III) steam generator allow for the determination of U-tube steam generator allow for the determination of U-tube steam generator secondary component interactions, tube bundle local radial heat transfer, and tube bundle and riser vapor void fractions for steady state and transient operations. To enhance the understanding of the observed phenomena, the component interactions, local heat fluxes, local secondary convective heat transfer coefficients and local vapor void fractions are discussed for steady state, full-power and transient operations. Comparisons between the measurement-derived secondary convective heat transfer coefficients and those predicted by a number of correlations, including the Chen correlation currently used in thermal-hydraulic computer codes, show that none of the correlations adequately predict the data and points out the need for the formulation of a new correlation based on this experimental data. The unique information presented herein should be of the interest to anyone involved in modeling inverted U-tube steam generator thermal-hydraulics for forced convection boiling/vaporization heat transfer. 5 refs., 13 figs., 1 tab

  10. CRBRP steam-generator design evolution

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Geiger, W.R.; Gillett, J.E.; Lagally, H.O.

    1983-01-01

    The overall design of the CRBRP Steam Generator is briefly discussed. Two areas of particular concern are highlighted and considerations leading to the final design are detailed. Differential thermal expansion between the shell and the steam tubes is accommodated by the tubes flexing in the curved section of the shell. Support of the tubes by the internals structure is essential to permit free movement and minimize tube wear. Special spacer plate attachment and tube hole geometry promote unimpeded axial movement of the tubes by allowing individual tubes to rotate laterally and by providing lateral movement of the spacer plates relative to the adjacent support structure. The water/steam heads of the CRBRP Steam Generator are spherical heads welded to the lower and upper tubesheets. They were chosen principally because they provide a positively sealed system and result in more favorable stresses in the tubesheets when compared to mechanically attached steamheads

  11. Transduced for determining if steam generator tubes are locked in at support plate

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hayes, J.K.

    1984-01-01

    A nuclear steam generator is described which includes a vessel, means to introduce vaporizable fluid into the bottom portion of the vessel, an outlet near the top through which vapor is discharged, a horizontal tube sheet extending across the vessel, a plurality of U-shaped tubes, having each end secured to and extending through the tube sheet, means for introducing heating fluid to one end of each of the U-shaped tubes, means for removing heating fluid from the other end of each of the U-shaped tubes, tube support means positioned within the vessel for preventing tube vibration, the tube support means including horizontally positioned means closely surrounding, but slightly spaced from each tube, means through which access can be had to the vessel interior beneath the tube sheet when the steam generator is not in operation, and testing means for determining whether or not a tube is locked into a tube support means including a longitudinal member, with a first end located inside the tube to be tested, and a second end located outside of the tube, means for securing the first end of the member to the inside of the tube, means for heating a length of the longitudinal member, and an equal length of the tube, to an elevated temperature, and means for indicating movement of the second end of the longitudinal member away from the tube end, which would indicate that the tube is locked into the support means

  12. Conservatism of present plugging criteria on steam generator tubes and coalescence model of collinear through-wall axial cracks

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lee, Jin Ho; Park, Youn Won; Song, Myung Ho; Kim, Young Jin; Moon, Seong In

    1999-01-01

    The steam generator tubing covers a major portion of the primary pressure-retaining boundary, so that very conservative approaches were taken in the light of steam generator tube integrity. According to the present criteria, tubes wall-thinned in excess of 40% should be plugged whatever the cause was. However, it is reported that there is no safety problem even with thickness reductions greater than 40%. Recently, the plant specific plugging criteria are introduced in many countries by demonstrating that the cracked tube has a sufficient safety margin. One of the drawbacks of such criteria, even though not yet codified, is that it is developed based on tubes with single cracks regardless of the fact that the appearance of multiple cracks is general. Their failure analyses have been, therefore, carried out using an idealized single crack to reduce complexity till now. The objective of this paper is to review the conservatism of the present plugging criteria of steam generator tubes and to propose a new coalescence criterion for twin through-wall cracks existing in steam generator tubes. Using the existing failure models and experimental results, we review the conservatism of the present plugging criteria. In order to verify the usefulness of the proposed new coalescence criterion, we perform finite element analysis

  13. Stress analysis of pressurized water reactor steam generator tube denting phenomena. Interim report

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Thomas, J.M.; Cipolla, R.C.; Ranjan, G.V.; Derbalian, G.

    1978-07-01

    In some Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) steam generators, a corrosion product has formed on the carbon steel support plate in the crevice between the tube and support plate. The corrosion product occupies more volume than the original metal; the tube-to-support plate crevice volume is thus consumed with corrosion product, and further corrosive action results in a radially inward force on the tube and a radially outward force on the corroding support plate. This has resulted in indentation (''denting'') of the tube, accompanied by occasional cracking. Large in-plane deformation and cracking of support plates has also been observed in the most severely affected plants along with some serious side effects, such as deformation and cracking of inner row tube U-bends caused by support plate movement. Mechanical aspects of the tube denting phenomena have been studied using analytical models. The models used ranged from closed form analytical solutions to state-of-the-art numerical elastic-plastic computer program for moderate strains. It was found that tube dents, such as those observed in operating steam generators, are associated with yielding of both the tubes and support plates. Also studied were the stresses in tube U-bends caused by support plate flow slot deformation

  14. Dynamic characteristics of steam generator U-tubes with defect

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Jo, Jong Chull; Jhung, Myung Jo; Kim, Woong Sik; Kim, Hho Jung

    2005-01-01

    This study investigates the fluid elastic instability characteristics of steam generator (SG) U-tubes with defect and the safety assessment of the potential for fretting-wear damages caused by foreign object in operating nuclear power plants. To get the natural frequency, corresponding mode shape and participation factor, modal analyses are performed for the U-tubes either with axial or circumferential flaw with different sizes. Special emphases are on the effects of flaw orientation and size on the modal and instability characteristics of tubes, which are expressed in terms of the natural frequency, corresponding mode shape and stability ratio. Also, the wear rate of U-tube caused by foreign object is calculated using the Archard formula and the remaining life of the tube is predicted, and discussed in this study is the effect of the flow velocity and vibration of the tube on the remaining life of the tube. In addition, addressed in this study is the effect of the internal pressure on the vibration and fretting-wear characteristics of the tube

  15. Probability of a steam generator tube rupture due to the presence of axial through wall cracks

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Mavko, B.; Cizelj, L.

    1991-01-01

    Using the Leak-Before-Break (LBB) approach to define tube plugging criteria a possibility to operate with through wall crack(s) in steam generator tubes may be considered. This fact may imply an increase in tube rupture probability. Improved examination techniques (in addition to the 100% tube examination) have been developed and introduced to counterbalance the associated risk. However no estimates of the amount of total increase or decrease of risk due to the introduction of LBB have been made. A scheme to predict this change of risk is proposed in the paper, based on probabilistic fracture mechanics analysis of axial cracks combined with available data of steam generator tube nondestructive examination reliability. (author)

  16. Influence of steam generator tube ruptures during semiscale loss-of-coolant experiments

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Cozzuol, J.M.; Larson, T.K.

    1978-01-01

    Tests which simulated rupture of steam generator tubes during loss-of-coolant experiments in a PWR type system have been conducted in the Semiscale Mod-1 system. Analysis of test data indicates that high rod cladding temperatures occured only for a band of tube ruptures (between 12 and 20 tubes) and that the peak cladding temperatures attained within this band were strongly dependent on the magnitude of the tube rupture flow rates. Maximum cladding temperature of about 1255 K was observed for tests which simulated tube ruptures within this narrow band. (author)

  17. Cleanliness criteria to improve steam generator performance

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Schwarz, T.; Bouecke, R.; Odar, S.

    2005-01-01

    High steam generator performance is a prerequisite for high plant availability and possible life time extension. The major opponent to that is corrosion and fouling of the heating tubes. Such steam generator degradation problems arise from the continuous ingress of non-volatile contaminants, i.e. corrosion products and salt impurities may accumulate in the steam generators. These impurities have their origin in the secondary side systems. The corrosion products generally accumulate in the steam generators and form deposits not only in the flow restricted areas, such as on top of tube sheet and tube support structure, but also build scales on the steam generator heating tubes. In addition, the tube scales in general affect the steam generator thermal performance, which ultimately causes a reduction of power output. The most effective ways of counteracting all these degradation problems, and thus of improving the steam generator performance is to keep them in clean conditions or, if judged necessary, to plan cleaning measures such as mechanical tube sheet lancing or chemical cleaning. This paper presents a methodology how to assess the cleanliness condition of a steam generator by bringing together all available operational and inspection data such as thermal performance and water chemistry data. By means of this all-inclusive approach the cleanliness condition is quantified in terms of a fouling index. The fouling index allows to monitor the condition of a specific steam generator, compare it to other plants and, finally, to serve as criterion for cleaning measures such as chemical cleaning. The application of the cleanliness criteria and the achieved field results with respect to improvements of steam generator performance will be presented. (author)

  18. Calculation of a steam generating tube stressed state under temperature oscillations in burnout zone

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Vorob'ev, V.A.; Loshchinin, V.M.; Remizov, O.V.

    1982-01-01

    The technique for evaluating the steam generating tube stressed state under the wall temperature oscillations in the burnout zone is described. The technique is based on analytical solutions for transfer functions connecting the amplitude of surface temperature oscillation with the amplitude and frequency of heat transfer coefficient oscillation and amplitude of thermoelastic stress oscillation with that of temperature oscillation. The results of calculations according to considered technique are compared with that of the problem numerical solution. The conclusion is made that the technique under consideration may be applied for evaluation of steam generator evaporating tube lifetime [ru

  19. Thermal-hydraulic tests of steam-generator tube-support-plate crevices. Volume 2. Appendixes I through S. Final report

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Cassell, D.S.; Vroom, D.W.

    1983-01-01

    A test program was conducted to determine for selected steam generator tube supports the thermal/hydraulic conditions at the inception of dryout as indicated by a tube wall temperature excursion, to determine the pressure drop across the supports, and to obtain photographic documentation of the flow upstream and downstream of the supports. A multi-tube steam generator model was used and testing performed over the range of typcal PWR steam generator operating conditions. These appendices contain information on instrumentation calibration, test model and loop calibration, error analysis, test model thermal-hydraulic analyses, index of lab materials and log sheets, index of two-phase flow still photographs, index of high speed movies and video, test data printouts, test model and loop fabrication drawings, procedure for silver brazing tubewall thermocouples, and procedure for esablishing tube-tube support line contact

  20. Draining down of a nuclear steam generating system

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Jawor, J.C.

    1987-01-01

    The method is described of draining down contained reactor-coolant water from the inverted vertical U-tubes of a vertical-type steam generator in which the upper, inverted U-shaped ends of the tubes are closed and the lower ends thereof are open. The steam generator is part of a nuclear powered steam generating system wherein the reactor coolant water is normally circulated from and back into the reactor via a loop comprising the steam generator and inlet and outlet conduits connected to the lower end of the steam generator. The method comprises continuously introducing a gas which is inert to the system and which is under pressure above atmospheric pressure into at least one of the downwardly facing open ends of each of the U-tubes from below the tube sheet in which the open ends of the U-tubes are mounted adjacent the lower end of the steam generator, while permitting the water to flow out from the open ends of the U-tubes

  1. J-resistance curves for Inconel 690 and Incoloy 800 nuclear steam generators tubes at room temperature and at 300 °C

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Bergant, Marcos A., E-mail: marcos.bergant@cab.cnea.gov.ar [Gerencia CAREM, Centro Atómico Bariloche (CNEA), Av. Bustillo 9500, San Carlos de Bariloche 8400 (Argentina); Yawny, Alejandro A., E-mail: yawny@cab.cnea.gov.ar [División Física de Metales, Centro Atómico Bariloche (CNEA) / CONICET, Av. Bustillo 9500, San Carlos de Bariloche 8400 (Argentina); Perez Ipiña, Juan E., E-mail: juan.perezipina@fain.uncoma.edu.ar [Grupo Mecánica de Fractura, Universidad Nacional del Comahue / CONICET, Buenos Aires 1400, Neuquén 8300 (Argentina)

    2017-04-01

    The structural integrity of steam generator tubes is a relevant issue concerning nuclear plant safety. In the present work, J-resistance curves of Inconel 690 and Incoloy 800 nuclear steam generator tubes with circumferential and longitudinal through wall cracks were obtained at room temperature and 300 °C using recently developed non-standard specimens' geometries. It was found that Incoloy 800 tubes exhibited higher J-resistance curves than Inconel 690 for both crack orientations. For both materials, circumferential cracks resulted into higher fracture resistance than longitudinal cracks, indicating a certain degree of texture anisotropy introduced by the tube fabrication process. From a practical point of view, temperature effects have found to be negligible in all cases. The results obtained in the present work provide a general framework for further application to structural integrity assessments of cracked tubes in a variety of nuclear steam generator designs. - Highlights: •Non-standard fracture specimens were obtained from nuclear steam generator tubes. •Specimens with circumferential and longitudinal through-wall cracks were used. •Inconel 690 and Incoloy 800 steam generator tubes were tested at 24 and 300 °C. •Fracture toughness for circumferential cracks was higher than for longitudinal cracks. •Incoloy 800 showed higher fracture toughness than Inconel 690 steam generator tubes.

  2. Development of safety evaluation technique of steam generator tubes for the next generation

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Kwon, Hyuk Sang; Kim, I. S.; Ann, Se Jin; Lee, S. J.; Seo, M. S.; Lee, Y. H.; Kim, J. H.; Hong, J. G. [Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Taejon (Korea, Republic of)

    2000-02-15

    Subject 1 - a technique for predicting the SCC susceptibility of steam generator tube material based on the repassivation kinetics was developed and the effects of Pb in the repassivation rate and SCC susceptibility rate of tube material was investigated with this technique. An alloy with a higher slope value of log i(t) vs. q(t) plot based on the current transient curve obtained by scratch test and a lower slope value log i(t) vs. l/q(t) plot (cBV) is repassivated faster with a more protective passive film and it can be predicted that it will show higher resistance to SCC. With PbO addition in all solution studied (pH 4, pH 10, Cl- containing pH 4), alloy 690TT showed decreased repassivation rate. So it can be predict that PbO addition lower the resistance of SCC of steam generator tune material. Subject 2 - SG wear testing of tube and support materials has been conducted at various load and sliding amplitude in air environment. The results showed effect of normal load and sliding amplitude on SG tube wear damage. It was also shown that, for predominantly sliding motion, the SG wear coefficient of work-rate model is lower for Inconel 690TT compared with inconel 600MA. SG tube wear data show that, for work-rates ranging from 4 to 25mW, average tube wear coefficient of 43.76{approx}54.05 X 10{sup 15} Pa{sup -1} for Inconel 600MA and 26.88{approx}33.94 X 10{sup -15} Pa{sup 1} for Inconel 690TT against 405 and 409 stainless steels.

  3. An advanced tube wear and fatigue workstation to predict flow induced vibrations of steam generator tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Gay, N.; Baratte, C.; Flesch, B.

    1997-01-01

    Flow induced tube vibration damage is a major concern for designers and operators of nuclear power plant steam generators (SG). The operating flow-induced vibrational behaviour has to be estimated accurately to allow a precise evaluation of the new safety margins in order to optimize the maintenance policy. For this purpose, an industrial 'Tube Wear and Fatigue Workstation', called 'GEVIBUS Workstation' and based on an advanced methodology for predictive analysis of flow-induced vibration of tube bundles subject to cross-flow has been developed at Electricite de France. The GEVIBUS Workstation is an interactive processor linking modules as: thermalhydraulic computation, parametric finite element builder, interface between finite element model, thermalhydraulic code and vibratory response computations, refining modelling of fluid-elastic and random forces, linear and non-linear dynamic response and the coupled fluid-structure system, evaluation of tube damage due to fatigue and wear, graphical outputs. Two practical applications are also presented in the paper; the first simulation refers to an experimental set-up consisting of a straight tube bundle subject to water cross-flow, while the second one deals with an industrial configuration which has been observed in some operating steam generators i.e., top tube support plate degradation. In the first case the GEVIBUS predictions in terms of tube displacement time histories and phase planes have been found in very good agreement with experiment. In the second application the GEVIBUS computation showed that a tube with localized degradation is much more stable than a tube located in an extended degradation zone. Important conclusions are also drawn concerning maintenance. (author)

  4. Steam-generator-tube-rupture transients for pressurized-water reactors

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Dobranich, D.; Henninger, R.J.; DeMuth, N.S.

    1982-01-01

    Steam generator tube ruptures with and without concurrent main-steam-line break are investigated for pressurized water reactors supplied by the major US vendors. The goal of these analyses is to provide thermodynamic and flow conditions for the determination of iodine transport to the environment and to provide an evaluation of the adequacy of the plant safety systems and operating procedures for controlling these transients. The automatic safety systems of the plant were found to be adequate for the mitigation of these transients. Emergency injection system flows equilibrated with the leakage flows and prevented core uncovery. Sufficient time was afforded by the plant safety systems for the operators to identify the problem and to take appropriate measures

  5. Metallurgical problems in the exchange tube of a fast reactor steam generator

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Coriou, M.; Champeix, L.; Weisz, M.

    1980-10-01

    The design of the 1200 MWe Super Phenix power station steam generators is based on the following principles: once through helical tube exchangers which can be completely drained on the sodium side; the single wall exchange tubes are accessible to Foucault current testing during shutdowns. The authors explain the reasons for selecting the 800 Alloy for the exchange tubes. This choice was borne out by the results of several years of studies in the following areas: 6000 test hours with a 45 MWe model; corrosion test under stress in a water-steam and sodium plus caustic soda environment; resistance to creep and fatigue (effects of ageing and annealing, of the chemical compound); industrial feasibility, fabrication, utilization, bending, coiling, welding, testing. Concurrently, the EMl2 qualification finalizing has been pursued for the same application [fr

  6. Simulation of steam generator plugging tubes in a PWR to analyze the operating impact

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Pla, Patricia, E-mail: patricia.pla-freixa@ec.europa.eu [Nuclear Reactor Safety Assessment Unit, Institute for Energy and Transport, Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission, Petten (Netherlands); Reventos, Francesc, E-mail: francesc.reventos@upc.edu [Technical University of Catalonia (UPC), Barcelona (Spain); Martin Ramos, Manuel, E-mail: manuel.martin-ramos@ec.europa.eu [Nuclear Safety and Security Coordination Unit, Policy Support Coordination, Joint Research Centre of the European Commission, Brussels (Belgium); Sol, Ismael, E-mail: isol@anacnv.com [Asociación Nuclear Ascó-Vandellós-II (ANAV), Tarragona (Spain); Strucic, Miodrag, E-mail: miodrag.strucic@ec.europa.eu [Nuclear Reactor Safety Assessment Unit, Institute for Energy and Transport, Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission, Petten (Netherlands)

    2016-08-15

    Highlights: • Plugging a fraction of the SG tubes does not affect power output of the plant. • There is a limit to SG plugging in the range of 10–15%. • The rupture of a SG tube in a 12% plugged SG has shown no significant differences in operator actions. • A SBLOCA in a 12% plugged SG has shown no significant differences in operator actions. - Abstract: A number of nuclear power plants (NPPs) with pressurized water reactors (PWR) in the world have replaced their steam generators (SG) due to degradation of the SG tubes caused by different problems. Several methods were attempted to correct the defects of the tubes, but eventually the only permanent solution was to plug them. The consequences of plugging the tubes are the decrease of heat transfer surface, the reduction of the flow area and subsequent reduction of the primary system mass flow and for a fraction of plugged tubes higher than a given value, the reduction of reactor output and economic losses. The objective of this paper is to analyze whether steam generator tube plugging has an impact in the effectiveness of accident management actions. An analysis with Relap5 Mod 3.3 patch03 for the Spanish reactor Ascó-2, a 3-loop 2940.6 MWth Westinghouse PWR, in which plugging of steam generator tubes are simulated, is presented in order to find the limit for the adequate operation of the plant. Several steady state calculations were performed with different fractions of plugged SG tubes, by modeling the reduction of the primary to secondary heat transfer surface and the reduction of the primary coolant mass flow area in the tubes as well. The results of the analysis yield that plugging 12% of the SG tubes is around the limit for optimal reactor operation. To complete the study two events, in which the steam generators are used to cooldown the plant, were simulated to find out if the plugging of SGs tubes could influence the efficiency of the operator actions described in the emergency operating

  7. Proceedings of the CNRA/CSNI workshop on steam generator tube integrity in nuclear power plants

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Diercks, D.R.

    1997-02-01

    The objective of the workshop was to provide a working forum for the exchange of information by contributing experts on current issues related to PWR steam generator tube integrity. One hundred persons from 15 countries attended the workshop, including 36 from regulatory and nuclear policy agencies, 28 from research and development laboratories, 18 from nuclear vendors and consulting firms, and 18 from electrical utilities. The workshop opened with a plenary session; the first part of the session covered international steam generator regulatory practices and issues, featuring speakers from regulatory bodies in Belgium, France, Japan, Spain, and the US. In Part 2 of the plenary session, comprehensive technical overviews on steam generator tubing degradation, inspection, and integrity were presented by authorities in these fields from the US, France, and Belgium. Parallel working sessions on the second and third days of the workshop then developed findings and recommendations in the areas of (1) tubing degradation, (2) tubing inspection, (3) tubing integrity, (4) preventative and corrective measures, and (5) operational aspects and risk analysis. On the final day of the workshop, the working-session facilitators presented summaries of their sessions to the workshop attendees. Selected papers are indexed separately for inclusion in the Energy Science and Technology Database

  8. Proceedings of the CNRA/CSNI workshop on steam generator tube integrity in nuclear power plants

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Diercks, D.R. [Argonne National Lab., IL (United States)

    1997-02-01

    The objective of the workshop was to provide a working forum for the exchange of information by contributing experts on current issues related to PWR steam generator tube integrity. One hundred persons from 15 countries attended the workshop, including 36 from regulatory and nuclear policy agencies, 28 from research and development laboratories, 18 from nuclear vendors and consulting firms, and 18 from electrical utilities. The workshop opened with a plenary session; the first part of the session covered international steam generator regulatory practices and issues, featuring speakers from regulatory bodies in Belgium, France, Japan, Spain, and the US. In Part 2 of the plenary session, comprehensive technical overviews on steam generator tubing degradation, inspection, and integrity were presented by authorities in these fields from the US, France, and Belgium. Parallel working sessions on the second and third days of the workshop then developed findings and recommendations in the areas of (1) tubing degradation, (2) tubing inspection, (3) tubing integrity, (4) preventative and corrective measures, and (5) operational aspects and risk analysis. On the final day of the workshop, the working-session facilitators presented summaries of their sessions to the workshop attendees. Selected papers are indexed separately for inclusion in the Energy Science and Technology Database.

  9. Design of SMART steam generator cassette

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kim, Y. W.; Kim, J. I.; Jang, M. H.

    2001-01-01

    Basic design development for the steam generator to be installed in the integral reactor SMART has been performed. Optimization of the steam generator shape, determination of the basic dimension and confirmation of the structural strength have been carried out. Individual steam generator cassette can be replaced in the optimized design concept of steam generator. Shape design of the steam generator cassette has been done on the computer based on 3-D CAE strategy. The structural integrity of the developed steam generator was investigated by performing the dynamic analysis for the steam generator cassette, flow induced vibration analysis for the tube bundle, and the thermo-mechanical analysis for the module header and tube. As for the manufacturing of steam generator, the numerical and the experimental simulation have been carried to control the amount of spring back and to eliminate residual stress. SMART steam generator cassette was developed by a sequential research of the aforementioned activities

  10. Steam generators of Phenix: Measurement of the hydrogen concentration in sodium for detecting water leaks in the steam generator tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Cambillard, E.; Lacroix, A.; Langlois, J.; Viala, J.

    1975-01-01

    The Phenix secondary circuits are provided with measurement systems of hydrogen concentration in sodium, that allow for the detection of possible water leaks in steam generators and the location of a faulty module. A measurement device consists of : a detector with nickel membranes of 0, 3 mm wall thickness, an ion pump with a 200 l/s flow rate, a quadrupole mass spectrometer and a calibrated hydrogen leak. The temperature correction is made automatically. The main tests carried out on the leak detection systems are reported. Since the first system operation (October 24, 1973), the measurements allowed us to obtain the hydrogen diffusion rates through the steam generator tube walls. (author)

  11. Framatome recent developments and application on site in NDE of steam generator tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Bieth, M.

    1986-01-01

    The increasing needs concerning the follow up and expertise of PWR steam generator (SG) tubing have led Framatome to develop a quick on-site intervention mobile unit, which could implement any current technique and equipment. Besides, Framatome has developed several non destructrive examination methods to solve the specific problems encountered in service on the SG tubes: profilometry of the SG tubes by eddy current. Inside and above the tube sheet, eddy current inspection of tube sleeving by ultrasonic testing and eddy current

  12. Continuous-Wave Radar to Detect Defects Within Heat Exchangers and Steam Generator Tubes; Revised September 3, 2003

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Rochau, Gary E.; Caffey, Thurlow W.H.; Bahram Nassersharif; Garcia, Gabe V.; Jedlicka, Russell P.

    2003-01-01

    OAK B204 Continuous-Wave Radar to Detect Defects Within Heat Exchangers and Steam Generator Tubes ; Revised September 3, 2003. A major cause of failures in heat exchangers and steam generators in nuclear power plants is degradation of the tubes within them. The tube failure is often caused by the development of cracks that begin on the outer surface of the tube and propagate both inwards and laterally. A new technique was researched for detection of defects using a continuous-wave radar method within metal tubing. The technique is 100% volumetric, and may find smaller defects, more rapidly, and less expensively than present methods. The project described in this report was a joint development effort between Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) and New Mexico State University (NMSU) funded by the US Department of Energy. The goal of the project was to research, design, and develop a new concept utilizing a continuous wave radar to detect defects inside metallic tubes and in particular nuclear plant steam generator tubing. The project was divided into four parallel tracks: computational modeling, experimental prototyping, thermo-mechanical design, and signal detection and analysis

  13. Continuous-Wave Radar to Detect Defects Within Heat Exchangers and Steam Generator Tubes ; Revised September 3, 2003

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Gary E. Rochau and Thurlow W.H. Caffey, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM 87185-0740; Bahram Nassersharif and Gabe V. Garcia, Department of Mechanical Engineering, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003-8001; Russell P. Jedlicka, Klipsch School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003-8001

    2003-05-01

    OAK B204 Continuous-Wave Radar to Detect Defects Within Heat Exchangers and Steam Generator Tubes ; Revised September 3, 2003. A major cause of failures in heat exchangers and steam generators in nuclear power plants is degradation of the tubes within them. The tube failure is often caused by the development of cracks that begin on the outer surface of the tube and propagate both inwards and laterally. A new technique was researched for detection of defects using a continuous-wave radar method within metal tubing. The technique is 100% volumetric, and may find smaller defects, more rapidly, and less expensively than present methods. The project described in this report was a joint development effort between Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) and New Mexico State University (NMSU) funded by the US Department of Energy. The goal of the project was to research, design, and develop a new concept utilizing a continuous wave radar to detect defects inside metallic tubes and in particular nuclear plant steam generator tubing. The project was divided into four parallel tracks: computational modeling, experimental prototyping, thermo-mechanical design, and signal detection and analysis.

  14. Examination of steam generator alloy 800 NG tube from the Almaraz unit 2 NPP

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Diego, G. de; Gomez Briceno, D.; Maffiotte, C.; Baladia, M.; Arias, C.J.

    2015-01-01

    The steam generators of Almaraz Unit 2 were replaced in 1997 by the model 61W/D3 (Siemens) with Alloy 800NG steam generator tubes. Denting indications were firstly detected in 2006 in the SG-3. Crack indications were identified in 2009. At the end of 2011, three tubes were recovered from this steam generator to carry out destructive examination in order to identify the root cause of the tubes degradation. Analysis of deposits point out the existence of multiples elements in the removed OD (Outer Diameter) deposits as well as in the deposits at the free tube under sludge and at the transition zone. Deposits are more abundant at the transition zone than at free tube. About 10% Na concentration has been detected, whereas S and Cl appear in small concentrations. Si appears regularly and Cr, Ni concentrations in the deposits are similar. Multiple intergranular cracks have been detected at 3 mm above the last contact point between the tube and the TS (tube support), in a band of around 5 mm, practically in the whole perimeter of the tube. Fracture surface of crack-B was partially covered by a Si rich layer, whereas fracture surface of crack-A seems to be cleaner. However, no significant differences in composition, except higher amount of S in crack-B, were found in the deposits of both cracks. EDX mapping and Auger profiles point out Ni enrichment with slight Cr enrichment or depletion and Fe depletion. The comparison of Auger profiles with available results for Alloy 800 tested in caustic and acid sulfate environments seems to indicate that the environment inside the cracks detected in the tube R67C48 is neutral or moderately caustic

  15. Leak on a steam generator tube: in-depth analysis

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Berger, J.; Deotto, G.; Mathon, C.; Madurel, A.; Pitner, P.; Gay, N.; Guivarch, M.

    2015-01-01

    A circumferential through crack was observed on a steam generator tube of the unit 2 of the Fessenheim plant. Destructive tests showed that the crack was due to cycle fatigue combined with the presence of inter-granular corrosion zones. An in-depth analysis based on simulations shows that the combination of 5 elements caused the crack. First, a specific position of the anti-vibration bar near this tube, secondly, a local presence of fouling, these 2 first elements led to an increase of the tube vibratory level. Thirdly, the 600 MA alloy used is known to be susceptible to corrosion. Fourthly, the trapping of chemical species on the secondary circuit side due to the presence of interstices on the crosspiece and fifthly, the presence of spots where inter-granular corrosion developed. (A.C.)

  16. Liquid metal steam generator

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Wolowodiuk, W.

    1975-01-01

    A liquid metal heated steam generator is described which in the event of a tube failure quickly exhausts out of the steam generator the products of the reaction between the water and the liquid metal. The steam is generated in a plurality of bayonet tubes which are heated by liquid metal flowing over them between an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder. The inner cylinder extends above the level of liquid metal but below the main tube sheet. A central pipe extends down into the inner cylinder with a centrifugal separator between it and the inner cylinder at its lower end and an involute deflector plate above the separator so that the products of a reaction between the liquid metal and the water will be deflected downwardly by the deflector plate and through the separator so that the liquid metal will flow outwardly and away from the central pipe through which the steam and gaseous reaction products are exhausted. (U.S.)

  17. A new repair criterion for steam generator tubes with axial cracks based on probabilistic integrity assessment

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Kim, Hyun-Su; Oh, Chang-Kyun [KEPCO Engineering and Construction Company, Inc., 269, Hyeoksin-ro, Gimcheon, Gyeongsangbuk-do 39660 (Korea, Republic of); Chang, Yoon-Suk, E-mail: yschang@khu.ac.kr [Department of Nuclear Engineering, College of Engineering, Kyung Hee University, 1732 Deokyoungdaero, Giheung, Yongin, Gyeonggi 446-701 (Korea, Republic of)

    2017-03-15

    Highlights: • Probabilistic assessment was performed for axially cracked steam generator tubes. • The threshold crack sizes were determined based on burst pressures of the tubes. • A new repair criterion was suggested as a function of operation time. - Abstract: Steam generator is one of the major components in a nuclear power plant, and it consists of thousands of thin-walled tubes. The operating record of the steam generators has indicated that a number of axial cracks due to stress corrosion have been frequently detected in the tubes. Since the tubes are closely related to the safety and also the efficiency of a nuclear power plant, an establishment of the appropriate repair criterion for the defected tubes and its applications are necessary. The objective of this paper is to develop an accurate repair criterion for the tubes with axial cracks. To do this, a thorough review is performed on the key parameters affecting the tube integrity, and then the probabilistic integrity assessment is carried out by considering the various uncertainties. In addition, the sizes of critical crack are determined by comparing the burst pressure of the cracked tube with the required performance criterion. Based on this result, the new repair criterion for the axially cracked tubes is defined from the reasonably conservative value such that the required performance criterion in terms of the burst pressure is able to be met during the next operating period.

  18. Model of reverse steam generator

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Malasek, V.; Manek, O.; Masek, V.; Riman, J.

    1987-01-01

    The claim of Czechoslovak discovery no. 239272 is a model designed for the verification of the properties of a reverse steam generator during the penetration of water, steam-water mixture or steam into liquid metal flowing inside the heat exchange tubes. The design may primarily be used for steam generators with a built-in inter-tube structure. The model is provided with several injection devices configured in different heat exchange tubes, spaced at different distances along the model axis. The design consists in that between the pressure and the circumferential casings there are transverse partitions and that in one chamber consisting of the circumferential casings, pressure casing and two adjoining partitions there is only one passage of the injection device through the inter-tube space. (Z.M.). 1 fig

  19. Study on reverse flow characteristics under natural circulation in inverted U-tube steam generator

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Duan Jun; Zhou Tao; Zhang Lei; Hong Dexun; Liu Ping

    2013-01-01

    Natural circulation is important for application in the nuclear power industry. Aiming at the steam generator of AP1000 pressurized water reactor loop, the mathematical model was established to analysis the reverse flow of single-phase water in the inverted U-tubes of a steam generator in a natural circulation system. The length distribution and the mass flow rates in both tubes with normal and reverse flow were determined respectively. The research results show that the reverse flow may result in sharp decrease of gravity pressure head, circulation mass flow rate and heat release rate of natural circulation. It has adverse influence on natural circulation. (authors)

  20. Mitigation of steam generator tube rupture in a pressurized water reactor with passive safety systems

    Science.gov (United States)

    McDermott, Daniel J.; Schrader, Kenneth J.; Schulz, Terry L.

    1994-01-01

    The effects of steam generator tube ruptures in a pressurized water reactor are mitigated by reducing the pressure in the primary loop by diverting reactor coolant through the heat exchanger of a passive heat removal system immersed in the in containment refueling water storage tank in response to a high feed water level in the steam generator. Reactor coolant inventory is maintained by also in response to high steam generator level introducing coolant into the primary loop from core make-up tanks at the pressure in the reactor coolant system pressurizer. The high steam generator level is also used to isolate the start-up feed water system and the chemical and volume control system to prevent flooding into the steam header. 2 figures.

  1. Code Assessment of SPACE 2.19 using LSTF Steam Generator Tube Rupture Test

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Kim, Minhee; Kim, Seyun [KHNP CRI, Daejeon (Korea, Republic of)

    2016-10-15

    The SPACE is a best estimated two-phase three-field thermal-hydraulic analysis code used to analyze the safety and performance of pressurized water reactors. As a result of the development, the 2.19 version of the code was released through the successive various verification and validation works. The present work is on the line of expanding the work by Kim et al. In this study, results produced by the SPACE 2.19 code were compared with the experimental data from JAERI's LSTF Test Run LSTF SB-SG-06 experiment simulating a Steam Generator Tube Rupture (SGTR) transient. In order to identify the predictability of SPACE 2.19, the LSTF steam generator tube rupture test was simulated. To evaluate the computed results, LSTF SB-SG-06 test data simulating the SGTR and the RELAP5/ MOD3.1 are used. The calculation results indicate that the SPACE 2.19 code predicted well the sequence of events and the major phenomena during the transient, such as the asymmetric loop behavior, reactor coolant system cooldown and heat transfer by natural circulation, the primary and secondary system depressurization by the pressurizer auxiliary spray and the steam dump using the intact loop steam generator relief valve.

  2. Measurement by eddy currents of tube-antivibratory bar gap steam generators of PWR power plants

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Savin, E.; Bieth, M.; Floze, J.C.

    1990-01-01

    In steam generators tubes are maintained by AVB to limit vibrations amplitude induced by secondary fluid flow. After some years wear sometimes occurs. For gap measurement between tubes and AVB Framatome developed a method based on eddy current and using a probe rotating inside the tube [fr

  3. An expert system for steam generator maintenance

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Remond, A.

    1988-01-01

    The tube bundles in PWR steam generators are, by far, the major source of problems whether they are due to primary and secondary side corrosion mechanisms or to tube vibration-induced wear at tube support locations. Because of differences in SG operating, materials, and fabrication processes, the damage may differ from steam generator to steam generator. MPGV, an expert system for steam generator maintenance uses all steam generator data containing data on materials, fabrication processes, inservice inspection, and water chemistry. It has access to operational data for individual steam generators and contains models of possible degradation mechanisms. The objectives of the system are: · Diagnosing the most probable degradation mechanism or mechanisms by reviewing the entire steam generator history. · Identifying the tubes most exposed to future damage and evaluating the urgency of repair by simulating the probable development of the problem in time. · Establishing the appropriate preventive actions such as repair, inspection or other measures and establishing an action schedule. The system is intended for utilities either for individual plants before each inspection outage or any time an incident occurs or for a set of plants through a central MPGV center. (author)

  4. Probabilistic methodology for assessing steam generator tube inspection - Phase II: User's manual for CANTIA Version 1.1

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Harris, J.E.; Gorman, J.A.; Turner, A.P.L.

    1997-03-01

    The objectives of this project were to develop a computer-based method for probabilistic assessment of inspection strategies for steam generator tubes, and to document the source code and to provide a user's manual for it. The program CANTIA was created to fulfill this objective, and the user's manual is provided in this volume. The documentation and verification of the CANTIA code is provided as a separate report. CANTIA uses Monte Carlo techniques to determine approximate probabilities of steam generator tube failures under accident conditions and primary-to-secondary leak rates under normal and accident conditions at future points in time. The program also determines approximate future flaw distributions and non-destructive examination results from the input data. The probabilities of failure and leak rates and the future flaw distributions can be influenced by performing inspections of the steam generator tubes at some future points in time, and removing defective tubes from the population. The effect of different inspection and maintenance strategies can therefore be determined as a direct effect on the probability of tube failure and primary-to-secondary leak rate

  5. Main results of assessing integrity of RNPP-3 steam generator heat exchange tubes in accident management

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Shugajlo, Al-j P.; Mustafin, M.A.; Shugajlo, Al-r P.; Ryzhov, D.I.; Zhabin, O.I.

    2017-01-01

    Tubes integrity evaluation under accident conditions considering drain of SG and current technical state of steam exchange tubes is an important question regarding SG long-term operation and improvement of accident management strategy.The main investigation results prepared for heat exchange surface of RNPP-3 steam generator are presented in this research aimed at assessing integrity of heat exchange tubes under accident conditions, which lead to full or partial drain of heat exchange surface, in particular during station blackout.

  6. Simulation of a main steam line break with steam generator tube rupture using trace

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Gallardo, S.; Querol, A.; Verdu, G. [Departamento de Ingenieria Quimica Y Nuclear, Universitat Politecnica de Valencia, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022, Valencia (Spain)

    2012-07-01

    A simulation of the OECD/NEA ROSA-2 Project Test 5 was made with the thermal-hydraulic code TRACE5. Test 5 performed in the Large Scale Test Facility (LSTF) reproduced a Main Steam Line Break (MSLB) with a Steam Generator Tube Rupture (SGTR) in a Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR). The result of these simultaneous breaks is a depressurization in the secondary and primary system in loop B because both systems are connected through the SGTR. Good approximation was obtained between TRACE5 results and experimental data. TRACE5 reproduces qualitatively the phenomena that occur in this transient: primary pressure falls after the break, stagnation of the pressure after the opening of the relief valve of the intact steam generator, the pressure falls after the two openings of the PORV and the recovery of the liquid level in the pressurizer after each closure of the PORV. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis has been performed to know the effect of varying the High Pressure Injection (HPI) flow rate in both loops on the system pressures evolution. (authors)

  7. Steam generator tube integrity program. Semiannual report, August 1995--March 1996

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Diercks, D.R.; Bakhtiari, S.; Chopra, O.K.

    1997-04-01

    This report summarizes work performed by Argonne National Laboratory on the Steam Generator Tube Integrity Program from the inception of that program in August 1995 through March 1996. The program is divided into five tasks, namely (1) Assessment of Inspection Reliability, (2) Research on ISI (in-service-inspection) Technology, (3) Research on Degradation Modes and Integrity, (4) Development of Methodology and Technical Requirements for Current and Emerging Regulatory Issues, and (5) Program Management. Under Task 1, progress is reported on the preparation of and evaluation of nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques for inspecting a mock-up steam generator for round-robin testing, the development of better ways to correlate burst pressure and leak rate with eddy current (EC) signals, the inspection of sleeved tubes, workshop and training activities, and the evaluation of emerging NDE technology. Under Task 2, results are reported on closed-form solutions and finite element electromagnetic modeling of EC probe response for various probe designs and flaw characteristics. Under Task 3, facilities are being designed and built for the production of cracked tubes under aggressive and near-prototypical conditions and for the testing of flawed and unflawed tubes under normal operating, accident, and severe accident conditions. In addition, crack behavior and stability are being modeled to provide guidance on test facility design, to develop an improved understanding of the expected rupture behavior of tubes with circumferential cracks, and to predict the behavior of flawed and unflawed tubes under severe accident conditions. Task 4 is concerned with the cracking and failure of tubes that have been repaired by sleeving, and with a review of literature on this subject

  8. Comparative evaluation of preventive measures against primary side stress corrosion cracking of mill annealed Inconel 600 steam generator tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Frederick, G.; Hernalsteen, P.

    1986-01-01

    Significant amounts of primary side cracking have been reported in the mechanically expanded area of the tubes of PWR steam generators in Europe, in Japan and to a lesser extent in the USA. The Belgian utilities are faced with the same problem. At Doel 2, where the tubes are rolled for only a part of the tubesheet, primary side cracking appeared in the roll transition. The Doel 3 and Tihange 2 steam generators, whose tubes are expanded for the full depth of the tube sheet, have experienced cracking after about 10 000 h of operation not only in the roll transition but also at roll overlaps. While some leaks and eddy current indications are associated with tubesheet or rolling anomalies, many of them are found on normal tubes. A programme was launched by the Belgian utilities and was further co-sponsored by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to develop preventive actions applicable not only to hot steam generators but also to cold steam generators already installed on site. These preventive measures include stress relaxation and metallurgical improvement of the material by an in situ heat treatment of the whole tube sheet (a steam generator model was used to evaluate the feasibility of this treatment), and the introduction of residual compressive stresses on ID by rotopeening or shotpeening without inducing unacceptable tensile stresses on OD. A comparative evaluation of these measures was established on the basis of tests performed on representative mock-ups and specimens. (author)

  9. Nickel electroplating as a remedy to steam generator tubing PWSCC

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Michaut, B.; Steltzlen, F.; Sala, B.; Laire, Ch.; Stubbe, J.

    1993-01-01

    Nickel plating appears to be a versatile process, as the application field, even if always used against PWSCC, is different from plant-to-plant. Its usage has been from a purely preventive action on tubes without defects, to a corrective action on through-wall cracked and leaking tubes. As a background for the large scale on-site operations of Doel 2 in 1990 (345 tubes) and Tihange 2 in 1992 (600 tubes), studies on four points are outlined, i.e. corrosion tests, stress measurements, sulfamate bath quality control, and in-service inspection. In conclusion, it appears that the nickel plating technique, following a case-by-case study, can often be a convenient remedy against Alloy 600 stress corrosion problems. New applications, in locations other than the steam generator field are under consideration

  10. Calculation of relative tube/tube support plate displacements in steam generators under accident condition loads using non-linear dynamic analysis methodologies

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Smith, R.E.; Waisman, R.; Hu, M.H.; Frick, T.M.

    1995-01-01

    A non-linear analysis has been performed to determine relative motions between tubes and tube support plates (TSP) during a steam line break (SLB) event for steam generators. The SLB event results in blowdown of steam and water out of the steam generator. The fluid blowdown generates pressure drops across the TSPS, resulting in out-of-plane motion. The SLB induced pressure loads are calculated with a computer program that uses a drift-flux modeling of the two-phase flow. In order to determine the relative tube/TSP motions, a nonlinear dynamic time-history analysis is performed using a structural model that considers all of the significant component members relative to the tube support system. The dynamic response of the structure to the pressure loads is calculated using a special purpose computer program. This program links the various substructures at common degrees of freedom into a combined mass and stiffness matrix. The program accounts for structural non-linearities, including potential tube and TSP interaction at any given tube position. The program also accounts for structural damping as part of the dynamic response. Incorporating all of the above effects, the equations of motion are solved to give TSP displacements at the reduced set of DOF. Using the displacement results from the dynamic analysis, plate stresses are then calculated using the detailed component models. Displacements form the dynamic analysis are imposed as boundary conditions at the DOF locations, and the finite element program then solves for the overall distorted geometry. Calculations are also performed to assure that assumptions regarding elastic response of the various structural members and support points are valid

  11. Detection of steam generator tube leaks in pressurized water reactors

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Roach, W.H.

    1984-11-01

    This report addresses the early detection of small steam generator tube leaks in pressurized water reactors. It identifies physical parameters, establishes instrumentation performance goals, and specifies sensor types and locations. It presents a simple algorithm that yields the leak rate as a function of known or measurable quantities. Leak rates of less than one-tenth gram per second should be detectable with existing instrumentation

  12. Experimental and theoretical investigations on safety of the SNR - straight-tube design steam generator with sodium-water reactions

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Dumm, K.; Sauermann, F.; Schnitker, W.; Welter, A.

    A number of large sodium-water reaction tests has been performed in a steam generator model in order to verify the layout criteria of the SNR straight-tube design steam generators under accident conditions. The experimental setup is described. The test results and their applicability to the SNR steam generators are given and discussed. (U.S.)

  13. Free vibration analysis of a steam generator tube bundle with and without lateral support

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    King, D.M.

    1979-04-01

    The vibrational modes and frequency characteristics of a pressurized water reactor (PWR) steam generator tube bundle assembly with and without lateral support in a fluid environment are analyzed. The idealized half-model was constructed using the SAP-IV finite element code. Free vibration analyses were performed for an in-air case and a submerged in-water case, each with different constraint conditions at steam generator tube bundle assembly support plates 10 and 11. These constraint conditions included having both support plates free, having both support plates fixed, and having support plate 11 free while support plate 10 was fixed. It was found that as the support plate constraints were removed, the frequency range for each case increased significantly

  14. Eddy current magnetic bias x-probe qualification and inspection of steam generator Monel 400 tubing in Pickering Nuclear Generating Station

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lepine, B.A.; Van Langen, J.; Obrutsky, L.

    2006-01-01

    This paper presents an overview of the x-probe MB 350 eddy current inspection array probe, for detection of open OD axial crack-like flaws in Monel 400 tubes at Pickering Nuclear Generating Station. This report contains a selection of inspection results from the field inspections performed with this probe during the 2003 and 2004 period at Pickering Nuclear Generating Station A and B. During the 2003 in-service eddy current inspection results of Pickering Nuclear Generating Station A (PNGS-A) Unit 2, a 13 mm (0.5 inch) long axial indication was detected by the CTR1 bobbin and CTR2-C4 array probes in Tube R25-C52 of Steam Generator (SG) 11 in the hot leg sludge pile region. An experimental magnetic bias X-probe, specially designed by Zetec for inspection of Monel 400 tubing, was deployed and the indication was characterized as a potential out diameter (OD) axially oriented crack. Post-inspection tube pulling and destructive examination confirmed the presence of an Environmentally Assisted Crack (EAC), approximately 80% deep and 13mm long. Due to the significance of this discovery, Ontario Power Generation (OPG) requested AECL to initiate a program for qualification of the X-probe MB 350 for the detection of OD axial cracks in medium to high magnetic permeability μ r Monel 400 PNGS-A and B steam generator tubing at different locations. The X-probe MB 350 subsequently has been deployed as a primary inspection probe for crack detection for PNGS steam generators. (author)

  15. Workshop proceedings: U-bend tube cracking in steam generators

    Science.gov (United States)

    Shoemaker, C. E.

    1981-06-01

    A design to reduce the rate of tube failure in high pressure feedwater heaters, a number of failed drawn and stress relieved Monel 400 U-bend tubes removed from three high pressure feedwater heaters was examined. Steam extracted from the turbine is used to preheat the boiler feedwater in fossil fuel fired steam plants to improve thermal efficiency. This is accomplished in a series of heaters between the condenser hot well and the boiler. The heaters closest to the boiler handle water at high pressure and temperature. Because of the severe service conditions, high pressure feedwater heaters are frequently tubed with drawn and stress relieved Monel 400.

  16. Lessons learned from tubes pulled from French steam generators

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Berge, Ph.; Boursier, J.M.; Dallery, D.; De Keroulas, F.; Rouillon, Y.

    1998-01-01

    Since 1981, the Chinon Hot Laboratory has completed more than 380 metallurgical examinations of pulled French steam generator tubes. Electricite de France decided to perform such investigations from the very outset of the French nuclear program, in order to contribute to nuclear power plant safety. The main reasons for withdrawing tubes are to evaluate the degradation, to validate non destructive examination (NDE) techniques, to gain a better understanding of cracking phenomena, and to ensure that the criteria on which plugging operations are based remain conservative. Considerable experience has been accumulated in the field of primary water stress corrosion cracking (PWSCC), OD (secondary) side corrosion, leak and burst tests, and various tube plugging techniques. This paper focuses on the PWSCC phenomenon and on the secondary side corrosion process, and in particular, attempts to correlate French data from pulled tubes with the results of fundamental R and D studies. Finally, within the framework of the Nuclear Power Plant Safety and Maintenance Policy, all these results are discussed in terms of optimization of the field inspection of tube bundles and plugging criteria. (author)

  17. Radioactivity transport following steam generator tube rupture

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hopenfeld, J.

    1985-03-01

    A review of the capabilities of the CITADEL computer code as well as plant experience to project radioactivity releases following a steam generator tube rupture in PWR's shows that certain experimental data are needed for reliable off-site dose predictions. This article defines five parameters which are the key for such predictions and discusses the functional dependence of these parameters on various operational variables. The above parameters can be used in conjunction with CITADEL or they can be inserted in the appropriate equations which then conveniently can be programmed as a subroutine in thermal-hydraulic system codes. A joint Westinghouse, Electric Power Research Institute and Nuclear Regulatory Commission Program aimed at obtaining the five parameters empirically is described

  18. Probabilistic analysis of degradation incubation time of steam generator tubing materials

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Pandey, M.D.; Jyrkama, M.I.; Lu, Y.; Chi, L.

    2012-01-01

    The prediction of degradation free lifetime of steam generator (SG) tubing material is an important step in the life cycle management and decision for replacement of steam generators during the refurbishment of a nuclear station. Therefore, an extensive experimental research program has been undertaken by the Canadian Nuclear Industry to investigate the degradation of widely-used SG tubing alloys, namely, Alloy 600 TT, Alloy 690 TT, and Alloy 800. The corrosion related degradations of passive metals, such as pitting, crevice corrosion and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) etc. are assumed to start with the break down of the passive film at the tube-environment interface, which is characterized by the incubation time for passivity breakdown and then the degradation growth rate, and both are influenced by the chemical environment and coolant temperature. Since the incubation time and growth rate exhibit significant variability in the laboratory tests used to simulate these degradation processes, the use of probabilistic modeling is warranted. A pit is initiated with the breakdown of the passive film on the SG tubing surface. Upon exposure to aggressive environments, pitting corrosion may not initiate immediately, or may initiate and then re-passivate. The time required to initiate pitting corrosion is called the pitting incubation time, and that can be used to characterize the corrosion resistance of a material under specific test conditions. Pitting may be the precursor to other corrosion degradation mechanisms, such as environmentally-assisted cracking. This paper will provide an overview of the results of the first stage of experimental program in which samples of Alloy 600 TT, Alloy 690 TT, and Alloy 800 were tested under various temperatures and potentials and simulated crevice environments. The testing environment was chosen to represent layup, startup, and full operating conditions of the steam generators. Degradation incubation times for over 80 samples were

  19. Evaluation of the residual stress field in a steam generator end tube after hydraulic expansion

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Thiel, F.; Kang, S.; Chabrerie, J.

    1994-01-01

    This paper presents a finite element elastoplastic model of a nuclear steam generator end tube, used to evaluate the residual stress field existing after hydraulic expansion of the tube into the tubesheet of the heat exchanger. This model has been tested against an experimental hydraulic expansion, carried out on full scale end tubes. The operation was monitored thanks to strain gages localized on the outer surface of the tubes, subjected to elastoplastic deformations. After a presentation of the expansion test and the description of the numerical model, the authors compare the stress fields issues from the gages and from the model. The comparison shows a good agreement. These results allow them to calculate the stress field resulting from normal operating conditions, while taking into account a correct initial state of stress. Therefore the authors can improve the understanding of the behavior of a steam generator end tube, with respect to stress corrosion cracking and crack growth

  20. International examples of steam generator replacement

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Wiechmann, K.

    1993-01-01

    Since 1979-1980 a total of twelve nuclear power plants world-wide have had their steam generators replaced. The replacement of the Combustion steam generators in the Millstone-2 plant in the United States was completed very recently. Steam generator replacement activities are going on at present in four plants. In North Anna, the steam generators have been under replacement since January 1990. In Japan, preparations have been started for Genkai-1. Since January 1992, the two projects in Beznau-1, Switzerland, and Doel-3, Belgium, have bee planned and executed in parallel. Why steam generator replacement? There are a number of defect mechanisms which give rise to the need for early steam generator replacement. One of the main reasons is the use of Inconel-600 as material for the heating tubes. Steam generator heating tubes made of Inconel-600 have been known to exhibit their first defects due to stress corrosion cracking after less than one year of operation. (orig.) [de

  1. Structural and leakage integrity assessment of WWER steam generator tubes

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Splichal, K.; Otruba, J. [Nuclear Research Inst., Rez (Switzerland)

    1997-12-31

    The integrity of heat exchange tubes may influence the life-time of WWER steam generators and appears to be an important criterion for the evaluation of their safety and operational reliability. The basic requirement is to assure a very low probability of radioactive water leakage, preventing unstable crack growth and sudden tube rupture. These requirements led to development of permissible limits for primary to secondary leak evolution and heat exchange tubes plugging based on eddy current test inspection. The stress corrosion cracking and pitting are the main corrosion damage of WWER heat exchange tubes and are initiated from the outer surface. They are influenced by water chemistry, temperature and tube wall stress level. They take place under crevice corrosion condition and are indicated especially (1) under the tube support plates, where up to 90-95 % of defects detected by the ECT method occur, and (2) on free spans under tube deposit layers. Both the initiation and crack growth cause thinning of the tube wall and lead to part thickness cracks and through-wall cracks, oriented above all in the axial direction. 10 refs.

  2. Structural and leakage integrity assessment of WWER steam generator tubes

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Splichal, K; Otruba, J [Nuclear Research Inst., Rez (Switzerland)

    1998-12-31

    The integrity of heat exchange tubes may influence the life-time of WWER steam generators and appears to be an important criterion for the evaluation of their safety and operational reliability. The basic requirement is to assure a very low probability of radioactive water leakage, preventing unstable crack growth and sudden tube rupture. These requirements led to development of permissible limits for primary to secondary leak evolution and heat exchange tubes plugging based on eddy current test inspection. The stress corrosion cracking and pitting are the main corrosion damage of WWER heat exchange tubes and are initiated from the outer surface. They are influenced by water chemistry, temperature and tube wall stress level. They take place under crevice corrosion condition and are indicated especially (1) under the tube support plates, where up to 90-95 % of defects detected by the ECT method occur, and (2) on free spans under tube deposit layers. Both the initiation and crack growth cause thinning of the tube wall and lead to part thickness cracks and through-wall cracks, oriented above all in the axial direction. 10 refs.

  3. Structural and leakage integrity assessment of WWER steam generator tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Splichal, K.; Otruba, J.

    1997-01-01

    The integrity of heat exchange tubes may influence the life-time of WWER steam generators and appears to be an important criterion for the evaluation of their safety and operational reliability. The basic requirement is to assure a very low probability of radioactive water leakage, preventing unstable crack growth and sudden tube rupture. These requirements led to development of permissible limits for primary to secondary leak evolution and heat exchange tubes plugging based on eddy current test inspection. The stress corrosion cracking and pitting are the main corrosion damage of WWER heat exchange tubes and are initiated from the outer surface. They are influenced by water chemistry, temperature and tube wall stress level. They take place under crevice corrosion condition and are indicated especially (1) under the tube support plates, where up to 90-95 % of defects detected by the ECT method occur, and (2) on free spans under tube deposit layers. Both the initiation and crack growth cause thinning of the tube wall and lead to part thickness cracks and through-wall cracks, oriented above all in the axial direction

  4. Stress corrosion cracking susceptibility of steam generator tube materials in AVT (all volatile treatment) chemistry contaminated with lead

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Gomez Briceno, D.; Castano, M.L.; Garcia, M.S.

    1996-01-01

    Alloy 600 steam generator tubing has shown a high susceptibility to stress corrosion degradation at the operation conditions of pressurized water reactors. Several contaminants, such as lead, have been postulated as being responsible for producing the secondary side stress corrosion cracking that has occurred mainly at the location where these contaminants can concentrate. An extensive experimental work has been carried out in order to better understand the effects of lead on the stress corrosion cracking susceptibility of steam generator tube materials, namely Alloys 600, 690 and 800. This paper presents the experimental work conducted with a view to determining the influence of lead oxide concentration in AVT (all volatile treatment) conditions on the stress corrosion resistance of nickel alloys used in the fabrication of steam generator tubing. (orig.)

  5. Ultrasonic inspection of steam-generator tube axial cracking using Lamb wave

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Park, Jae Seok

    2007-02-01

    In this study, the interaction of Lamb wave propagating thin tube structure with finite vertical discontinuity was studied using both modal decomposition method (MDM) and experimental method. For MDM, a global matrix formulation and orthogonality of Lamb mode was employed to describe the boundary condition of finite vertical discontinuity of the tube and the mode conversion phenomenon respectively. The final form of governing equation by MDM was a linear matrix equation which could be solved using a simple matrix identity. The calculation result showed that, below the cut-off frequency, reflection amplitudes of both A0 and S0 Lamb mode increase as the depth of discontinuity increased beyond the threshold value. An experimental investigation was performed using a Hertzian-contact transducer and steam-generator tubes to verify the calculation results by MDM. A0 Lamb mode was selected as a test signal considering the characteristics of the transducer and previous studies. The experiment for mode identification using half-sectioned tube verified that the Hertzian-contact transducer effectively generated A0 Lamb mode. Tests performed using steam-generator tubes with EDM (electric discharge machined) axial notches showed that the deeper notches produced the higher reflection echo. A0 Lamb mode interacted with the notch having a depth larger than 1/40 of wave length, or corresponding to 30% of the wall thickness. This finding was in good agreement with previous studies and the prediction by MDM. The experiment using real crack specimens to estimate the deviation of reflection amplitude showed that the reflection cross-section of real crack was very similar with that of EDM notch. Therefore, specimens with EDM notches can be used as reference blocks for Lamb wave UT calibration

  6. Steam generator tube failures: world experience in water-cooled nuclear power reactors in 1975

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hare, M.G.

    1976-11-01

    Steam generator tube failures were reported in 22 out of 62 water-cooled nuclear power plants surveyed in 1975. This was less than in 1974, and the number of the tubes affected was noticeably less. This report summarizes these failures, most of which were due to corrosion. Secondary-water chemistry control, procedures for inspection and repair, tube materials, and failure rates are discussed. (author)

  7. U-tube steam generator modelling: application to level control and comparison with plant data

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Gautier, A.; Petetrot, J.F.; Roulet, A.; Ruiz, P.; Zwingelstein, G.

    1979-01-01

    A nonlinear multinode digital model of a recirculating U-tube steam generator is first described. Comparison between the model and Fessenheim and Bugey tests results on power step and full load rejection is given. These transients are of special interest because they provide information on the boiler high frequency response and also insights into steam generator non linear behaviour. An example of steam generator modelling as applied to control system design is then presented. This example demonstrates major improvement of control loop performance at low load following implementation of a non linear gain which allows more efficient control of large perturbations. Results of testing on the Bugey 4 plant are also indicated

  8. Particle Swarm Optimization to the U-tube steam generator in the nuclear power plant

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ibrahim, Wesam Zakaria

    2014-01-01

    Highlights: • We establish stability mathematical model of steam generator and reactor core. • We propose a new Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm. • The algorithm can overcome premature phenomenon and has a high search precision. • Optimal weight of steam generator is 15.1% less than the original. • Sensitivity analysis and optimal design provide reference for steam generator design. - Abstract: This paper, proposed an improved Particle Swarm Optimization approach for optimize a U-tube steam generator mathematical model. The UTSG is one of the most important component related to safety of most of the pressurized water reactor. The purpose of this article is to present an approach to optimization in which every target is considered as a separate objective to be optimized. Multi-objective optimization is a powerful tool for resolving conflicting objectives in engineering design and numerous other fields. One approach to solve multi-objective optimization problems is the non-dominated sorting Particle Swarm Optimization. PSO was applied in regarding the choice of the time intervals for the periodic testing of the model of the steam generator

  9. Particle Swarm Optimization to the U-tube steam generator in the nuclear power plant

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Ibrahim, Wesam Zakaria, E-mail: mimi9_m@yahoo.com

    2014-12-15

    Highlights: • We establish stability mathematical model of steam generator and reactor core. • We propose a new Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm. • The algorithm can overcome premature phenomenon and has a high search precision. • Optimal weight of steam generator is 15.1% less than the original. • Sensitivity analysis and optimal design provide reference for steam generator design. - Abstract: This paper, proposed an improved Particle Swarm Optimization approach for optimize a U-tube steam generator mathematical model. The UTSG is one of the most important component related to safety of most of the pressurized water reactor. The purpose of this article is to present an approach to optimization in which every target is considered as a separate objective to be optimized. Multi-objective optimization is a powerful tool for resolving conflicting objectives in engineering design and numerous other fields. One approach to solve multi-objective optimization problems is the non-dominated sorting Particle Swarm Optimization. PSO was applied in regarding the choice of the time intervals for the periodic testing of the model of the steam generator.

  10. Steam generator reliability improvement project

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Blomgren, J.C.; Green, S.J.

    1987-01-01

    Upon successful completion of its research and development technology transfer program, the Electric Power Research Institute's Steam Generator Owners Group (SGOG II) will disband in December 1986 and be replaced in January 1987 by a successor project, the Steam Generator Reliability Project (SGRP). The new project, funded in the EPRI base program, will continue the emphasis on reliability and life extension that was carried forward by SGOG II. The objectives of SGOG II have been met. Causes and remedies have been identified for tubing corrosion problems, such as stress corrosion cracking and pitting, and steam generator technology has been improved in areas such as tube wear prediction and nondestructive evaluation (NDE). These actions have led to improved reliability of steam generators. Now the owners want to continue with a centrally managed program that builds on what has been learned. The goal is to continue to improve steam generator reliability and solve small problems before they become large problems

  11. Steam generator reliability improvement project

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Blomgren, J.C.; Green, S.J.

    1987-01-01

    Upon successful completion of its research and development technology transfer program, the Electric Power Research Institute's (EPRI's) Steam Generator Owners Group (SGOG II) will disband in December 1986, and be replaced in January 1987, by a successor project, the Steam Generator Reliability Project (SGRP). The new project, funded in the EPRI base program, will continue to emphasize reliability and life extension, which were carried forward by SGOG II. The objectives of SGOG II have been met. Causes and remedies have been identified for tubing corrosion problems such as stress corrosion cracking and pitting, and steam generator technology has been improved in areas such as tube wear prediction and nondestructive evaluation. These actions have led to improved reliability of steam generators. Now the owners want to continue with a centrally managed program that builds on what has been learned. The goal is to continue to improve steam generator reliability and to solve small problems before they become large problems

  12. Steam generator for use in nuclear power plants

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Cella, A.

    1980-01-01

    An improved steam generator is described for use in a nuclear power plant of the pressurized water type in which a turbine generator is driven by the steam output of the steam generator to provide electrical power therefrom. The improvement comprises providing a vertically movable grid structure vertically extending within the interior of the lower housing portion of the steam generator through which individual tubes comprising a vertically extending tube bundle extend. The tube bundle has a tube sheet at one end thereof supporting the tube bundle for the tubes extending through the tube sheet in flow through communication with a heat exchange fluid inlet. The grid structure defines grid apertures therein through which the individual tubes extend with each of the grid apertures being in surrounding relationship with a portion of an associated one of the tubes. The grid structure is movable for a predetermined vertical extent, such as by hydraulic means, such as a piston, along the tubes for vertically displacing the means defining the grid apertures by a sufficient amount for removing the previously surrounded portion of each of the tubes from the associated grid apertures whereby an enhanced reading of the condition of the tubes at the previously surrounded portion is enabled. The steam generator may comprise vertically assemblable modules which are removably mounted together in sealing relationship, with the modules comprising a base module, a tube bundle module removably mountable on the base module in sealing relationship therewith and an uppermost drier module removably mountable on the tube bundle module in sealing relationship therewith whereby ready access to removal of the tube bundle module in situ from the nuclear power plant steam generator is facilitated

  13. Forming a cohesive steam generator maintenance strategy

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Poudroux, G.

    1991-01-01

    In older nuclear plants, steam generator tube bundles are the most fragile part of the reactor coolant system. Steam generator tubes are subject to numerous types of loading, which can lead to severe degradation (corrosion and wear phenomena). Preventive actions, such as reactor coolant temperature reduction or increasing the plugging limit and their associated analyses, can increase steam generator service life. Beyond these preventive actions, the number of affected tubes and the different locations of the degradations that occur often make repair campaigns necessary. Framatome has developed and qualified a wide range of treatment and repair processes. They enable careful management of the repair campaigns, to avoid reaching the maximum steam generator tube plugging limit, while optimizing the costs. Most of the available repair techniques allow a large number of affected tubes to be treated. Here we look only at those techniques that should be taken into account when defining a maintenance strategy. (author)

  14. Experimental investigation of reflux condensation heat transfer in PWR steam generator tubes in the presence of noncondensible gases

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Vierow, Karen; Wu, Tiejun [Purdue Univ., West Lafayette (United States); Nagae, Takashi [Institute of Nuclear Safety System, Tokyo (Japan)

    2003-07-01

    Under certain circumstances in a Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR), the coolant system may be in a partially drained state and reflux condensation in the steam generator U-tubes can be the major heat removal mechanism. Noncondensable gases may be present and would degrade the heat transfer rate. If heat removal rates are insufficient, this situation could lead to core boil-off, fuel rod heatup, and eventually core damage. The Institute of Nuclear Safety System, Inc. (INSS) and the Nuclear Heat Transfer Systems Laboratory at Purdue University have begun a cooperative research program to investigate the effectiveness of reflux condensation in PWR steam generator U-tubes in the presence of noncondensable gases. The final objectives are to provide local heat transfer data for development of methods to analyze reflux condensation in PWR steam generator U-tubes and to investigate the potential for flooding. Key features of the experimental data reported herein are that they are local data under laminar steam/gas mixture and condensate film flow and they are taken from a test section with dimensions similar to an actual steam generator tube. Steady state data were obtained under various steam and air inlet flow rates and pressures. The data show the significant degrading effect of noncondensable gas on heat transfer coefficients. From the data, correlations for the reflux condensation local heat transfer coefficient and the local Nusselt number under laminar conditions were derived. These experiments are providing essential and unique fundamental data for development of methods to analyze reflux condensation.

  15. Development and application of an efficient method for performing modal analysis of steam generator tubes in nuclear power plants

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Rhee, Huinam [Dept of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Sunchon National University, Sunchon, 540-742 (Korea, Republic of); Boo, Myung-Hwan [Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Company, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon 305-343 (Korea, Republic of); Park, Chi-Yong [KEPCO Research Institute, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon 305-380 (Korea, Republic of); Ryu, Ki-Wahn, E-mail: kwryu@chonbuk.ac.k [Department of Aerospace Engineering, Chonbuk National University, 664-14, Deogjin-Dong, Jeonju 561-756 (Korea, Republic of)

    2010-10-15

    A typical pressurized water reactor (PWR) steam generator has approximately 10,000 tubes. These tubes have different geometries, supporting conditions, and different material properties due to the non-uniform temperature distribution throughout the steam generator. Even though some tubes may have the same geometry and boundary conditions, the non-uniform distribution of coolant densities adjacent to the tubes causes them to have different added mass effects and dynamic characteristics. Therefore, for a reliable design of the steam generator, a separate modal analysis for each tube is necessary to perform the FIV (flow-induced vibration) analysis. However, the modal analysis of a tube including the finite element modeling is cumbersome and takes lots of time. And when a commercial finite element code is used, interfacing the modal analysis result, such as natural frequencies and mode shapes, with the FIV analysis procedure requires an additional significant amount of time and can possibly incur inadvertent error due to the complexity of data processing. It is therefore impossible to perform the complete FIV analysis for ten thousands of tubes when designing or maintaining a steam generator although it is necessary. Rather, to verify the safe design against the FIV, only a couple of tubes are chosen based on engineering judgment or past experience. In this paper, a computer program, PIAT-MODE, was developed which is able to perform modal analysis of all tubes of a PWR steam generator in a very efficient way. The geometries and boundary conditions of every tube were incorporated into PIAT-MODE using appropriate mathematical formulae. Material property data including the added mass effect was also included in the program. Once a specific tube is selected, the program automatically constructs the finite element model and generates the modal data very quickly. Therefore, modal analysis can be performed for every single tube in a straight way. When PIAT-MODE is coupled

  16. Steam generator tube performance: experience with water-cooled nuclear power reactors during 1978

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Tatone, O.S.; Pathania, R.S.

    1980-02-01

    The performance of steam generator tubes in water-cooled nuclear power reactors has been reviewed for 1978. Tube failures occurred at 31 of the 86 reactors surveyed. Causes of these failures and procedures designed to deal with them are described. A dramatic decrease in the number of tubes plugged was evident in 1978 compared to the previous year. This is attributed to diligent application of techniques developed from in-plant experience and research and development programs over the past several years. (auth)

  17. On the heat exchange tube failures in steam generators at NPPs with WWER reactors

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Titov, V.F.; Banyuk, G.F.; Brykov, S.I.

    1992-01-01

    Data on dynamics of failed heat exchanging tube closing in steam generators of NPPs with WWER type reactors for the whole period of their operation are presented. It is shown that the main cause of the tube failures consists in their corrosion cracking under stresses. The effect of chlorine ions on tubes is intensified by the presence of porous sediments on heat exchaning surfaces in quantities exceeding 150 g/m 2

  18. Steam generator tube performance. Experience with water-cooled nuclear power reactors during 1985

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Tatone, O.S.; Tapping, R.L.

    1988-12-01

    The performance of steam generator tubes at water-cooled reactors during 1985 has been reviewed. Seventy-three of 168 reactors in the survey experienced tube degradation sufficient for the tubes to be plugged. The number of tubes plugged was 6837 or 0.28% of those in service. The leading cause of tube failure was stress corrosion cracking from the primary side. Stress corrosion cracking or intergranular attack from the secondary side and pitting were also major causes of tube failure. Unlike most previous years, fretting was a substantial problem at some reactors. Overall, corrosion continued to account for more than 80% of the defects. 20 refs

  19. Kind of approximate theoretical calculating formula of heat-exchange area for the vertical U-bend tube natural-circuit steam generator

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Luo Mingkun; Wang Fei; Huang Wei; Zhang Wenqi; Zhao Shan; Lu Lianghong

    2001-01-01

    A kind of approximate theoretical calculating formula of the vertical U-bend tube natural-circuit steam generator is deduced by using an approximate method, the results of this formula is compared with the heat exchanging areas of the real vertical U-bend tube natural-circuit steam generators, the absolute errors of them are below 8%

  20. Define optimal conditions for steam generator tube integrity and an extended steam generator service life

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lu, Y.C.

    2007-01-01

    Steam generator (SG) tubing materials are susceptible to corrosion degradation in certain electrochemical corrosion potential regions in the presence of some aggressive ions. Because of the hideout of impurities, the local chemistry conditions in areas under sludge and inside SG crevices may be very aggressive with high concentrations of chlorides and other impurities. These areas are the locations where SG tubing materials are susceptible to degradation such as pitting, crevice corrosion, intergranular attack (IGA) and stress corrosion cracking (SCC). The corrosion susceptibility of each SG alloy is different and is a function of the electrochemical corrosion potential (ECP) and chemical environment. Electrochemical corrosion behaviors of major SG tube alloys were studied under some plausible aggressive crevice chemistry conditions. The possible hazardous conditions leading to SG tube degradation and the conditions, which can minimize SG tube degradation have been determined. Optimal operating conditions in the form of a 'Recommended ECP/pH zone' for minimizing corrosion degradation have been defined for all major SG tube materials, including Alloys 600, 800, 690 and 400, under CANDU SG operating and startup conditions. SCC tests and accelerated corrosion tests were carried out to verify and revise the recommended ECP/pH zones. This information is being incorporated into ChemAND, a system health monitor for plant chemistry management developed by AECL, which alloys utilities to evaluate the status of the SG alloys and to minimize SG material degradation by appropriate SG water chemistry management. (author)

  1. Investigation of a steam generator tube rupture sequence using VICTORIA

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Bixler, N.E.; Erickson, C.M.; Schaperow, J.H.

    1995-01-01

    VICTORIA-92 is a mechanistic computer code for analyzing fission product behavior within the reactor coolant system (RCS) during a severe reactor accident. It provides detailed predictions of the release of radionuclides and nonradioactive materials from the core and transport of these materials within the RCS. The modeling accounts for the chemical and aerosol processes that affect radionuclide behavior. Coupling of detailed chemistry and aerosol packages is a unique feature of VICTORIA; it allows exploration of phenomena involving deposition, revaporization, and re-entrainment that cannot be resolved with other codes. The purpose of this work is to determine the attenuation of fission products in the RCS and on the secondary side of the steam generator in an accident initiated by a steam generator tube rupture (SGTR). As a class, bypass sequences have been identified in NUREG-1150 as being risk dominant for the Surry and Sequoyah pressurized water reactor (PWR) plants

  2. A reappraisal of steam generator tube rupture in the French licensing process

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Conte, M.; Gouffon, A.; Moriette, P.

    1984-10-01

    Upon the examination of the safety options submitted by EDF (Electricite de France) for a new pressurized water reactor design (N4, 1400 MWe), the French safety authorities decided that the conventionnal list of events to take under consideration should be amended as follows: failure of 1 and 2 steam generator tubes. To meet these objectives, design improvements were decided and new operating criteria were required by the technical specifications. Various preventive measures have been adopted by EDF to reduce tube degradation risks at the design stage, at the secondary feedwater quality level, and concerning also the quality control. The radiological consequences of generator tube integrity failure can be mitigated if the primary coolant activity is low, the tube flow detection is rapid, the release time is short, and the operating procedure is suitable and easily implemented [fr

  3. Embalse steam generators - status in 2009

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Luna, P.; Yetisir, M.; Roy, S.; MacEacheron, R.

    2009-01-01

    The Embalse Nuclear Generating Station (ENGS) is a CANDU 6, a pressurized heavy water plant, with a net capacity of 648 MW. The primary heat transport system at Embalse includes four Steam Generators (SGs) manufactured by Babcock and Wilcox Canada (B and W). These steam generators are vertical recirculating heat exchangers with Incoloy 800 inverted U-tubes and an integral preheater. Embalse SGs performed very well until the late 1990s, when an increase in tube fretting was noticed in the U-bend region. In-service inspection in 2002 and 2004 confirmed that the cause of the tube fretting was flow accelerated corrosion (FAC) damage of scallop bar supports in the U-bend region. The straight leg tube support plates (TSPs) have also been degrading. Degradation was worst at the top support plates, and it was in the form of material loss on the cold leg. The hot leg TSPs were heavily fouled with deposits and flow areas were blocked. Visual inspections and subsequent studies showed that the cause of the TSP degradation was also FAC. The Embalse SGs have carbon steel supports that make them susceptible to FAC. To mitigate the effects of degraded tube support structures, three additional sets of anti-vibration bars were installed in the U-bend regions of all four steam generators in 2004. In 2007, an improved secondary-side chemistry specification was implemented to reduce the FAC rate and the hot leg TSPs was waterlanced. A root cause analysis and condition assessment was performed for the tube supports in 2007. Fitness for Service (FFS) evaluation was completed using the Canadian Industry Guidelines for steam generator tubes. The steam generators were returned to service and the plan has operated without another forced outage to date. The FAC degradation of the carbon steel U-bend tube support systems has had the most significant impact on the plant operation causing a number of forced outages. The discovery of the extent of TSP degradation and difficulties to repair TSPs

  4. Steam generator materials

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kim, Joung Soo; Han, J. H.; Kim, H. P.; Lim, Y. S.; Lee, D. H.; Suh, J. H.; Hwang, S. S.; Hur, D. H.; Kim, D. J.; Kim, Y. H.

    2002-05-01

    In order to keep the nuclear power plant(NPP)s safe and increase their operating efficiency, axial stress corrosion cracking(SCC)(IGA/IGSCC, PWSCC, PbSCC) test techniques were developed and SCC property data of the archive steam generator tubing materials having been used in nuclear power plants operating in Korea were produced. The data obtained in this study were data-based, which will be used to clarify the damage mechanisms, to operate the plants safely, and to increase the lifetime of the tubing. In addition, the basic technologies for the improvement of the SCC property of the tubing materials, for new SCC inhibition, for damaged tube repair, and for manufacturing processes of the tubing were developed. In the 1 phase of this long term research, basic SCC test data obtained from the archive steam generator tubing materials used in NPPs operating in Korea were established. These basic technologies developed in the 1 phase will be used in developing process optimization during the 2 phase in order to develop application technologies to the field nuclear power plants

  5. Development of weld plugging for steam generator tubes of FBR

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Shimoyama, T.; Matsuyama, T.; Matsumoto, O.; Nagura, Y.; Nakamura, H.; Tohguchi, Y.; Kurokawa, M.; Fukada, T.

    2002-01-01

    This study was undertaken to develop a method of weld plugging of the heat-exchanger tubes of steam generator of Prototype FBR 'MONJU' in case these tubes are damaged for some reason. We studied mainly the shape of plug, welding procedure and effect of postweld heat treatment (PWHT). Evaporator tube sheet, tube and plug are made of 2-1/4Cr-1Mo steel and usually preheating and PWHT will be required for welding of this steel. The results of this study is as follows. 1) Plug was designed to make butt joint welding with grooved tube sheet around the tube hole to satisfy the requirements of plug designing, stress analysis, and good weldability. 2) TIG welding process was selected and certified its good weldability and good performance. 3) PWHT can be done by using high frequency induction heating method locally and also designing the plug to weld joint with tube sheet which was grooved around the tube hole. 4) Mock up test was done and it was certified that this plugging procedure has good weldability and good performance ability for Non Destructive Inspection. (author)

  6. Apparatus for inspecting and repairing a pressurized-water reactor's steam generator heat exchanger tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Mueller, O.; Roettger, H.; Kasti, H.; Hagen, H.G.

    1976-01-01

    Described is an apparatus provided for use with a pressurized-water reactor' steam generator having a manifold chamber enclosing the bottom side of a horizontal tube sheet having holes therethrough in which are mounted the tubes of a heat exchanger tube bundle. The manifold chamber has a manhole giving access to the tube's bottom side to permit internal inspection or repair of the tubes by registration of an end of a flexible guide conduit with the tube sheet holes and through which a flexible carrier can be guided for insertion via these holes in the tube sheet and through the tubes extending from the tube sheet's other side

  7. Steady-state heat transfer in an inverted U-tube steam generator

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Boucher, T.J.

    1986-01-01

    Experimental results are presented involving U-tube steam generator tube bundle local heat transfer and fluid conditions during steady-state, full-power operations performed at high temperatures and pressures with conditions typical of a pressurized water reactor (15.0 MPa primary pressure, 600 K hot-leg fluid temperatures, 6.2 MPa secondary pressure). The MOD-2C facility represents the state-of-the-art in measurement of tube local heat transfer data and average tube bundle secondary fluid density at several elevations, which allows an estimate of the axial heat transfer and void distributions during steady-state and transient operations. The method of heat transfer data reduction is presented and the heat flux, secondary convective heat transfer coefficient, and void fraction distributions are quantified for steady-state, full-power operations

  8. Steam generators, turbines, and condensers. Volume six

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Anon.

    1986-01-01

    Volume six covers steam generators (How steam is generated, steam generation in a PWR, vertical U-tube steam generators, once-through steam generators, how much steam do steam generators make?), turbines (basic turbine principles, impulse turbines, reaction turbines, turbine stages, turbine arrangements, turbine steam flow, steam admission to turbines, turbine seals and supports, turbine oil system, generators), and condensers (need for condensers, basic condenser principles, condenser arrangements, heat transfer in condensers, air removal from condensers, circulating water system, heat loss to the circulating water system, factors affecting condenser performance, condenser auxiliaries)

  9. Current state and development trends of inspections of steam generator tubes by eddy currents method

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kubis, S.; Herman, M.

    1988-01-01

    The requirements are presented for steam generator tube testing and the factors are discussed affecting the accuracy of measurement by the eddy currents method. The individual types of the eddy currents method are described, such as the single-frequency method, the multi-frequency method and the pulse eddy currents method. The demands are summed up on manipulator systems whose design is adapted to the steam generator configuration conditions. (E.S.). 5 figs., 16 possu

  10. Modular steam generator for use in nuclear power plants

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Cella, A.

    1979-01-01

    An improved steam generator for a PWR is described. A turbine generator is driven by the steam output of the steam generator to provide electrical power. The improvement provides vertically assemblable modules which are removably mounted together in sealing relationship. The modules comprising a base module, a tube bundle module removably mountable on the base module in sealing relationship, and an uppermost dryer module removably mountable on the tube bundle module in sealing relationship. Ready access to and removal of the tube bundle module in situ from the nuclear power plant steam generator is facilitated. The dryer module contains moisture separator for drying the generated steam. The base module, upon which the associated weight of the vertically assembled dryer module and tube bundle module are supported, contains the inlet and outlet for the heat exchange fluid. The tube bundle module contains the tube bundle through which the heat exchange fluid flows as well as an inlet for feedwater. The tube sheet serves as a closure flange for the tube bundle module, with the associated weight of the vertically assembled dryer module and tube bundle module on the tube sheet closure flange effectuating the sealing relationship between the base module and the tube bundle module for facilitating closure

  11. Internal oxidation as a mechanism for steam generator tube degradation

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Gendron, T.S. [Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, Chalk River, Ontario (Canada); Scott, P.M. [Framatome, Paris (France); Bruemmer, S.M. [Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA (United States); Thomas, L.E. [Washington State Univ., School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Pullman, WA (United States)

    1999-12-01

    Internal oxidation has been proposed as a plausible mechanism for intergranular stress-corrosion cracking (IGSCC) of alloy 600 steam generator tubing. This theory can reconcile the main thermodynamic and kinetic characteristics of the observed cracking in hydrogenated primary water. Although secondary-side IG attack or IGSCC is commonly attributed to the presence of strong, caustic or acidic solutions, more recent evidence suggests that this degradation takes place in a near neutral environment, possibly dry polluted steam. As a result, internal oxidation is also a feasible mechanism for secondary side degradation. The present paper reviews experimental work conducted in an attempt to determine the validity of this mechanism. The consequences for the expected behaviour of alloys 690 and 800 replacement materials are also described. (author)

  12. Internal oxidation as a mechanism for steam generator tube degradation

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Gendron, T.S. [Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, Chalk River, Ontario (Canada); Scott, P.M. [Framatome, Paris (France); Bruemmer, S.M. [Pacific Northwest National Lab., Richland, Washington (United States); Thomas, L.E. [Washington State Univ., School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Pullman, WA (United States)

    1998-07-01

    Internal oxidation has been proposed as a plausible mechanism for intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) of alloy 600 steam generator tubing. This theory can reconcile the main thermodynamic and kinetic characteristics of the observed cracking in hydrogenated primary water. Although secondary side IG attack or IGSCC is commonly attributed to the presence of strong caustic or acidic solutions, more recent evidence suggests that this degradation takes place in a near-neutral environment, possibly dry polluted steam. As a result, internal oxidation is also a feasible mechanism for secondary side degradation. The present paper reviews experimental work carried out in an attempt to determine the validity of this mechanism. The consequences for the expected behaviour of alloys 690 and 800 replacement materials are also described. (author)

  13. Internal oxidation as a mechanism for steam generator tube degradation

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Gendron, T.S.; Scott, P.M.; Bruemmer, S.M.; Thomas, L.E.

    1998-01-01

    Internal oxidation has been proposed as a plausible mechanism for intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) of alloy 600 steam generator tubing. This theory can reconcile the main thermodynamic and kinetic characteristics of the observed cracking in hydrogenated primary water. Although secondary side IG attack or IGSCC is commonly attributed to the presence of strong caustic or acidic solutions, more recent evidence suggests that this degradation takes place in a near-neutral environment, possibly dry polluted steam. As a result, internal oxidation is also a feasible mechanism for secondary side degradation. The present paper reviews experimental work carried out in an attempt to determine the validity of this mechanism. The consequences for the expected behaviour of alloys 690 and 800 replacement materials are also described. (author)

  14. Influence of liquid holdup in steam generator U-tubes on small break LOCA severity

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Leonard, M.T.; Perryman, J.L.; Johnson, G.W.

    1983-01-01

    The severity of small cold leg break loss-of-coolant accidents has been shown to be influenced by liquid holdup in steam generator U-tubes during pump suction loop seal formation in two experiments performed in the Semiscale Mod-2A facility. The core coolant level can be depressed lower than previously thought possible due to a positive hydrostatic head across the steam generators caused by delayed drainage of liquid from the upflow side of the U-tubes. The significance of a lower core coolant level depression is the potential for a more severe temperature excursion occurring during the coolant boiloff phase subsequent to loop seal clearing and prior to accumulator injection. Presented in this paper are the experimental data analysis and supporting computer code calculations that led to these conclusions

  15. Direct solar steam generation inside evacuated tube absorber

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Khaled M. Bataineh

    2016-12-01

    Full Text Available Direct steam generation by solar radiation falling on absorber tube is studied in this paper. A system of single pipe covered by glass material in which the subcooled undergoes heating and evaporation process is analyzed. Mathematical equations are derived based on energy, momentum and mass balances for system components. A Matlab code is built to simulate the flow of water inside the absorber tube and determine properties of water along the pipe. Widely accepted empirical correlations and mathematical models of turbulent flow, pressure drop for single and multiphase flow, and heat transfer are used in the simulation. The influences of major parameters on the system performance are investigated. The pressure profiles obtained by present numerical solution for each operation condition (3 and 10 MPa matches very well experimental data from the DISS system of Plataforma Solar de Almería. Furthermore, results obtained by simulation model for pressure profiles are closer to the experimental data than those predicted by already existed other numerical model.

  16. Lifetime forecasting of a WWER NPP steam generator tube bundle from stress corrosion conditions

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Sereda, E.V.; Gorbatykh, V.P.

    1984-01-01

    An approach is outlined to the description of corrosion cracking of austenitic stainless steels in hot chloride solutions to predict the failure of WWER NPP steam generator heat exchange tubes. The dependence of the corrosion cracking development rate on the chloride concentration and characteristic electrochemical potentials is suggsted. The approach permits also to determine the quantity of damaged tubes versus the operation parameters

  17. Fatigue analysis of a PWR steam generator tube sheet

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Billon, F.; Buchalet, C.; Poudroux, G.

    1985-01-01

    The fatigue analysis of a PWR steam generator (S.G) tube sheet is threefold. First, the flow, pressure and temperature variations during the design transients are defined for both the primary fluid and the normal and auxiliary feedwater. Second, the flow, velocities, pressure and temperature variations of the secondary fluid at the bottom of the downcomer and above the tube sheet are determined for the transients considered. Finally, the corresponding temperatures and stresses in the tube sheet are calculated and the usage factors determined at various locations in the tube sheet. The currently available standard design transients for the primary fluid and the feedwater are too conservative to be utilized as such in the fatigue analysis of the S.G. tube sheets. Thus, a detailed examination and reappraisal of each operating transient was performed. The revised design conditions are used as inputs to the calculation model TEMPTRON. TEMPTRON determines the mixing conditions between the feedwater and the recirculation fluid from the S.G. feedwater nozzles to the center of the tube sheet via the downcomer. The fluid parameters, flow rate and velocity, temperature and pressure variations, as a function of the time during the transients are obtained. Finally, the usage factors at various locations on the tube sheet are derived using the standard ASME section III method

  18. Testing installation for a steam generator

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Dubourg, M.

    1985-01-01

    The invention proposes a testing installation for a steam generator associated to a boiler, comprising a testing exchanger connected to a feeding circuit in secondary fluid and to a circuit to release the steam produced, and comprising a heating-tube bundle connected to a closed circuit of circulation of a primary coolant at the same temperature and at the pressure than the primary fluid. The heating-tube bundle of the testing exchanger has the same height than the primary bundle of the steam generator and the testing exchanger is at the same level and near the steam generator and is fed by the same secondary fluid such as it is subject to the same operation phases during a long period. The in - vention applies, more particularly, to the steam generators of pressurized water nuclear power plants [fr

  19. Chemical control and design considerations for CANDU-PHW steam generators

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Frost, C.R.; Churchill, B.R.

    1978-01-01

    Ontario Hydro presently operates eight nuclear power units with a total capacitiy of about 4000 MW(e) net. Operating experience has been with Monel-400 and with Inconel-600 tubed steam generators using sodium phosphate or all volatile control of the boiler steam and water system. With a heavy water Heat Transport System, steam generator tube integrity is an essential ingredient of economical power production. Only three steam generator tube failures have occurred so far in about 40 unit-years operation. None was attributable to corrosion. Factors in the good reliability are, careful engineering design, good quality control at all stages of tubing and steam generator manufacture and close chemical control. The continuing evolution of our steam generator design means that future requirements will be more stringent. (author)

  20. Steam generator life management

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Tapping, R.L.; Nickerson, J.; Spekkens, P.; Maruska, C.

    1998-01-01

    Steam generators are a critical component of a nuclear power reactor, and can contribute significantly to station unavailability, as has been amply demonstrated in Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs). CANDU steam generators are not immune to steam generator degradation, and the variety of CANDU steam generator designs and tube materials has led to some unexpected challenges. However, aggressive remedial actions, and careful proactive maintenance activities, have led to a decrease in steam generator-related station unavailability of Canadian CANDUs. AECL and the CANDU utilities have defined programs that will enable existing or new steam generators to operate effectively for 40 years. Research and development work covers corrosion and mechanical degradation of tube bundles and internals, chemistry, thermal hydraulics, fouling, inspection and cleaning, as well as provision for specially tool development for specific problem solving. A major driving force is development of CANDU-specific fitness-for-service guidelines, including appropriate inspection and monitoring technology to measure steam generator condition. Longer-range work focuses on development of intelligent on-line monitoring for the feedwater system and steam generator. New designs have reduced risk of corrosion and fouling, are more easily inspected and cleaned, and are less susceptible to mechanical damage. The Canadian CANDU utilities have developed programs for remedial actions to combat degradation of performance (Gentilly-2, Point Lepreau, Bruce A/B, Pickering A/B), and have developed strategic plans to ensure that good future operation is ensured. This report shows how recent advances in cleaning technology are integrated into a life management strategy, discusses downcomer flow measurement as a means of monitoring steam generator condition, and describes recent advances in hideout return as a life management tool. The research and development program, as well as operating experience, has identified

  1. Damage mechanisms and estimation of the frequency of leaks of steam generator tubes in German PWRs

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Reck, H.

    1992-01-01

    Operating experience of steam generator tubes in German PWRs has shown that so far there have only relatively few cases of damage been registered. The only steam generators with a high failure rate were exchanged in 1983. The material of the affected tubes was Inconel 600. The types of failure that occurred in the late 70's and early 80's were mainly wastage corrosion, which was thought to be the result of phosphate operating. After optimising the water chemistry and changing to ''high AVT'' operating, the failure rate decreased considerably. In total, about 973 of the 193335 tubes that were in operation were plugged because of wall-thinning or leaks. There have been 6 leaks, with the highest leakage volume being 40 liters per hour. 7 refs., 6 figs., 6 tabs

  2. Stress corrosion cracking of the tubing materials for nuclear steam generators in an environment containing lead

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kim, Kyung Mo; Kim, Uh Chul; Lee, Eun Hee; Hwang, Seong Sik

    2004-01-01

    Steam generator tube materials show a high susceptibility to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in an environment containing lead species and some nuclear power plants currently have degradation problems associated with lead-induced stress corrosion cracking in a caustic solution. Effects of an applied potential on SCC is tested for middle-annealed Alloy 600 specimens since their corrosion potential can be changed when lead oxide coexists with other oxidizing species like copper oxide in the sludge. In addition, all the steam generator tubing materials used for nuclear power plants being operated and currently under construction in Korea are tested in a caustic solution with lead oxide. (author)

  3. Structural integrity assessments of steam generator tubes using the FAD methodology

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Bergant, Marcos A., E-mail: marcos.bergant@cab.cnea.gov.ar [Gerencia CAREM, Centro Atómico Bariloche (CNEA), Av. Bustillo 9500, San Carlos de Bariloche 8400 (Argentina); Yawny, Alejandro A., E-mail: yawny@cab.cnea.gov.ar [División Física de Metales, Centro Atómico Bariloche (CNEA)/CONICET, Av. Bustillo 9500, San Carlos de Bariloche 8400 (Argentina); Perez Ipiña, Juan E., E-mail: juan.perezipina@fain.uncoma.edu.ar [Grupo Mecánica de Fractura, Universidad Nacional del Comahue/CONICET, Buenos Aires 1400, Neuquén 8300 (Argentina)

    2015-12-15

    Highlights: • The Failure Assessment Diagram (FAD) is used to assess cracked steam generator tubes. • Typical loading conditions and reported tensile and fracture properties are used. • The FAD is capable to predict the failure mode for different cracks and loads. • The FAD can be used to reduce the conservatism of the current plugging criteria. • Appropriate tensile and fracture properties at operating conditions are required. - Abstract: Steam generator tubes (SGTs) represents up to 60% of the total primary pressure retaining boundary area of a nuclear power plant. They have been found susceptible to diverse degradation mechanisms during service. Due to the significance of a SGT failure on the plant safe operation, nuclear regulatory authorities have established tube plugging or repairing criteria which are based on the defect depth. The widespreadly used “40% criterion” proposed in the 70s is an example whose use is still recommended in the last editions of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. In the present work, an alternative, more realistic and less conservative methodology for SGT integrity evaluation is proposed. It is based on the Failure Assessment Diagram (FAD) and takes advantage of the recent developments in non-destructive techniques which allow a more comprehensive characterization of tube defects, i.e., depth, length, orientation and type. The proposed approach has been applied to: the study of the influence of primary and secondary stresses on tube integrity; the prediction of failure mode (i.e., ductile fracture or plastic collapse) of defective SGTs for varied crack geometries and loading conditions; the analysis of the sensibility of tensile and fracture properties with temperature. The potentiality of the FAD as a comprehensive methodology for predicting the failure loads and failure modes of flawed SGTs is highlighted.

  4. Structural integrity assessments of steam generator tubes using the FAD methodology

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Bergant, Marcos A.; Yawny, Alejandro A.; Perez Ipiña, Juan E.

    2015-01-01

    Highlights: • The Failure Assessment Diagram (FAD) is used to assess cracked steam generator tubes. • Typical loading conditions and reported tensile and fracture properties are used. • The FAD is capable to predict the failure mode for different cracks and loads. • The FAD can be used to reduce the conservatism of the current plugging criteria. • Appropriate tensile and fracture properties at operating conditions are required. - Abstract: Steam generator tubes (SGTs) represents up to 60% of the total primary pressure retaining boundary area of a nuclear power plant. They have been found susceptible to diverse degradation mechanisms during service. Due to the significance of a SGT failure on the plant safe operation, nuclear regulatory authorities have established tube plugging or repairing criteria which are based on the defect depth. The widespreadly used “40% criterion” proposed in the 70s is an example whose use is still recommended in the last editions of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. In the present work, an alternative, more realistic and less conservative methodology for SGT integrity evaluation is proposed. It is based on the Failure Assessment Diagram (FAD) and takes advantage of the recent developments in non-destructive techniques which allow a more comprehensive characterization of tube defects, i.e., depth, length, orientation and type. The proposed approach has been applied to: the study of the influence of primary and secondary stresses on tube integrity; the prediction of failure mode (i.e., ductile fracture or plastic collapse) of defective SGTs for varied crack geometries and loading conditions; the analysis of the sensibility of tensile and fracture properties with temperature. The potentiality of the FAD as a comprehensive methodology for predicting the failure loads and failure modes of flawed SGTs is highlighted.

  5. Experience of steam generator tube examination in the hot laboratory of EDF: analysis of recent events concerning the secondary side

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Thebault, Y.; Bouvier, O. de; Boccanfuso, M.; Coquio, N.; Barbe, V.; Molinie, E.

    2011-01-01

    Until 2010, more than 60 steam generator (SG) tubes have been removed and analysed in the EDF hot laboratory of CEIDRE/Chinon. This article is particularly related to three recent events that lead to the extraction of several tubes dedicated to laboratory destructive examinations. The first event that constitutes a first occurrence on the EDF Park, concerns the detection of a circumferential crack on the external surface of a tube located at tube support plate elevation. After this observation, several tubes have been extracted from Bugey 3 and Fessenheim 2 nuclear power plants with steam generators equipped with 600 MA bundle. The other two events concern the consequences of chemical cleaning of the tube bundle steam generators. The examples chosen are from Cruas 4 et Chinon B2 units whose tubes were extracted following non destructive testing performed immediately after or at the completion of cycle following the chemical cleaning. In the case of Cruas 4, Eddy Current Testing (ET) were performed for requalification of steam Generators after chemical cleaning. They allowed the detection of an indication located at the bottom of tube for a large number of tubes; the ET signal was similar to that corresponding to 'deposit' corrosion. Moreover, inspections of Chinon-B2 SGs at the end of the operation cycle following the chemical cleaning, showed the presence of conductor deposits at the bottom of some tubes. The first part of this document presents the major results of laboratory examinations of the pulled tubes of Bugey 3 and Fessenheim 2 and their analysis. Hypothesis concerning damage mechanisms of the tubes are also proposed. The second part of the paper relates the results of the laboratory examinations of the pulled tubes of Cruas 4 and Chinon B 2 after chemical cleaning and their analysis. (authors)

  6. How to operate safely steam generators with multiple tube through-wall defects

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hernalsteen, P.

    1993-01-01

    For a Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) of the Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) type, the Steam Generator (SG) tube bundle represents the major but also the thinnest part of the primary pressure boundary. To the extent that no tube material has yet been identified to be immune to corrosion, defects may initiate in service and easily propagate through wall. While not a desirable feature, a Through Wall Deep (TWD) defect does not necessarily pose a threat to either the structural integrity or leaktightness and this paper shows how SG can (and indeed, do) operate safely and reliably while having many tubes affected by deep and even TWD defects

  7. An automated eddy current in-service inspection system for nuclear steam generator tubing

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Wells, N.S.

    1981-06-01

    A prototype steam generator in-service inspection system incorporating remotely-controlled instrumentation linked by a digital transmission line to an instrument and control trailer outside the reactor containment has been designed and manufactured and is presently undergoing field tests. The (Monel 400) steam generator tubes are scanned two at a time using absolute eddy current probes controlled by two remotely-operated probe drives at a scanning speed of 0.5 m/s. The probes are positioned on the tubesheet by a light-weight (1.5 kg) microprocessor-operated tubesheet walker mechanism. Digitized control and data signals are transmitted up to 300 m to the control trailer. There the control and analysis computers extract the relevant signal information and present it in condensed form as labelled graphics on CRT consoles for on-line visual assessment. Hard copy output is also provided for each tube scanned (one per minute). Condensed data is archived on magnetic tapes for additional off-line analysis and comparisons with other inspections

  8. Evaluation of sludge pile formation in a U-tube steam generator using a scale model

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Padmanabhan, M.; LeClair, M.L.; Chandra, S.; Grondahl, E.E.

    1989-01-01

    An experimental study was conducted to investigate sludge deposition in steam generators using a semicircular model to a geometric scale of 1:3 simulating the bottom region of a U-Tube steam generator. The vertical and horizontal velocity distributions and turbulence intensities at different elevations in the bottom region were measured using a Laser Doppler Anemometry (LDA) system. The sludge deposition tests were conducted using a sludge material selected after several trial tests with different materials. The deposition patterns showed good agreement with prototype sludge patterns, available from field data. A good correlation of the sludge deposition patterns with the measured flow patterns was established. Deposition of sludge was found to be initiated within the wakes behind the tubes. (orig./DG)

  9. Laboratory results of stress corrosion cracking of steam generator tubes in a complex environment - An update

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Horner, Olivier; Pavageau, Ellen-Mary; Vaillant, Francois [EDF R and D, Materials and Mechanics of Components Department, 77818 Moret-sur-Loing (France); Bouvier, Odile de [EDF Nuclear Engineering Division, Centre d' Expertise et d' Inspection dans les Domaines de la Realisation et de l' Exploitation, 93206 Saint Denis (France)

    2004-07-01

    Stress corrosion cracking occurs in the flow-restricted areas on the secondary side of steam generator tubes of Pressured Water Reactors (PWR), where water pollutants are likely to concentrate. Chemical analyses carried out during the shutdowns gave some insight into the chemical composition of these areas, which has evolved during these last years (i.e. less sodium as pollutants). It has been modeled in laboratory by tests in two different typical environments: the sodium hydroxide and the sulfate environments. These models satisfactorily describe the secondary side corrosion of steam generator tubes for old plant units. Furthermore, a third typical environment - the complex environment - which corresponds to an All Volatile Treatment (AVT) environment containing alumina, silica, phosphate and acetic acid has been recently studied. This particular environment satisfactorily reproduces the composition of the deposits observed on the surface of the steam generator tubes as well as the degradation of the tubes. A review of the recent laboratory results obtained by considering the complex environment are presented here. Several tests have been carried out in order to study initiation and propagation of secondary side corrosion cracking for some selected materials in such an environment. 600 Thermally Treated (TT) alloy reveals to be less sensitive to secondary side corrosion cracking than 600 Mill Annealed (MA) alloy. Finally, the influence of some related factors like stress, temperature and environmental factors are discussed. (authors)

  10. Laboratory results of stress corrosion cracking of steam generator tubes in a complex environment - An update

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Horner, Olivier; Pavageau, Ellen-Mary; Vaillant, Francois; Bouvier, Odile de

    2004-01-01

    Stress corrosion cracking occurs in the flow-restricted areas on the secondary side of steam generator tubes of Pressured Water Reactors (PWR), where water pollutants are likely to concentrate. Chemical analyses carried out during the shutdowns gave some insight into the chemical composition of these areas, which has evolved during these last years (i.e. less sodium as pollutants). It has been modeled in laboratory by tests in two different typical environments: the sodium hydroxide and the sulfate environments. These models satisfactorily describe the secondary side corrosion of steam generator tubes for old plant units. Furthermore, a third typical environment - the complex environment - which corresponds to an All Volatile Treatment (AVT) environment containing alumina, silica, phosphate and acetic acid has been recently studied. This particular environment satisfactorily reproduces the composition of the deposits observed on the surface of the steam generator tubes as well as the degradation of the tubes. A review of the recent laboratory results obtained by considering the complex environment are presented here. Several tests have been carried out in order to study initiation and propagation of secondary side corrosion cracking for some selected materials in such an environment. 600 Thermally Treated (TT) alloy reveals to be less sensitive to secondary side corrosion cracking than 600 Mill Annealed (MA) alloy. Finally, the influence of some related factors like stress, temperature and environmental factors are discussed. (authors)

  11. Predicting steam generator crevice chemistry

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Burton, G.; Strati, G.

    2006-01-01

    'Full text:' Corrosion of steam cycle components produces insoluble material, mostly iron oxides, that are transported to the steam generator (SG) via the feedwater and deposited on internal surfaces such as the tubes, tube support plates and the tubesheet. The build up of these corrosion products over time can lead to regions of restricted flow with water chemistry that may be significantly different, and potentially more corrosive to SG tube material, than the bulk steam generator water chemistry. The aim of the present work is to predict SG crevice chemistry using experimentation and modelling as part of AECL's overall strategy for steam generator life management. Hideout-return experiments are performed under CANDU steam generator conditions to assess the accumulation of impurities in hideout, and return from, model crevices. The results are used to validate the ChemSolv model that predicts steam generator crevice impurity concentrations, and high temperature pH, based on process parameters (e.g., heat flux, primary side temperature) and blowdown water chemistry. The model has been incorporated into ChemAND, AECL's system health monitoring software for chemistry monitoring, analysis and diagnostics that has been installed at two domestic and one international CANDU station. ChemAND provides the station chemists with the only method to predict SG crevice chemistry. In one recent application, the software has been used to evaluate the crevice chemistry based on the elevated, but balanced, SG bulk water impurity concentrations present during reactor startup, in order to reduce hold times. The present paper will describe recent hideout-return experiments that are used for the validation of the ChemSolv model, station experience using the software, and improvements to predict the crevice electrochemical potential that will permit station staff to ensure that the SG tubes are in the 'safe operating zone' predicted by Lu (AECL). (author)

  12. Steam-generator tube performance: world experience with water-cooled nuclear power reactors during 1978

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Tatone, O.S.; Pathania, R.S.

    1980-01-01

    The performance of steam-generator tubes in water-cooled nuclear power reactors during 1978 is reviewed. Tube failures occurred at 31 of the 86 reactors surveyed. The causes of these failures and the procedures designed to deal with them are described. The number of tubes plugged has decreased dramatically in 1978 compared to the previous year. This is attributed to the diligent application of techniques developed through in-plant experience and research and development programs over the past several years

  13. Experimental prediction of tube support interaction characteristics in steam generators: Volume 2, Westinghouse Model 51 flow entrance region: Topical report

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Haslinger, K.H.

    1988-06-01

    Tube-to-tube support interaction characterisitics were determined experimentally on a single tube, multi-span geometry, representative of the Westinghouse Model 51 steam generator economizer design. Results, in part, became input for an autoclave type wear test program on steam generator tubes, performed by Kraftwerk Union (KWU). More importantly, the test data reported here have been used to validate two analytical wear prediction codes; the WECAN code, which was developed by Westinghouse, and the ABAQUS code which has been enhanced for EPRI by Foster Wheeler to enable simulation of gap conditions (including fluid film effects) for various support geometries

  14. Nickel electroplating of steam generator tubes (kiss sleeving process)

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Michaut, B.

    1988-01-01

    This process, the nickel electroplating of steam generator tubes, has been jointly developed under a Belgatom (Laborelec) and Framatome agreement with shared experience gained by both companies, industrial applications being under the responsibility of Framatome. Application of the coating in zones where residual stresses or cracks are present prevents contact between the primary water and the tube, which stops the stress corrosion process. In the Doel 2 plant, 91 tubes have been plated since 1985, and different sets of parameters have been used for comparison purposes. Among these tubes, 9 have been preventively plugged because of defective plating, 9 have been pulled out for laboratory examinations, 2 just after plating and 7 after 1 or 2 yr of service. There are 73 plated tubes still in service. From the tests that were performed, it was possible to select an optimized set of parameters guaranteeing the following properties: bridging of existing cracks and good behavior of the coating in relevant zones, good adhesion to the Inconel tube, high ductility, low residual stresses, thermal shock resistance, corrosion resistance, erosion resistance, and low cobalt content. The licensability of this process is being completed. It is based first on the leak-before-break concept to determine the characteristics of the nickel plating, thickness in particular, and second on the inspectability of ultrasonic testing methods

  15. CANDU steam generator life management

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Tapping, R.L.; Nickerson, J.; Spekkens, P.; Maruska, C.

    1998-01-01

    Steam generators are a critical component of a nuclear power reactor, and can contribute significantly to station unavailability, as has been amply demonstrated in Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs). CANDU steam generators are not immune to steam generator degradation, and the variety of CANDU steam generator designs and tube materials has led to some unexpected challenges. However, aggressive remedial actions, and careful proactive maintenance activities, have led to a decrease in steam generator-related station unavailability of Canadian CANDUs. AECL and the CANDU utilities have defined programs that will enable existing or new steam generators to operate effectively for 40 years. Research and development work covers corrosion and mechanical degradation of tube bundles and internals, chemistry, thermalhydraulics, fouling, inspection and cleaning, as well as provision for specially tool development for specific problem solving. A major driving force is development of CANDU-specific fitness-for-service guidelines, including appropriate inspection and monitoring technology to measure steam generator condition. Longer-range work focuses on development of intelligent on-line monitoring for the feedwater system and steam generator. New designs have reduced risk of corrosion and fouling, are more easily inspected and cleaned, and are less susceptible to mechanical damage. The Canadian CANDU utilities have developed programs for remedial actions to combat degradation of performance (Gentilly-2, Point Lepreau, Bruce A/B, Pickering A/B), and have developed strategic plans to ensure that good future operation is ensured. The research and development program, as well as operating experience, has identified where improvements in operating practices and/or designs can be made in order to ensure steam generator design life at an acceptable capacity factory. (author)

  16. Corrosion problems in PWR steam generators

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Weber, J.; Suery, P.

    1976-01-01

    Examinations on pulled steam generator tubes from the Swiss nuclear power plants Beznau I and II, together with some laboratory tests, may be summarized as follows: Corrosion problems in vertical U-tube steam generators with Alloy 600 as tube material are localized towards relatively narrow regions above the tube sheet where thermohydraulic conditions and, as a consequence thereof, chemical conditions are uncontrolled. Within these zones Alloy 600 is not sufficienthy resistent to caustic or phosphate attack (caustic stress corrosion cracking and general corrosion, resp.). The mechanisms of several corrosion phenomena are not fully understood. (orig.) [de

  17. French steam generator design developments

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ginier, R.; Campan, J.L.; Pontier, M.; Leridon, A.; Remond, A.; Castello, G.; Holcblat, A.; Paurobally, H.

    1986-01-01

    From the outset of the French nuclear power program, a significant R and D effort has been invested in improvement of the design and operation of Pressurized Water Reactors including a special committment to improving steam generators. The steam generator enhancement program has spawned a wide variety of specific R and D resources, e.g., low temperature hydraulic models for investigation of areas with single-phase flow, and freon-filled models for simulation of areas of steam generators experiencing two-phase flow (tube bundles and moisture separators). For the moisture separators, a large scale research program using freon-filled models and highly sophisticated instrumentation was used. Tests at reactor sites during startup of both 900 MWe and 1300 MWe have been used to validate the assumptions made on the basis of loop tests. These tests also demonstrated the validity of using freon to simulate two-phase flow conditions. The wealth of knowledge accumulated by the steam generator R and D program has been used to develop a new design of steam generators for the N4 plants. The current R and D effort is aimed at qualifying the N4 steam generator model and developing more comprehensive models. One prong of the R and D effort is the Megeve program. Megeve is a 25 MW steam generator which simulates operating conditions of the N4 model. The other prong is Clotaire, a freon-filled steam generator model which will be used to qualify thermal/hydraulic design codes used for multidimensional calculations for design of tube bundles

  18. Ultrasonic inspection experience of steam generator tubes at Ontario Hydro and the TRUSTIE inspection system

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Choi, E.I.; Jansen, D.

    1998-01-01

    Ontario Hydro have been using ultrasonic test (UT) technique to inspect steam generator (SG) tubes since 1993. The UT technique has higher sensitivity in detecting flaws in SG tubes and can characterize the flaws with higher accuracy. Although an outside contractor was used initially, Ontario Hydro has been using a self-developed system since 1995. The TRUSTIE system (Tiny Rotating UltraSonic Tube Inspection Equipment) was developed by Ontario Hydro Technologies specifically for 12.7 mm outside diameter (OD) tubes, and later expanded to larger tubes. To date TRUSTIE has been used in all of Ontario Hydro's nuclear generating stations inspecting for flaws such as pitting, denting, and cracks at top-of-tubesheet to the U-bend region. (author)

  19. Eddy Current Signature Classification of Steam Generator Tube Defects Using A Learning Vector Quantization Neural Network

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Garcia, Gabe V.

    2005-01-01

    A major cause of failure in nuclear steam generators is degradation of their tubes. Although seven primary defect categories exist, one of the principal causes of tube failure is intergranular attack/stress corrosion cracking (IGA/SCC). This type of defect usually begins on the secondary side surface of the tubes and propagates both inwards and laterally. In many cases this defect is found at or near the tube support plates

  20. Overview of magnetic bias X-probe qualification and inspection of PNGS Monel 400 steam generator tubing

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lepine, B.A.; Van Langen, J.; Obrutsky, L.

    2006-01-01

    This paper presents an overview of the X-probe MB 350, the qualification for detection of open OD axial crack-like flaws, and a selection of inspection results from the subsequent field inspections performed with this probe during the 2003 and 2004 period at Pickering Nuclear Generating Station A and B. Examples of the field indications to be presented are axial cracking, OD pitting at top of tubesheet location (TTS), and flow assisted corrosion (top hats). During the 2003 in-service eddy current inspection results of Pickering Nuclear Generating Station A (PNGS-A) Unit 2, a 13 mm (0.5 inch) long axial indication was detected by the CTR1 bobbin and CTR2-C4 array probes in Tube R25-C52 of Steam Generator (SG) 11 in the hot leg sludge pile region. An experimental magnetic bias X-probe, especially designed by Zetec for inspection of Monel 400 tubing, was deployed and the indication was characterized as a potential outer diameter (OD) axially oriented crack. Posterior tube pulling and destructive examination confirmed the presence of an Environmentally Assisted Crack (EAC), approximately 80% deep and 13 mm long. Due to the significance of this discovery, Ontario Power Generation (OPG) requested AECL to initiate a program for qualification of the X-Probe MB 350 for the detection of OD axial cracks in medium to high magnetic permeability (μ r ) Monel 400 PNGS-A and B steam generator tubing at different locations. The X-probe MB 350 subsequently has been deployed as a primary inspection probe for crack detection for PNGS steam generators. (author)

  1. IAEA activities on steam generator life management

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Gueorguiev, B.; Lyssakov, V.; Trampus, P.

    2002-01-01

    The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) carries out a set of activities in the field of Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) life management. Main activities within this area are implemented through the Technical Working Group on Life Management of NPPs, and mostly concentrated on studies of understanding mechanisms of degradation and their monitoring, optimisation of maintenance management, economic aspects, proven practices of and approaches to plant life management including decommissioning. The paper covers two ongoing activities related to steam generator life management: the International Database on NPP Steam Generators and the Co-ordinated Research Project on Verification of WWER Steam Generator Tube Integrity (WWER is the Russian designed PWR). The lifetime assessment of main components relies on an ability to assess their condition and predict future degradation trends, which to a large extent is dependent on the availability of relevant data. Effective management of ageing and degradation processes requires a large amount of data. Several years ago the IAEA started to work on the International Database on NPP Life Management. This is a multi-module database consisting of modules such as reactor pressure vessels materials, piping, steam generators, and concrete structures. At present the work on pressure vessel materials, on piping as well as on steam generator is completed. The paper will present the concept and structure of the steam generator module of the database. In countries operating WWER NPPs, there are big differences in the eddy current inspection strategy and practice as well as in the approach to steam generator heat exchanger tube structural integrity assessment. Responding to the need for a co-ordinated research to compare eddy current testing results with destructive testing using pulled out tubes from WWER steam generators, the IAEA launched this project. The main objectives of the project are to summarise the operating experiences of WWER

  2. The PISC programme on defective steam generator tubes inspection summary report

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Birac, C.; Comby, R.; Maciga, G.; Zanella, G.; Perez Prat, J.; Estorff, U. von

    1995-01-01

    The PISC III Actions are intended to extend the results and methodologies of the previous PISC exercises, i.e. the validation of the capabilities of the various examination techniques when used on real defects in real components under realistic conditions of inspection. The objective of this action is relatively close to that of the heavy structures programmes: the experimental evaluation of the performance of test procedures used for steam generator tubes in nuclear power plants during in-service or pre-service inspections. The exercise is a capability exercise consisting of Round Robin Tests on individual tubes including calibration, training and blind test tubes. In this paper the main conclusions from the RRT conducted in the framework of Action 5 will be presented and discussed. (author). 7 refs, 4 figs, 2 tabs

  3. French steam generator tubes: an overview of degradations

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Buisine, D.; Bouvier, O. de; Rupa, N.; Thebault, Y.; Barbe, V.; Pitner, P.

    2011-01-01

    The various damages (corrosion, fatigue cracks, wear, ...) observed on steam generator (SG) tubes are presented here as well as the techniques used to characterize these damages. The SG are equipped with tubes of 3 materials: 600 MA, 600 TT and 690 TT. Concerning PWSCC of 600 MA and 600 TT tubes, beyond the damages usually observed (corrosion in expansion transition zone and in 600 MA tubes small radius U-bend zone), a new event is to be noted: the phenomenon of denting (presumably induced by the deposit of sludge on the tubesheet) has induced circumferential cracking of the tube expansion transition zone. Concerning ODSCC of 600 MA tubes, beyond the classically observed damages (IGA and IGSCC in expansion transition zone and in TSP crevice), a new event is to be noted: the occurrence of circumferential cracks in tube- TSP crevice. Concerning fatigue cracking, two events have to be noted at upper TSP level in Cruas 1 and Cruas 4 units and in Fessenheim 2 unit. The first (Cruas) was due to the blockage in the broached hole tube support plate which can create critical velocity ratios for some tubes and the second (Fessenheim) to high-cycle fatigue. Concerning wear damage, beyond what is usually observed in the U-bend zone facing the anti-vibration bars (AVB), a new event is to be noted: a wear at TSP level is observed on SG equipped with an economizer, the wear indications being located at TSP 7 and 8 level, on outer tubes close to the central lane. The number of tubes plugged for ODSCC has declined due to the progressive replacement of SG with Alloy 600 MA tubing. Starting in 2004, the increasing plugging of 690 tubing is mainly due to AVB wear. Since 2006, extensive preventive plugging campaigns for tubes at risk of high-cycle fatigue at the upper support plate are performed. Risk of high-cycle fatigue has consequently become the dominant mechanism inducing plugging. PWSCC is the second dominant mechanism which affects 600 MA and 600 TT tube bundles: extensive

  4. Steam generators

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hayden, R.L.J.

    1979-01-01

    Steam generators for nuclear reactors are designed so that deposition of solids on the surface of the inlet side of the tubesheet or the inlet header with the consequent danger of corrosion and eventual tube failure is obviated or substantially reduced. (U.K.)

  5. Thermal hydraulic studies in steam generator test facility

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Vinod, V.; Suresh Kumar, V.A.; Noushad, I.B.; Ellappan, T.R.; Rajan, K.K.; Rajan, M.; Vaidyanathan, G.

    2005-01-01

    Full text of publication follows: A 500 MWe fast breeder reactor is being constructed at Kalpakkam, India. This is a sodium cooled reactor with two primary and two secondary sodium loops with total 8 steam generators. The typical advantage of fast breeder plants is the high operating temperature of steam cycles and the high plant efficiency. To produce this high pressure and high temperature steam, once through straight tube vertical sodium heated steam generators are used. The steam is generated from the heat produced in the reactor core and being transported through primary and secondary sodium circuits. The steam generator is a 25 m high middle supported steam generator with expansion bend and 23 m heat transfer length. Steam Generator Test Facility (SGTF) constructed at Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam aims at performing various tests on a 5.5 MWt steam generator. This vertically simulated test article is similar in all respects to the proposed 157 MWt steam generator module for the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR), with reduced number of tubes. Heat transfer performance tests are done with this 19 tube steam generator at various load conditions. Sodium circuit for the SGTF is equipped with oil fired heater as heat source and centrifugal sodium pump, to pump sodium at 105 m 3 /hr flow rate. Other typical components like sodium to air heat exchanger, sodium purification system and hydrogen leak detection system is also present in the sodium circuit. High pressure steam produced in the steam generator is dumped in a condenser and recycled. Important tests planned in SGTF are the heat transfer performance test, stability test, endurance test and performance test of steam generator under various transients. The controlled operation of steam generator will be studied with possible control schemes. A steady state simulation of the steam generator is done with a mathematical model. This paper gives the details of heat transfer

  6. Nuclear steam generator tubesheet shield

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Nickerson, J.H.D.; Ruhe, A.

    1982-01-01

    The invention involves improvements to a nuclear steam generator of the type in which a plurality of U-shaped tubes are connected at opposite ends to a tubesheet and extend between inlet and outlet chambers, with the steam generator including an integral preheater zone adjacent to the downflow legs of the U-shaped tubes. The improvement is a thermal shield disposed adjacent to an upper face of the tubesheet within the preheater zone, the shield including ductile cladding material applied directly to the upper face of the tubesheet, with the downflow legs of the U-shaped tubes extending through the cladding into the tubesheet

  7. Eddy-current tests on operational evaluation of steam generator tubes in nuclear power plants

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lopez, Luiz Antonio Negro Martin; Ting, Daniel Kao Sun

    2000-01-01

    This paper presents a worldwide research on the technical and economical impacts due to failure in tube bundles of nuclear power plant steam generators. An Eddy current non destructive test using Foucault currents for the inspection and failure detection on the tubes, and also the main type of defects. The paper also presents the signals generated by a Zetec MIZ-40 test equipment. This paper also presents a brief description of an automatic system for data analysis which is under development by using a fuzzy logic and artificial intelligence

  8. Steam generator tube performance: experience with water-cooled nuclear power reactors during 1977

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Pathania, R.S.; Tatone, O.S.

    1979-02-01

    The performance of steam generator tubes in water-cooled nuclear power reactors has been reviewed for 1977. Failures were reported in 34 of the 79 reactors surveyed. Causes of these failures and inspection and repair procedures designed to deal with them are presented. Although corrosion remained the leading cause of tube failures, specific mechanisms have been identified and methods of dealing with them developed. These methods are being applied and should lead to a reduction of corrosion failures in future. (author)

  9. Fundamental study on temperature estimation of steam generator tubes at sodium-water reaction

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Furukawa, Tomohiro; Yoshida, Eiichi

    2008-11-01

    In case of the tube failure in the steam generator of the sodium cooled fast breeder reactor, its adjoined tubes are rapidly heated up by the chemical reaction between sodium and water/steam. And it is known that the tubes have the damage called 'wastage' by the disclosure steam jet. This research is a fundamental study based on the metallography about temperature estimation of the damaged tubes at the sodium-water reaction for the establishment of mechanism analysis technique of the behavior. In the examination, the material which gave the rapid thermal history which imitated sodium-water reaction was produced. And it was investigated whether the thermal history (i.e. maximum temperature and the holding time) of the samples could be presumed from the metallurgical examination of the samples. The major results are as follows: (1) The microstructure of the sample which was given the rapid thermal heating has reserved the influence of the maximum temperature and the time, and the structure can explain by referring to the equilibrium diagram and the continuous cooling transformation diagram. (2) Results of the electrolytic extraction of the samples, the ratio of the remained volume to the electrolyzed volume degreased with the increase of the maximum temperature and the time. Furthermore, it was observed the correlation between the remained volume of each element (Cr, Mo, Fe, V and Nb) and the thermal history. (3) It was obtained that the thermal history of the tubes damaged by sodium-water reaction might be able to be estimated from the metallurgical examinations. (author)

  10. Probe-holding apparatus for holding a probe for checking steam generator tubes particularly in a nuclear reactor installation

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Adamowski, A.; Gagny; Gallet, G.; Lhermitte, J.; Monne, M.; Vautherot, G.

    1984-01-01

    Probe-holding apparatus for holding a probe for checking steam generator tubes particularly in a nuclear reactor installation. The apparatus comprises a telescopic arm supported via a ball and socket joint from a support mounted in or near an access aperture in a chamber at one end of the steam generator. A probe guide is carried by a carriage pivotally mounted at the other end of the telescopic arm. The carriage includes an endless belt having a series of spaced projections which engage into the ends of the tubes, the projections being spaced by a distance equal to the tube pitch or a multiple thereof. The belt is driven by a stepping motor in order to move the carriage and place the probe guide opposite different ones of the tubes

  11. Uncertainty analysis for probabilistic steam generators tube rupture in LBB applications

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Durbec, V.; Pitner, P.; Pages, D. [Electricite de France, 78 - Chatou (France). Research and Development Div.; Riffard, T. [Electricite de France, 69 - Villeurbanne (France). Engineering and Construction Div.; Flesch, B. [Electricite de France, 92 - Paris la Defense (France). Generation and Transmission Div.

    1997-10-01

    Steam Generators (SG) of Pressurized Water Reactors have experienced world wide various types of tube degradations, mainly from stress corrosion cracking; because of this damage, primary-secondary leakage or tube rupture can occur. Safety against the risk of tube rupture is achieved through a combination of periodic in-service inspections (eddy current testing), surveillance of leaks during operation (leak before break concept) and tube plugging. In order to optimize the tube bundle SG maintenance, Electricite de France has developed a specific software named COMPROMIS. The model, based on probabilistic fracture mechanics makes it possible to quantify the influence of in service inspections and maintenance work on the risk of a SG Tube Rupture (SGTR), taking all significant parameters into account as random variables (initial defect size distribution, reliability of non-destructive examinations, crack initiation and propagation, critical sizes, leak before risk of break, etc...). This paper focuses on the leak rate calculation module and presents a sensitivity study of the influence of the leak before break on the conditional failure probability. (author) 8 refs.

  12. Uncertainty analysis for probabilistic steam generators tube rupture in LBB applications

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Durbec, V.; Pitner, P.; Pages, D.; Riffard, T.; Flesch, B.

    1997-10-01

    Steam Generators (SG) of Pressurized Water Reactors have experienced world wide various types of tube degradations, mainly from stress corrosion cracking; because of this damage, primary-secondary leakage or tube rupture can occur. Safety against the risk of tube rupture is achieved through a combination of periodic in-service inspections (eddy current testing), surveillance of leaks during operation (leak before break concept) and tube plugging. In order to optimize the tube bundle SG maintenance, Electricite de France has developed a specific software named COMPROMIS. The model, based on probabilistic fracture mechanics makes it possible to quantify the influence of in service inspections and maintenance work on the risk of a SG Tube Rupture (SGTR), taking all significant parameters into account as random variables (initial defect size distribution, reliability of non-destructive examinations, crack initiation and propagation, critical sizes, leak before risk of break, etc...). This paper focuses on the leak rate calculation module and presents a sensitivity study of the influence of the leak before break on the conditional failure probability. (author)

  13. Life prediction of steam generator tubing due to stress corrosion crack using Monte Carlo Simulation

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hu Jun; Liu Fei; Cheng Guangxu; Zhang Zaoxiao

    2011-01-01

    Highlights: → A life prediction model for SG tubing was proposed. → The initial crack length for SCC was determined. → Two failure modes called rupture mode and leak mode were considered. → A probabilistic life prediction code based on Monte Carlo method was developed. - Abstract: The failure of steam generator tubing is one of the main accidents that seriously affects the availability and safety of a nuclear power plant. In order to estimate the probability of the failure, a probabilistic model was established to predict the whole life-span and residual life of steam generator (SG) tubing. The failure investigated was stress corrosion cracking (SCC) after the generation of one through-wall axial crack. Two failure modes called rupture mode and leak mode based on probabilistic fracture mechanics were considered in this proposed model. It took into account the variance in tube geometry and material properties, and the variance in residual stresses and operating conditions, all of which govern the propagations of cracks. The proposed model was numerically calculated by using Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS). The plugging criteria were first verified and then the whole life-span and residual life of the SG tubing were obtained. Finally, important sensitivity analysis was also carried out to identify the most important parameters affecting the life of SG tubing. The results will be useful in developing optimum strategies for life-cycle management of the feedwater system in nuclear power plants.

  14. Safety evaluation report related to steam generator tube repair and return to operation Three Mile Island Nuclear Station, Unit No. 1 (Docket No. 50-289)

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Silver, H.

    1983-11-01

    Based on our evaluation of the steam generator tube repair method and of subsequent operation using the repaired steam generators, we conclude that the steam generator tube kinetic expansion process is acceptable, that applicable GDC have been met, and that there is reasonable assurance that the health and safety of the public will not be endangered by subsequent operation of the plant

  15. Horizontal steam generator thermal-hydraulics

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Ubra, O. [SKODA Praha Company, Prague (Czechoslovakia); Doubek, M. [Czech Technical Univ., Prague (Czechoslovakia)

    1995-09-01

    Horizontal steam generators are typical components of nuclear power plants with pressure water reactor type VVER. Thermal-hydraulic behavior of horizontal steam generators is very different from the vertical U-tube steam generator, which has been extensively studied for several years. To contribute to the understanding of the horizontal steam generator thermal-hydraulics a computer program for 3-D steady state analysis of the PGV-1000 steam generator has been developed. By means of this computer program, a detailed thermal-hydraulic and thermodynamic study of the horizontal steam generator PGV-1000 has been carried out and a set of important steam generator characteristics has been obtained. The 3-D distribution of the void fraction and 3-D level profile as functions of load and secondary side pressure have been investigated and secondary side volumes and masses as functions of load and pressure have been evaluated. Some of the interesting results of calculations are presented in the paper.

  16. Effect of crevice environment PH on corrosion damage of horizontal steam generator tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Brozova, A.; Burda, J.; Splichal, K.

    2002-01-01

    In support of a project on lifetime calculation experiments were carried out to evaluate the resistance to environmentally assisted cracking (EAC) of steam generator tubes during operation. Estimations of the incubation period for crack initiation and the threshold K value, K Iscc , and the crack growth rate were made to predict evolution of damage in tube walls. The paper summarizes results of experiments of C ring specimen for the initiation testing and results of SENT (single edge notch tensile) specimen for the crack growth rate (CGR) testing. The specimens were exposed to concentrated environments at elevated temperatures simulating crevice environments in secondary side crevices in horizontal steam generators. The results show that the material of SG tubes is sensitive to transgranular environmentally assisted cracking in the three basic concentrated environments used, alkaline, neutral and acid. The most corrosive medium was the acid environment. The crack initiated practically immediately after acid environment exposure. The initiation process takes a long time in neutral and alkaline environments. The K Iscc values for environmentally assisted crack growth rate in alkaline and neutral concentrated environment were essentially the same. The crack growth rate was slightly higher for the neutral environment than for the alkaline one. Fracture patterns for the both environments were similar. (author)

  17. Realistic analysis of steam generator tube rupture accident in Angra-1 reactor

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Fontes, S.W.F.

    1989-01-01

    This paper presents the analysis of different scenarios for a Steam Generator Tube Rupture accident (SGTR) in Angra-1 NPP. The results and conclusions will be used as support in the preparation of the emergency situation programs for the plant. For the analysis a SGTR simulation was performed with RETRAN-02 code. The results indicated that the core integrity and the plant itself will not affect by small ruptures in SG tubes. For large ruptures the analysis demonstrated that the accident may have harmful consequences if the operator do not actuate effectively since the initial moments of the accidents. (author) [pt

  18. Leak behavior of steam generator tube-to-tubesheet joints under creep condition: Experimental study

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Bahn, Chi Bum; Majumdar, Saurin; Kasza, Ken E.; Shack, William J.

    2013-01-01

    To address concerns regarding excessive leakage from throughwall cracks in steam generator tube-to-tubesheet joints under severe accident conditions, leak rate testing was conducted using tube-to-collar joint specimens. The tube interior and the interface between tube and collar (crevice) were pressurized independently using nitrogen gas. The leak rate through the crevice was almost zero when the specimens were pressurized at ∼500 °C; this low leak rate is attributed to thermal mismatch effects preventing much leakage. The near zero leak rate was maintained until the onset of large leakage at higher temperatures. The leak rate behavior after the onset of the large leakage was not much affected by the crevice length or heat-to-heat variation of Alloy 600 tubes. This suggests that once the crevice gap opens, the creep rate of the low alloy steel collar becomes dominant. Specimens with different tube diameters behaved essentially the same way. To simulate a flawed steam generator tube in the tubesheet, the crevice region was pressurized through a hole in the tube. This simulation resulted in essentially the same behavior as those specimens whose tubes and crevices were pressurized independently. Oxidation of low alloy steel collars in air tests can increase the flow resistance, and thus tests using nitrogen gas would provide more conservative leak rate data. Highlights: ► Leak rates were measured by using tube-to-collar joint specimens under creep condition. ► Leak rate through the joint interface was almost zero at ∼500 °C due to thermal mismatch. ► The near zero leak rate was maintained until the onset of large leakage at ∼680 °C. ► The leak behavior after the onset of the large leakage was not affected by hydraulic expansion length or tube heats.

  19. The Cause of an Eddy Current Signal Noise from a Steam Generator Tube and its Effect on the Detectability of a Crack

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lee, Deok Hyun; Choi, Myung Sik; Hur, Do Haeng; Kim, Kyung Mo; Han, Jung Ho

    2008-01-01

    An eddy current inspection has been applied for a pre-service and in-service examination of a steam generator in nuclear power plants. The experience from the inspection of steam generators showed that many plants had an excessive number of tubes with eddy current noise signals over several hundreds, which originated from manufacturing anomalies. The plants in U.S suffered significant downstream inspection costs, history reviews, and diagnostic testing because some signals resembled flaws and others masked a flaw. These lessens learned resulted in issuing the guidelines for steam generator tubing specifications and repair, in order to reduce the number of anomalous signals in the tubes and also to provide the requirement of a signal to noise ratio by applying a field type examination with bobbin coil eddy current probes at a manufacturing process. Besides the noise signals of a bobbin coil eddy current probe from manufacturing anomalies, the excessive background noise of the rotating coil eddy current probe signal is frequently observed from a tube and it negatively affects the detection and sizing estimate of a defect. Since the inspection intervals are being extended up to 60 months for the more recent steam generator of corrosion resistant alloy 690TT tubing, the detection of an earlier crack and an accurate sizing are becoming more important in the activity of a non-destructive examination. In this study, the cause of an eddy current signal noise of a rotating coil probe from a steam generator tube was examined and its influence on the detectability of a crack was analyzed

  20. Repair technique for steam generator tubes using electroforming

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Kim, Seung Ho; Jeong, Hyun Kyu; Seo, Moon Hong

    2001-07-01

    Pickering B CANDU Unit 5 had experienced leakage at sleeve/tube joint due to severe and local pitting in 1992{delta}1993. One year later, OHT developed electrosleeving techniques for steam generator tube repair which was applied at Pickering B CANDU Unit 5, Oconee Unit 1 and Callaway in 1994, 1995 and 1999 respectively. In the results of electrosleeved tube test, electrosleeve materials were stronger than mother tubes in mechanical properties and corrosion resistance under design criteria. Two analytical models were originally developed for estimating the failure temperature under severe accident transients. Electrosleeve, a structural layer of fine grained nickel is electroformed onto the strike by circulating an aqueous solution of Ni sulfate or sulfamate with NiCO3. The patents published by FTI said that the electrolyte for electroforming the structural layer contains a pinning agent to inhibit growth of metal grains in the electroformed layer. The pinning agent contains phosphoric, phosphorous acid, molybdenum. In localization of electrosleeving, there are some problems like as 1)low plating rate, 2)high residual stress, 3)alloy composition, 4)low material properties at high temperature. Ni-Fe plating exhibit anomalous codeposition; that is less noble metal, Fe, deposits preferentially to the more noble metal, Ni. Ductility decrease and residual stress increase with increase of Fe content in plate layer. Addition of particle size of 10{delta}400{mu}m makes residual stress compressive in plate layer. Composite plating show excellent high temperature properties.

  1. Repair technique for steam generator tubes using electroforming

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kim, Seung Ho; Jeong, Hyun Kyu; Seo, Moon Hong

    2001-07-01

    Pickering B CANDU Unit 5 had experienced leakage at sleeve/tube joint due to severe and local pitting in 1992δ1993. One year later, OHT developed electrosleeving techniques for steam generator tube repair which was applied at Pickering B CANDU Unit 5, Oconee Unit 1 and Callaway in 1994, 1995 and 1999 respectively. In the results of electrosleeved tube test, electrosleeve materials were stronger than mother tubes in mechanical properties and corrosion resistance under design criteria. Two analytical models were originally developed for estimating the failure temperature under severe accident transients. Electrosleeve, a structural layer of fine grained nickel is electroformed onto the strike by circulating an aqueous solution of Ni sulfate or sulfamate with NiCO3. The patents published by FTI said that the electrolyte for electroforming the structural layer contains a pinning agent to inhibit growth of metal grains in the electroformed layer. The pinning agent contains phosphoric, phosphorous acid, molybdenum. In localization of electrosleeving, there are some problems like as 1)low plating rate, 2)high residual stress, 3)alloy composition, 4)low material properties at high temperature. Ni-Fe plating exhibit anomalous codeposition; that is less noble metal, Fe, deposits preferentially to the more noble metal, Ni. Ductility decrease and residual stress increase with increase of Fe content in plate layer. Addition of particle size of 10δ400μm makes residual stress compressive in plate layer. Composite plating show excellent high temperature properties

  2. Pulsed high-pressure (PHP) drain-down of steam generating system

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Petrusek, R.A.

    1991-01-01

    This patent describes an improved method of draining down contained reactor-coolant water from the inverted vertical U-tubes of at least one vertical-type steam generator in which the upper inverted U-shaped ends of the tubes are closed and the lower ends thereof are open, the steam generator having a channel head at its lower end including a vertical dividing wall defining a primary water inlet side and a primary water outlet side of the generator, the steam generator having chemical volume control system means and residual heat removal system means, and the steam generator being part of a nuclear-powered steam generating system wherein the reactor-coolant water is normally circulated from and back into the reactor via a loop comprising the steam generator and inlet and outlet conduits connected to the lower end of the steam generator, and the reactor being in communication with pressurizer means and comprising the steps of introducing a gas which is inert to the system and which is under pressure above atmospheric pressure into at least one of the downwardly facing open ends of each of the U-tubes from below the tubesheet in which the open ends of the U-tubes are mounted adjacent the lower end of the steam generator while permitting the water to flow out from the open ends of the U-tubes, the improvement in combination therewith for substantially increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of such water removal from the tubes. It includes determining the parameters effecting a first average volumetric rate of removal for a predetermined period of time, infra, of the reactor-coolant water from the inverted vertical U-tubes, the specific unit for the first average volumetric rate expressing properties identical with the properties expressed in a second average volumetric rate maintained in a later mentioned step

  3. Performance demonstration tests for eddy current inspection of steam generator tubing

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kurtz, R.J.; Heasler, P.G.; Anderson, C.M.

    1996-05-01

    This report describes the methodology and results for development of performance demonstration tests for eddy current (ET) inspection of steam generator tubes. Statistical test design principles were used to develop the performance demonstration tests. Thresholds on ET system inspection performance were selected to ensure that field inspection systems would have a high probability of detecting and and correctly sizing tube degradation. The technical basis for the ET system performance thresholds is presented in detail. Statistical test design calculations for probability of detection and flaw sizing tests are described. A recommended performance demonstration test based on the design calculations is presented. A computer program for grading the probability of detection portion of the performance demonstration test is given

  4. Performance demonstration tests for eddy current inspection of steam generator tubing

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Kurtz, R.J.; Heasler, P.G.; Anderson, C.M.

    1996-05-01

    This report describes the methodology and results for development of performance demonstration tests for eddy current (ET) inspection of steam generator tubes. Statistical test design principles were used to develop the performance demonstration tests. Thresholds on ET system inspection performance were selected to ensure that field inspection systems would have a high probability of detecting and and correctly sizing tube degradation. The technical basis for the ET system performance thresholds is presented in detail. Statistical test design calculations for probability of detection and flaw sizing tests are described. A recommended performance demonstration test based on the design calculations is presented. A computer program for grading the probability of detection portion of the performance demonstration test is given.

  5. Surry steam generator - examination and evaluation

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Clark, R.A.; Doctor, P.G.; Ferris, R.H.

    1985-10-01

    This report summarizes research conducted during the fourth year of the five year Steam Generator Group Project. During this period the project conducted numerous nondestructive examination (NDE) round robin inspections of the original Surry 2A steam generator. They included data acquisition/analysis and analysis-only round robins using multifrequency bobbin coil eddy current tests. In addition, the generator was nondestructively examined by alternate or advanced techniques including ultrasonics, optical fiber, profilometry and special eddy current instrumentation. The round robin interpretation data were compared. To validate the NDE results and for tube integrity testing, a selection of tubing samples, determined to be representative of the generator, was designated for removal. Initial sample removals from the generator included three sections of tube sheet, two sections of support plate and encompassed tubes, and a number of straight and U-bend tubing sections. Metallographic examination of these sections was initiated. Details of significant results are presented in the following paper. 13 figs

  6. Surry steam generator - examination and evaluation

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Clark, R A; Doctor, P G; Ferris, R H

    1987-01-01

    This report summarizes research conducted during the fourth year of the five year Steam Generator Group Project. During this period the project conducted numerous nondestructive examination (NDE) round robin inspections of the original Surry 2A steam generator. They included data acquisition/analysis and analysis-only round robins using multifrequency bobbin coil eddy current tests. In addition, the generator was nondestructively examined by alternate or advanced techniques including ultrasonics, optical fiber, profilometry and special eddy current instrumentation. The round robin interpretation data were compared. To validate the NDE results and for tube integrity testing, a selection of tubing samples, determined to be representative of the generator, was designated for removal. Initial sample removals from the generator included three sections of tube sheet, two sections of support plate and encompassed tubes, and a number of straight and U-bend tubing sections. Metallographic examination of these sections was initiated. Details of significant results are presented in the following paper.

  7. Three-dimensional modeling of nuclear steam generator

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Bogdan, Z.; Afgan, N.

    1985-01-01

    In this paper mathematical model for steady-state simulation of thermodynamic and hydraulic behaviour of U-tube nuclear steam generator is described. The model predicts three-dimensional distribution of temperatures, pressures, steam qualities and velocities in the steam generator secondary loop. In this analysis homogeneous two phase flow model is utilized. Foe purpose of the computer implementation of the mathematical model, a special flow distribution code NUGEN was developed. Calculations are performed with the input data and geometrical characteristics related to the D-4 (westinghouse) model of U-tube nuclear steam generator built in Krsko, operating under 100% load conditions. Results are shown in diagrams giving spatial distribution of pertinent variables in the secondary loop. (author)

  8. Steam generators under construction for the SNR-300 power plant

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Essebaggers, J

    1975-07-01

    The prototype straight tube and the helical coil-steam generator has been designed and fabricated of which the straight tube steam generator has been successfully tested for over 3000 hours at prototypical conditions and is presently being dismantled for detailed examination of critical designed features. The prototype helical coil steam generator is presently under testing in the 50 MWt test facility at TNO-Hengelo with approximately 500 hours of operation at full load conditions. In an earlier presentation the design and fabrication of the prototype steam generators have been presented, while for this presentation the production units for SNR-300 will be discussed. Some preliminary information will be presented at this meeting of the dismantling operations of the prototype straight tube steam generator. (author)

  9. Steam generators under construction for the SNR-300 power plant

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Essebaggers, J.

    1975-01-01

    The prototype straight tube and the helical coil-steam generator has been designed and fabricated of which the straight tube steam generator has been successfully tested for over 3000 hours at prototypical conditions and is presently being dismantled for detailed examination of critical designed features. The prototype helical coil steam generator is presently under testing in the 50 MWt test facility at TNO-Hengelo with approximately 500 hours of operation at full load conditions. In an earlier presentation the design and fabrication of the prototype steam generators have been presented, while for this presentation the production units for SNR-300 will be discussed. Some preliminary information will be presented at this meeting of the dismantling operations of the prototype straight tube steam generator. (author)

  10. Steam generators in PWR's

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Michel, R.

    1974-01-01

    The steam generator of the PWR operates according to the principle of natural circulation. It consists of a U-shaped tube bundle whose free ends are welded to a bottom plate. The tube bundle is surrounded by a cylinder jacket which has slots closely above the bottom or tube plate. The feed water mixed with boiling water enters the tube bundle through these slots. Because of its buoyancy, the steam-water mixture flows upwards. Below the tube plate there are chambers for distributing and collecting pressurized water separated by means of a partition wall. By omitting some tubes, a free alloy is created so that the tubes in the center get sufficient water, too. By asymmetrical arrangement of the partition wall it is further possible to limit the tube alloy only to the inlet side for pressurized water. The flow over the tube plate is thus improved on the inlet side. (DG) [de

  11. Report on US-Japan 1983 meetings on steam generators

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    1984-04-01

    This is a report on a trip to Japan by personnel of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission in 1983 to exchange information on steam generators of nuclear power plants. Steam generators of Japanese pressurized water reactors have experienced nearly all of the forms of degradation that have been experienced in US recirculating-type steam generators, except for denting and pitting. More tubes have been plugged per year of reactor operation in Japanese than in US steam generators, but much of the Japanese tube plugging is preventative rather than the result of leaks experienced. The number of leaks per reactor year is much smaller for Japanese than for US steam generators. No steam generators have been replaced in Japan while several have been replaced in the US. The Japanese experience may be related to their very stringent inspection and maintenance programs for steam generators

  12. Experimental fretting-wear studies of steam generator materials

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Fisher, N.J.; Chow, A.B.; Weckwerth, M.K.

    1994-01-01

    Flow-induced vibration of steam generator tubes results in fretting-wear damage due to impacting and rubbing of the tubes against their supports. This damage can be predicted by computing tube response to flow-induced excitation forces using analytical techniques, and then relating this response to resultant wear damage using experimentally-derived wear coefficients. Fretting-wear of steam generator materials has been studied experimentally at Chalk River Laboratories for two decades. Tests are conducted in machines that simulate steam generator environmental conditions and tube-to-support dynamic interactions. Different tube and support materials, tube-to-support clearances and tube support geometries have been studied. As well, the effect of environmental conditions, such as temperature, oxygen content, pH and chemistry control additive, have been investigated. Early studies showed that damage was related to contact force as long as other parameters, such as geometry and motion were held constant. Later studies have shown that damage is related to a parameter called work-rate, which combines both contact force and sliding distance. Results of short- and long-term fretting-wear tests for CANDU steam generator materials at realistic environmental conditions are presented. These results demonstrate that work-rate is appropriate correlating parameter for impact-sliding interaction

  13. Process to repair a steam generator tube by inserting a tubular sleeve and the associated sleeve

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Gaudin, J.P.

    1986-01-01

    The tubular sleeve is introduced in the tube and is mechanically expanded inside the tube plate, and is diametrally expanded at its upper part within the tube and outside the tube plate. Tightness is ensured by brazing the end part of the sleeve within the tube. The end part of the sleeve is brazed by melting of brazing metal previously applied to the outer surface of the sleeve of its end region. The invention applies more particularly to steam generators of pressurized water nuclear reactors [fr

  14. Coalescence model of two collinear cracks existing in steam generator tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Moon, S.-I.; Chang, Y.-S.; Kim, Y.-J.; Park, Y.-W.; Song, M.-H.; Choi, Y.-H.; Lee, J.-H.

    2005-01-01

    The 40% of wall thickness criterion has been used as a plugging rule of steam generator tubes but it can be applicable just to a single-cracked tubes. In the previous studies preformed by the authors, a total of 10 local failure prediction models were introduced to estimate the coalescence load of two adjacent collinear through-wall cracks existing in thin plates, and the reaction force model and plastic zone contact model were selected as optimum models among them. The objective of this study is to verify the applicability of the proposed optimum local failure prediction models to the tubes with two collinear through-wall cracks. For this, a series of plastic collapse tests and finite element analyses were carried out using the tubes containing two collinear through-wall cracks. It has been shown that the proposed optimum failure models can predict the local failure behavior of two collinear through-wall cracks existing in tubes well. And a coalescence evaluation diagram was developed which can be used to determine whether the adjacent cracks detected by NED coalsece or not. (authors)

  15. Residual stresses associated with the hydraulic expansion of steam generator tubing into tubesheets

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Middlebrooks, W.B.; Harrod, D.L.; Gold, R.E.

    1991-01-01

    Westinghouse has used three different processes for the full depth expansion of tubes into the tube sheets of recirculating nuclear steam generators: mechanical rolling, explosive expansion and hydraulic expansion. Each process aims at expanding tubes tightly to tube sheets, leaving the smallest possible secondary side crevice depth, and minimizing the residual stress in the expanded tubes, all for the purpose of mitigating the effect of corrosion phenomena. The hydraulic expansion process was qualified and has been implemented since 1978, and more than 1.1 million tube ends have been hydraulically expanded into production units. In this paper, the results of the recent analytical studies related to the residual stress in the expanded tubes are summarized. The method of hydraulic expansion is explained, and some important parameters are given. Finite element method, theoretical incremental analysis, tube sheet yielding and residual stress, contact pressure, sensitivity analysis and temperature effect in the central region of tube sheets, and the residual stress in the transition zone are described. (K.I.)

  16. Steam generator tube performance: world experience with water-cooled nuclear power reactors during 1979

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Tatone, O.S.; Pathania, R.S.

    1981-01-01

    The performance of steam generator tubes in water-cooled nuclear power reactors is reviewed for 1979. Tube failures occurred at 38 of the 93 reactors surveyed. The causes of these failures and the procedures designed to deal with them are described. The defect rate, although higher than that in 1978, was still lower than the rates of the two previous years. Methods being employed to detect defects include the increased use of multifrequency eddy-current testing and a trend to full-length inspection of all tubes. To reduce the incidence of tube failure by corrosion, plant operators are turning to full-flow condensate demineralization and more leak-resistant condenser tubes. 10 tables

  17. Tube micro-fouling, boiling and steam pressure after chemical cleaning

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hu, M.H.

    1998-01-01

    This paper presents steam pressure trends after chemical cleaning of steam generator tubes at four plants. The paper also presents tube fouling factor that serves as an objective parameter to assess tubing boiling conditions for understanding the steam pressure trend. Available water chemistry data helps substantiate the concept of tube micro-fouling, its effect on tubing boiling, and its impact on steam pressure. All four plants experienced a first mode of decreasing steam pressure in the post-cleaning operation. After 3 to 4 months of operation, the decreasing trend stopped for three plants and then restored to a pre-cleaning value or better. The fourth plant is soil in decreasing trend after 12 months of operation. Dissolved chemicals, such as silica, titanium can precipitate on tube surface. The precipitate micro-fouling can deactivate or eliminate boiling nucleation sites. Therefore, the first phase of the post-cleaning operation suffered a decrease in steam pressure or an increase in fouling factor. It appears that micro fouling by magnetite deposit can activate or create more bubble nucleation sites. Therefore, the magnetite deposit micro-fouling results in a decrease in fouling factor, and a recovery in steam pressure. Fully understanding the boiling characteristics of the tubing at brand new, fouled and cleaned conditions requires further study of tubing surface conditions. Such study should include boiling heat transfer tests and scanning electronic microscope examination. (author)

  18. French steam generator

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Remond, A.

    1986-01-01

    After recalling the potential damage mode of tubes of steam generator, the author recalls the safety criteria used in France. The improvements and the process of damage prejudice and reparation for tubular bundle are presented [fr

  19. Overview of steam generator tube-inspection technology

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Obrutsky, L.; Renaud, J.; Lakhan, R.

    2014-01-01

    Degradation of steam generator (SG) tubing due to both mechanical and corrosion modes has resulted in extensive repairs and replacement of SGs around the world. The variety of degradation modes challenges the integrity of SG tubing and, therefore, the stations' reliability. Inspection and monitoring aimed at timely detection and characterization of the degradation is a key element for ensuring tube integrity. Up to the early-70's, the in-service inspection of SG tubing was carried out using single-frequency eddy current testing (ET) bobbin coils, which were adequate for the detection of volumetric degradation. By the mid-80's, additional modes of degradation such as pitting, intergranular attack, and axial and circumferential inside or outside diameter stress corrosion cracking had to be addressed. The need for timely, fast detection and characterization of these diverse modes of degradation motivated the development in the 90's of inspection systems based on advanced probe technology coupled with versatile instruments operated by fast computers and remote communication systems. SG inspection systems have progressed in the new millennium to a much higher level of automation, efficiency and reliability. Also, the role of Non Destructive Evaluation (NDE) has evolved from simple detection tools to diagnostic tools that provide input into integrity assessment decisions, fitness-far-service and operational assessments. This new role was motivated by tighter regulatory requirements to assure the safety of the public and the environment, better SG life management strategies and often self-imposed regulations. It led to the development of advanced probe technologies, more reliable and versatile instruments and robotics, better training and qualification of personnel and better data management and analysis systems. This paper provides a brief historical perspective regarding the evolution of SG inspections and analyzes the motivations behind that evolution. It presents an

  20. Predictions of structural integrity of steam generator tubes under normal operating, accident, and severe accident conditions

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Majumdar, S.

    1996-09-01

    Available models for predicting failure of flawed and unflawed steam generator tubes under normal operating, accident, and severe accident conditions are reviewed. Tests conducted in the past, though limited, tended to show that the earlier flow-stress model for part-through-wall axial cracks overestimated the damaging influence of deep cracks. This observation is confirmed by further tests at high temperatures as well as by finite element analysis. A modified correlation for deep cracks can correct this shortcoming of the model. Recent tests have shown that lateral restraint can significantly increase the failure pressure of tubes with unsymmetrical circumferential cracks. This observation is confirmed by finite element analysis. The rate-independent flow stress models that are successful at low temperatures cannot predict the rate sensitive failure behavior of steam generator tubes at high temperatures. Therefore, a creep rupture model for predicting failure is developed and validated by tests under varying temperature and pressure loading expected during severe accidents

  1. Signal Characteristics of Eddy Current Test for Intergranular Attack of Steam Generator Tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Choi, Myung Sik; Lee, Deok Hyun; Han, Jung Ho; Hur, Do Haeng; Cho, Se Gon; Yim, Chang Jae

    2002-01-01

    Because intergranular attack (IGA), one of the localized corrosion forms occurring on steam generator tubes, can not be fabricated by an electric discharge machining method, there are few data for the eddy current test (ECT) characteristics of IGA. In this paper, the characteristics of eddy current signals are evaluated using nonexpanded tubes with IGA defects formed in 0.1 M sodium tetrathionate solution at 40 .deg. C. The detectability and sizing accuracy of IGA were discussed in terms of the coil type and frequency of the ECT probes

  2. Operating experiences with 1 MW steam generator

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Sano, A; Kanamori, A; Tsuchiya, T

    1975-07-01

    1 MW steam generator, which was planned as the first stage of steam generator development in Power Reactor and Nuclear Fuel Corp. (PNC) in Japan, is a single-unit, once-through, integrated shell and tube type with multi-helical coil tubes. It was completed in Oarai Engineering Center of PNC in March of 1971, and the various performance tests were carried out up to April, 1972. After the dismantle of the steam generator for structural inspection and material test, it was restored with some improvements. In this second 1 MW steam generator, small leak occurred twice during normal operation. After repairing the failure, the same kind of performance tests as the first steam generator were conducted in order to verify the thermal insulation effect of argon gas in downcomer zone from March to June, 1974. In this paper the above operating experiences were presented including the outline of some performance test results. (author)

  3. New process for the relief of mechanically induced stresses in steam generator tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Joyeux, J.P.

    1980-01-01

    Heat exchangers include very generally a set of tubes assembled in 'U-type' exchangers or in 'pass-through' exchangers. The tubes are introduced in holes drilled in the tube sheet plate, welded at their extremity and expanded to insure the necessary tightness. The steam generators built by FRAMATOME belong to the U-type and include, depending upon the nominal power of the plant, about three or five thousand inconel tubes. This material has been selected for its resistance to corrosion action at high temperatures. But one drawback of inconel is that residual stress lowers considerably this resistance to corrosion; so it is very important to apply manufacturing processes involving a residual stress level as low as possible. A new process, which involves 'kiss' rolling, is described. (author)

  4. Probabilistic evaluation of multiple failures for steam generators tubes by common mode

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Bloch, M.; Pierrey, J.L.; Dussarte, D.

    1987-11-01

    The reactor safety can be affected when systems or components are subject to phenomena conducting at a wear nontake in account in the conception. This paper presents a methodology which takes in account the non simultaneous failures resulting of this situation. To illustrate this purpose, we give an evaluation of risk of multiple failures for steam generators tubes by common mode (stress corrosion) when the reactor is in normal operation [fr

  5. Optimum thermal sizing and operating conditions for once through steam generator

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Yi, Kunwoo; Ju, Kyongin; Im, Inyoung; Kim, Eunkee [KEPCO Engineering and Construction Company., Inc., Daejeon (Korea, Republic of)

    2014-10-15

    The steam generator is designed to be optimized so as to remove heat and to produce steam vapor. Because of its importance, theoretical and experimental researches have been performed on forced convection boiling heat transfer. The purpose of this study is to predict the thermal behavior and to perform optimum thermal sizing of once through steam generator. To estimate the tube thermal sizing and operating conditions of the steam generator, the analytical modeling is employed on the basis of the empirical correlation equations and theory. The optimized algorithm model, Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA)-II, uses for this analysis. This research is focused on the design of in-vessel steam generator. An one dimensional analysis code is developed to evaluate previous researches and to optimize steam generator design parameters. The results of one-dimensional analysis need to be verified with experimental data. Goals of multi-objective optimization are to minimize tube length, pressure drop and tube number. Feedwater flow rate up to 115.425kg/s is selected so as to have margin of feedwater temperature 20 ..deg. C. For the design of 200MWth once through steam generator, it is evaluated that the tube length shall be over 12.0m for the number of tubes, 2500ea, and the length of the tube shall be over 8.0m for the number of tubes, 4500ea. The parallel coordinates chart can be provided to determine the optimal combination of number of tube, pressure drop, tube diameter and length.

  6. Materials choices for the advanced LWR steam generators

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Paine, J.P.N.; Shoemaker, C.E.; McIlree, A.R.

    1987-01-01

    Current light water reactor (LWR) steam generators have been affected by a variety of corrosion and mechanical damage degradation mechanisms. Included are wear caused by tube vibration, intergranular corrosion, pitting, and thinning or wastage of the steam generator tubing and accelerated corrosion of carbon steel supports (denting). The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and the Steam Generator Owners Groups (I, II) have sponsored laboratory and field studies to provide ameliorative actions for the majority of the damage forms experienced to date. Some of the current corrosion mechanisms are aggravated or caused by unique materials choices or materials interactions. New materials have been proposed and at least partially qualified for use in replacement model steam generators, including an advanced LWR design. In so far as possible, the materials choices for the advanced LWR steam generator avoid the corrosion pitfalls seemingly inherent in the current designs. The EPRI Steam Generator Project staff has recommended materials and design choices for a new steam generator. Based on these recommendations we believe that the advanced LWR steam generators will be much less affected by corrosion and mechanical damage mechanisms than are now experienced

  7. A pulsed eddy current probe for inspection of support plates from within Alloy-800 steam generator tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Krause, T. W.; Babbar, V. K.; Underhill, P. R.

    2014-01-01

    Support plate degradation and fouling in nuclear steam generators (SGs) can lead to SG tube corrosion and loss of efficiency. Inspection and monitoring of these conditions can be integrated with preventive maintenance programs, thereby advancing station-life management processes. A prototype pulsed eddy current (PEC) probe, targeting inspection issues associated with SG tubes in SS410 tube support plate structures, has been developed using commercial finite element (FE) software. FE modeling was used to identify appropriate driver and pickup coil configurations for optimum sensitivity to changes in gap and offset for Alloy-800 SG tubes passing through 25 mm thick SS410 support plates. Experimental measurements using a probe that was manufactured based on the modeled configuration, were used to confirm the sensitivity of differential PEC signals to changes in relative position of the tube within the tube support plate holes. Models investigated the effect of shift and tilt of tube with respect to hole centers. Near hole centers and for small shifts, modeled signal amplitudes from the differentially connected coil pairs were observed to change linearly with tube shift. This was in agreement with experimentally measured TEC coil response. The work paves the way for development of a system targeting the inspection and evaluation of support plate structures in steam generators

  8. A pulsed eddy current probe for inspection of support plates from within Alloy-800 steam generator tubes

    Science.gov (United States)

    Krause, T. W.; Babbar, V. K.; Underhill, P. R.

    2014-02-01

    Support plate degradation and fouling in nuclear steam generators (SGs) can lead to SG tube corrosion and loss of efficiency. Inspection and monitoring of these conditions can be integrated with preventive maintenance programs, thereby advancing station-life management processes. A prototype pulsed eddy current (PEC) probe, targeting inspection issues associated with SG tubes in SS410 tube support plate structures, has been developed using commercial finite element (FE) software. FE modeling was used to identify appropriate driver and pickup coil configurations for optimum sensitivity to changes in gap and offset for Alloy-800 SG tubes passing through 25 mm thick SS410 support plates. Experimental measurements using a probe that was manufactured based on the modeled configuration, were used to confirm the sensitivity of differential PEC signals to changes in relative position of the tube within the tube support plate holes. Models investigated the effect of shift and tilt of tube with respect to hole centers. Near hole centers and for small shifts, modeled signal amplitudes from the differentially connected coil pairs were observed to change linearly with tube shift. This was in agreement with experimentally measured TEC coil response. The work paves the way for development of a system targeting the inspection and evaluation of support plate structures in steam generators.

  9. Evaluation of Oconee steam-generator debris. Final report

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Rigdon, M.A.; Rubright, M.M.; Sarver, L.W.

    1981-10-01

    Pieces of debris were observed near damaged tubes at the 14th support plate elevation in the Oconee 1-B steam generator. A project was initiated to evaluate the physical and chemical nature of the debris, to identify its source, and to determine its role in tube damage at this elevation. Various laboratory techniques were used to characterize several debris and mill scale samples. Data from these samples were then compared with each other and with literature data. It was concluded that seven of eight debris samples were probably formed in the steam generator. Six of these samples were probably formed by high temperature aqueous corrosion early in the life of the steam generator. The seventh sample was probably formed by the deposition and spalling of magnetite on the Inconel steam generator tubes. None of the debris samples resembled any of the mill scale samples

  10. Validating eddy current array probes for inspecting steam generator tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Sullivan, S.P.; Cecco, V.S.; Obrutsky, L.S.

    1997-01-01

    A CANDU nuclear reactor was shut down for over one year because steam generator (SG) tubes had failed with outer diameter stress-corrosion cracking (ODSCC) in the U-bend section. Novel, single-pass eddy current transmit-receive probes, denoted as C3, were successful in detecting all significant cracks so that the cracked tubes could be plugged and the unit restarted. Significant numbers of tubes with SCC were removed from a SG in order to validate the results of the new probe. Results from metallurgical examinations were used to obtain probability-of-detection (POD) and sizing accuracy plots to quantify the performance of this new inspection technique. Though effective, the above approach of relying on tubes removed from a reactor is expensive, in terms of both economic and radiation-exposure costs. This led to a search for more affordable methods to validate inspection techniques and procedures. Methods are presented for calculating POD curves based on signal-to-noise studies using field data. Results of eddy current scans of tubes with laboratory-induced ODSCC are presented with associated POD curves. These studies appear promising in predicting realistic POD curves for new inspection technologies. They are being used to qualify an improved eddy current array probe in preparation for field use. (author)

  11. CITADEL: a computer code for the analysis of iodine behavior in steam generator tube rupture accidents

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    1982-04-01

    The computer code CITADEL was written to analyze iodine behavior during steam generator tube rupture accidents. The code models the transport and deposition of iodine from its point of escape at the steam generator primary break until its release to the environment. This report provides a brief description of the code including its input requirements and the nature and form of its output. A user's guide describing the manner in which the input data are required to be set up to run the code is also provided

  12. Advanced technologies on steam generators

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Sakata, Kaoru; Nakamura, Yuuki [Mitsubishi Heavy Industry Co., Takasago (Japan); Nakamori, Nobuo; Mizutani, Toshiyuki; Uwagawa, Seiichi; Saito, Itaru [Mitsubishi Heavy Industry Co., Kobe (Japan); Matsuoka, Tsuyoshi [Mitsubishi Heavy Industry Co., Yokohama (Japan)

    1997-12-31

    The thermal-hydraulic tests for a horizontal steam generator of a next-generation PWR (New PWR-21) were performed. The purpose of these tests is to understand the thermal-hydraulic behavior in the secondary side of horizontal steam generator during the plant normal operation. A test was carried out with cross section slice model simulated the straight tube region. In this paper, the results of the test is reported, and the effect of the horizontal steam generator internals on the thermalhydraulic behavior of the secondary side and the circulation characteristics of the secondary side are discussed. (orig.). 3 refs.

  13. Advanced technologies on steam generators

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Sakata, Kaoru; Nakamura, Yuuki [Mitsubishi Heavy Industry Co., Takasago (Japan); Nakamori, Nobuo; Mizutani, Toshiyuki; Uwagawa, Seiichi; Saito, Itaru [Mitsubishi Heavy Industry Co., Kobe (Japan); Matsuoka, Tsuyoshi [Mitsubishi Heavy Industry Co., Yokohama (Japan)

    1998-12-31

    The thermal-hydraulic tests for a horizontal steam generator of a next-generation PWR (New PWR-21) were performed. The purpose of these tests is to understand the thermal-hydraulic behavior in the secondary side of horizontal steam generator during the plant normal operation. A test was carried out with cross section slice model simulated the straight tube region. In this paper, the results of the test is reported, and the effect of the horizontal steam generator internals on the thermalhydraulic behavior of the secondary side and the circulation characteristics of the secondary side are discussed. (orig.). 3 refs.

  14. Use of self-organizing maps for classification of defects in the tubes from the steam generator of nuclear power plants

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Mesquita, Roberto Navarro de

    2002-01-01

    This thesis obtains a new classification method for different steam generator tube defects in nuclear power plants using Eddy Current Test signals. The method uses self-organizing maps to compare different signal characteristics efficiency to identify and classify these defects. A multiple inference system is proposed which composes the different extracted characteristic trained maps classification to infer the final defect type. The feature extraction methods used are the Wavelet zero-crossings representation, the linear predictive coding (LPC), and other basic signal representations on time like module and phase. Many characteristic vectors are obtained with combinations of these extracted characteristics. These vectors are tested to classify the defects and the best ones are applied to the multiple inference system. A systematic study of pre-processing, calibration and analysis methods for the steam generator tube defect signals in nuclear power plants is done. The method efficiency is demonstrated and characteristic maps with the main prototypes are obtained for each steam generator tube defect type. (author)

  15. The development and application of overheating failure model of FBR steam generator tubes. 2

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Miyake, Osamu; Hamada, Hirotsugu; Tanabe, Hiromi

    2001-11-01

    The JNC technical report 'The Development and Application of Overheating Failure Model of FBR Steam Generator Tubes' summarized the assessment method and its application for the overheating tube failure in an event of sodium-water reaction accident of fast breeder reactor's steam generators (SGs). This report describes the following items studied after the publication of the above technical report. 1. On the basis of the SWAT-3 experimental data, realistic local heating conditions (reaction zone temperature and related heat transfer conditions) for the sodium-water reaction were proposed. New correlations are cosine-shaped temperature profiles with 1,170 C maximum for the 100% and 40% Monju operating conditions, and those with 1,110 C maximum for the 10% condition. 2. For the cooling effects inside of target tubes, LWR's studies of critical heat flux (CHF) and post-CHF heat transfer correlations have been examined and considered in the assessment. The revised assessment adopts the Katto's correlation for CHF, and the Condie-Bengston IV correlation for post-CHF. 3. Other additional examination for the assessment includes treatments of the whole heating effect (other than the local reaction zone) due to the sodium-water reaction, and the temperature-dependent thermal properties of the heat transfer tube material (2.25Cr-1Mo steel). The revised overheating tube failure assessment method has been applied to the Monju SG studies. It is revealed consequently that no tube failure occurs in 100%, 40%, and 10% operating conditions when an initial leak is detected by the cover gas pressure detection system. The assessment for the SG system improved for the detection and blowdown systems shows even better safety margins against the overheating tube failure. (author)

  16. Probe for detection of denting in PWR steam generator tubes; Sonde de detection du denting des tubes de generateurs de vapeur REP

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Gerardin, J P; Germain, J L; Nio, J C

    1994-07-01

    In certain types of PWR steam generator, oxide deposits can lead to embedding, and subsequently to deformation of a tube (the phenomenon of ``denting``). Such embedding changes the vibratory behavior of the tubes and can result in fatigue cracking. This type of cracking can also be worsened in the event of improper assembly of the anti-vibration spacer bars supporting the U-bends. To prevent such incidents and provide for effective preventive condition-directed maintenance of its PWR steam generators, EDF has undertaken the study and development of a probe to detect this type of phenomenon. The studies began in 1990 and led to the building of an initial prototype probe. The principle behind the probe consists in inducing vibration in the U-bend and determining the main resonance modes of the tube. Measurements of frequency and amplitude and calculation of damping enable characterization of the mechanical behavior of the U-bend. The most important parameter is damping, for which the value must be sufficiently high to ensure that the tube is not subjected to major vibratory amplitudes during operation. Numerous tests have been performed with the first prototype version of the probe, on a mock-up in the test area and on one of the demounted steam generators on the Dampierre site. These different tests have enabled validation of the operating principle, fine-tuning the process, pinpointing certain mechanical problems in the probe design, and obtaining the first indications as to the real vibratory behavior of U-bends on a steam generator. On the basis of these preliminary tests, the specifications were drawn up for an industrial version of the probe. Following a call for bids and the choice of a manufacturer, work began on fabrication of a new probe model in 1993. This version was delivered at the end of 1993 and testing began in 1994. (authors). 5 figs., 2 tabs.

  17. Fiber Fabry-Perot Force Sensor with Small Volume and High Performance for Assessing Fretting Damage of Steam Generator Tubes.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Huang, Peijian; Wang, Ning; Li, Junying; Zhu, Yong; Zhang, Jie

    2017-12-13

    Measuring the radial collision force between the steam generator tube (SGT) and the tube support plate (TSP) is essential to assess the fretting damage of the SGT. In order to measure the radial collision force, a novel miniaturized force sensor based on fiber Fabry-Perot (F-P) was designed, and the principle and characteristics of the sensor were analyzed in detail. Then, the F-P force sensor was successfully fabricated and calibrated, and the overall dimensions of the encapsulated fiber F-P sensor were 17 mm × 5 mm × 3 mm (L × W × H). The sensor works well in humid, high pressure (10 MPa), high temperature (350 °C), and vibration (40 kHz) environments. Finally, the F-P force sensors were installed in a 1:1 steam generator test loop, and the radial collision force signals between the SGT and the TSP were obtained. The experiments indicated that the F-P sensor with small volume and high performance could help in assessing the fretting damage of the steam generator tubes.

  18. PWR steam generator chemical cleaning. Phase I: solvent and process development. Volume II

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Larrick, A.P.; Paasch, R.A.; Hall, T.M.; Schneidmiller, D.

    1979-01-01

    A program to demonstrate chemical cleaning methods for removing magnetite corrosion products from the annuli between steam generator tubes and the tube support plates in vertical U-tube steam generators is described. These corrosion products have caused steam generator tube ''denting'' and in some cases have caused tube failures and support plate cracking in several PWR generating plants. Laboratory studies were performed to develop a chemical cleaning solvent and application process for demonstration cleaning of the Indian Point Unit 2 steam generators. The chemical cleaning solvent and application process were successfully pilot-tested by cleaning the secondary side of one of the Indian Point Unit 1 steam generators. Although the Indian Point Unit 1 steam generators do not have a tube denting problem, the pilot test provided for testing of the solvent and process using much of the same equipment and facilities that would be used for the Indian Point Unit 2 demonstration cleaning. The chemical solvent selected for the pilot test was an inhibited 3% citric acid-3% ascorbic acid solution. The application process, injection into the steam generator through the boiler blowdown system and agitation by nitrogen sparging, was tested in a nuclear environment and with corrosion products formed during years of steam generator operation at power. The test demonstrated that the magnetite corrosion products in simulated tube-to-tube support plate annuli can be removed by chemical cleaning; that corrosion resulting from the cleaning is not excessive; and that steam generator cleaning can be accomplished with acceptable levels of radiation exposure to personnel

  19. Support and tool displacement device for the attachment of a tube bundle on a tubular plate of a steam generator

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Morisot, M.; Werle, R.; Michaud, J.P.

    1983-01-01

    The steam generator is being assembled, disposed with its axis horizontal and its tubular plate vertical; the device described in this patent, allows to automatize the preparation stages of the tubular plate and the attachment of the bundle, to shorten the construction of the steam generator and to remove drudgeries done by hand on the tubular plate or the tubes of the bundle. The invention can be applied to the construction of PWR steam generators [fr

  20. Prediction of localized flow velocities and turbulence in a PWR steam generator: Final report

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Stuhmiller, J.H.

    1988-05-01

    The Steam Generator Project Office (SGPO) of the Steam Generator Owners Group and Electric Power Research Institute has developed a methodology for prediction of steam generator tube buffeting and associated material wear. Turbulent buffeting of steam generator tubes causes low amplitude vibratory response which results in fretting wear at support locations. Concerns raised at the Zion Nuclear Power Plant regarding the useful life of their steam generators prompted this study, in which the SGPO methodology is applied to analysis of the Westinghouse Model 51 steam generator. The specific intent of this project was to calculate turbulent buffeting forces within the tube bank of an operating Model 51 steam generator as a first step in the overall SGPO tube vibration and wear prediction strategy. Attention is focused on flow in the vicinity of anti-vibration bars (U-bend region) and on the flow that leaves the downcomer to impact against peripheral tubes. Other projects utilized the buffeting forces calculated here to determine tube vibratory response, tube-support plate impact statistics, and material wear rates. Besides successfully calculating hydraulic buffeting loads within the tube bank, the present project has enhanced the SGPO methodology and has identified hitherto unnoticed flow phenomena that occur in the steam generator. Experiments have also been carried out to validate numerical computations of the steam generator flow field

  1. Steam generator tube support plate degradation in French plants: maintenance strategy

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Gauchet, J.-P.; Gillet, N.; Stindel, M.

    1998-01-01

    This paper reports on the degradations of Steam Generator (SG) Tube Support Plates (TSPs) observed in French plants and the maintenance strategy adopted to continue operating the plant without any decrease of the required safety level. Only drilled carbon steel TSPs of early SGs are affected. Except the particular damage of the TSP8 of FESSENHEIM 2 caused by chemical cleaning procedures implemented in 1992, two main problems were observed almost exclusively on the upper TSP: Ligaments ruptured near the aseismic block located at 215 degrees. This degradation is perfectly detectable by bobbin coil inspection. It occurs very early in the life of the SG as can be seen from the records of previous inspections and no evolution of the signals was observed. This damage can be detected for 51M model SGs on several sites; Wastage of the ligaments resulting in enlargement of flow holes with in some cases complete consumption of a ligament. This damage was only observed for SGs of at GRAVELINES. This damage evolved cycle after cycle. Detailed studies were performed to analyze tubing behavior when a tube is not supported by the upper TSP because of missing ligaments. These studies evaluated the risk of vibratory instability, the behavior of both the TSP and the tubing in case of a seismic event or a LOCA and finally the behavior of the TSP in case of a Steam Line Break. Concerning vibratory instability it was possible to define zones where stability could not be demonstrated. Dampine, cables and sentinel plugs were then used when necessary to eliminate the risk of Steam Generator Tube Rupture (SGTR). For accidental conditions, it could be shown that no unacceptable damage occurs and that the core cooling function of the SG is always maintained if some tubes are plugged. From this analysis, It was possible to define the inspection programs for the different plants taking into account the specific situation of each plant regarding the damages detected. These programs include

  2. Expandable antivibration bar for a steam generator

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lagally, H.O.

    1986-01-01

    A steam generator tube support structure comprises expandable antivibration bars positioned between rows of tubes in the steam generator and attached to retaining rings surrounding the bundle of tubes. The antivibration bars have adjacent bar sections with mating surfaces formed as inclined planes which upon relative longitudinal motion between the upper and lower bars provides a means to increase the overall thickness across the structure to the required value. The bar section is retained against longitudinal movement in take-up assembly whereas the bar section is movable longitudinally by rotation of a nut. (author)

  3. Optimization of crack detection in steam generator tubes using a punctual probe

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Levy, R.; Ferre, C.

    1985-01-01

    The existence of cracks at the upper end of the expanded zone of a steam generator tube is a recent problem. A differential pencil probe was used for the detection of those cracks with encouraging results. An optimization study has been necessary to solve the difficulties in the evaluation of defects, due to the design of the first probe; the result is a probe making possible a precise analysis of detected signals

  4. Steam generator inspection activities at the EPRI NDE Center

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Krzywosz, K.

    1988-01-01

    Various types of corrosion and mechanical damage continue to affect the availability of both recirculating and once-through steam generators. Both the tube bundle and its supporting structure are affected. Intergranular attack and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) are the corrosion-assisted tube-wall damage mechanisms of most concern at this time. Fatigue cracking and fretting at antivibration bars are currently the mechanical damage forms causing most concern. Improved NDE equipment and techniques are providing better detection and characterization of adverse conditions within the steam generators and doing it at an earlier stage. This allows timely corrective action. To maintain the projected life expectancy of existing and new steam generators, remedial measures have been implemented. These measures include shot- or roto-peening, U-bend stress relief, chemical cleaning of secondary side, and sleeving of tubes. The improved NDE technology will also be instrumental in monitoring and assessing the effectiveness of the remedial measures. The revision of guidance documents for steam generator in-service inspection (ISI) is providing more relevant information to support this complex operation. A multitasked project is described that includes evaluation of steam generator tube NDE technology, transfer of this technology to utilities, and rapid response utility assistance

  5. Device for removing and recuperating sludge deposited on the tube plate of a steam generator

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Bes, Louis.

    1982-01-01

    The cleaning device includes a descaling ramp with high pressure jets permanently fixed inside the steam generator, a system for driving the sludge formed towards the centre of the tube plate and a valve for removing the sludge giving into a hollow central column [fr

  6. Ultrasonic inspection of steam generator tubing for cracks, wall thinning and cross-sectional deformation

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Meyer, P.A.; Carodiskey, T.J.

    1988-01-01

    Periodic inspection of steam generator tubing is an important consideration in the efficient operation of a power generating facility. Since the operating life of these generators is finite, failures will occur. Due to the chemistry of the environment, thermal cycling, and other factors, flaws may develop that can cause rapid deterioration of the tubing while the overall performance of the unit may appear normal. In earlier presentation, the authors presented an ultrasonic bore-side array transducer which can be used with a conventional flaw detector instrument for the location of circumferential crack type defects on the outside tube surface. since that time, much additional experience has been gained on the performance of these probes. Probe performance has been characterized using fatigue crack samples and these results are reviewed. Probes have also been developed having 16 elements for use in larger diameter (25 mm) tubes. The bore-side array concept has been expanded to normal incidence tube well inspection allowing simultaneous wall thickness and eccentricity measurement which is very useful in the assessment of tube wastage and deformation. Preliminary data obtained in this area is presented

  7. Residual stresses associated with the hydraulic expansion of steam generator tubing into tubesheets

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Middlebrooks, W.B.; Harrod, D.L.; Gold, R.E.

    1993-01-01

    Various methods are being used to expand heat transfer tubes into the thick tubesheets of nuclear steam generators. The residual stresses in the as-expanded tubes and methods for reducing these stresses are important because of the role which residual stresses play in stress corrosion cracking and stress assisted corrosion of the tubing. Of the various expansion processes, the hydraulic expansion process is most amenable to analytical study. This paper presents results on the residual stresses and strains in hydraulically expanded tubes and the tubesheet as computed by two different finite element codes with three different finite element models and by a theoretical incremental analysis method. The calculations include a sensitivity analysis to assess the effects of the expansion variables and the effect of stress relief heat treatments. (orig.)

  8. Design and manufacture of steam generators for replacement

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hirano, Hiroshi; Kuri, Syuhei

    1995-01-01

    The basic specification of the steam generators for replacement as heat exchangers (the pressure, temperature, flow rate and thermal output on primary and secondary sides) is set same as that of steam generators before replacement, but the latest design reflecting the operation experience obtained so far and taking the countermeasures for preventing heating tube damage in it is adopted, such as the heating tubes made of TT 690 alloy, the tube support plates with four-lobe shape tube holes made of stainless steel, the stainless steel rest fittings of three in one set and so on. After the heating tube break accident in Mihama No. 2 plant, the quality control was further strengthened. The comparison of the specifications of the steam generators of respective plants before and after the replacement is shown. The main objective of improving steam generators is the heightening of the reliability of heating tubes against intergranular attack and primary water stress corrosion cracking. The improvements of heating tube material, tube support plate material, secondary side heat flow, the shape of tube holes of tube support plates, the method of expanding heating tubes, and vibration-controlling fittings are explained. As to the manufacturing procedure and quality control, the manufacture of raw materials, the build-up welding of tube plates, the manufacture of lower half shell plates, the tube hole making of support plates, the insection of outer cylinder, flow rate distribution plate. Support plates and heating tubes, the sealing welding and expanding of heating tubes, the fixing of rest fittings, the manufacture and fixing of water chamber cover, the manufacture of upper half shell, the fixing of parts inside it, the final joint and inspection are described. (K.I.)

  9. A heat transfer study for vertical straight-tube steam generators heated by liquid metal

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Valette, M.

    1984-04-01

    A single-tube mockup of a vertical straight-tube steam generator heated by sodium-potassium alloy NaK was submitted to thermal and hydraulic testing in conditions representative of fast breeder reactor operation. The mockup consisted of a 10mm I.D. ferritic steel heat exchange tube centered inside a cylindrical stainless steel shell. The complete assembly was 20.9 meters long. Water flowed upward inside the exchange tube, and NaK flowed downward in the annular gap between the tube and the shell. The steam outlet pressure ranged from 90 to 195 bars, while the liquid metal temperature at the mockup inlet was between 480 and 580 0 C. The water flowrate in the tube ranged from 153 to 2460 kg.m -2 .s -1 . During the tests the fluid inlet and outlet temperatures, flowrate and pressures were measured, as was the NaK temperature profile over the full length of the device. The test results were subsequently compared with heat exchange and pressure drop values calculated using the standard formulas for straight-tube heat exchangers. The heat exchange coefficients predicted by these correlations in the boiling zone were found to be largely overestimated, while the calculated pressure drop values proved satisfactory. A set of modified correlations is proposed to account for the observed phenomena, and for use in designing commercial units, provided the sodium flow in the tube bundle is adequately distributed

  10. Top of tubesheet cracking in Bruce A NGS steam generator tubing - recent experience

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Clark, M.A.; Lepik, O.; Mirzai, M.; Thompson, I.

    1998-01-01

    During the Bruce A Nuclear Generating Station (BNGS-A) Unit 1 1997 planned outage, a dew point search method identified a leak in one steam generator(SG) tube. Subsequently, the tube was inspected with all available eddy current probes and removed for examination. The initial inspection results and metallurgical examination of the removed tube confirmed that the leak was due to intergranular attack/stress corrosion cracking (IGA/SCC) emanating from the secondary side of the tube at the top of the tubesheet location. Subsequently, eddy current and ultrasonic indications were found at the top of the tubesheet of other Alloy 600 SG tubes. To investigate the source of the indications and to validate the inspection probes, sections of 40 tubes with various levels of damage were removed. The metallurgical examination of the removed sections showed that both secondary side and primary side initiated, circumferential, stress corrosion cracking and intergranular attack occurred in the BNGS-A SG tubing. Significant degradation from both mechanisms was found, invariably located in the roll transition region of the top expansion joint between the tube and the tubesheet on the hot leg (304 degrees C) side of the tube. Various aspects of the failures and tube examinations are presented in this paper, including presentation of the cracking morphology, measured crack size distributions, and discussion of some factors possibly affecting the cracking. (author)

  11. PMK-2. Experimental study on steam generator behaviour

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Ezsoel, G.; Szabados, L.; Trosztel, I. [KFKI Atomic Energy Research Inst., Budabest (Hungary)

    1995-12-31

    The PMK-2 is a full pressure scaled-down model of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, with a 1:2070 scaling ratio for the volume and power. It has a steam generator model which is a vertical section of the horizontal steam generator. The model has hot and cold collectors similarly to the steam generators of the plant. The heat transfer tubes are horizontal tubes. There are 82 rows of tubes and the elevations, as well as the heat transfer surface distribution is the same as in the plant. The elevation of the feed water supply is similar to that of the plant. To study the temperature distribution in both the primary and the secondary side several thermocouples are built in, in addition to the overall instrumentation of the loop which has again a high number of measurement channels. Paper gives a description and results of SPE-4, with special respect to the steam generator behaviour in both steady state and transient conditions. Axial distribution of coolant and feedwater temperatures are given for the primary and the secondary side of hot and cold collectors and the temperature distribution in the centre of steam generator. (orig.).

  12. PMK-2. Experimental study on steam generator behaviour

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Ezsoel, G; Szabados, L; Trosztel, I [KFKI Atomic Energy Research Inst., Budabest (Hungary)

    1996-12-31

    The PMK-2 is a full pressure scaled-down model of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, with a 1:2070 scaling ratio for the volume and power. It has a steam generator model which is a vertical section of the horizontal steam generator. The model has hot and cold collectors similarly to the steam generators of the plant. The heat transfer tubes are horizontal tubes. There are 82 rows of tubes and the elevations, as well as the heat transfer surface distribution is the same as in the plant. The elevation of the feed water supply is similar to that of the plant. To study the temperature distribution in both the primary and the secondary side several thermocouples are built in, in addition to the overall instrumentation of the loop which has again a high number of measurement channels. Paper gives a description and results of SPE-4, with special respect to the steam generator behaviour in both steady state and transient conditions. Axial distribution of coolant and feedwater temperatures are given for the primary and the secondary side of hot and cold collectors and the temperature distribution in the centre of steam generator. (orig.).

  13. Mechanical design of a sodium heated steam generator

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Chetal, S.C.

    1975-01-01

    FBTR steam generator is a once through type unit consisting of four 12.5 MW thermal modules generating a total of 74 tons per hour of steam at 125 bar and 480 0 C. This paper outlines the mechanical design of such type of steam generator with emphasis on special design problems associated with this type of sodium to water steam heat exchanger, namely, thermal cycling of transition zone where nucleate boiling changes over to film boiling, application of pressure vessel design criteria for transient pressures, thermal stress evaluation resulting from differential expansion between shell and tube in this typical configuration, sodium headers support design, thermal sleeve, design, thermal shock analysis in thick tubes, thermal stress resulting from stratification and stability of expansion bends against vibration. Some of the possible design changes for the future large size steam generator are outlined. (author)

  14. Corrosion aspects in steam generators of nuclear power plants

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Visoni, E.; Santos Pinto, M. dos

    1988-01-01

    Steam generators of pressurized water reactors (PWR), transfer heat from a primary coolant system to a secondary coolant system. Primary coolant water is heated in the core and passes through the steam generator that transfer heat to the secondary coolant water. However, the steam generator is dead for ionic impurities, corrosion products and fabrication/maintenence residues. These impurities concentrate between crevice and cracks. Many types of degradation mechanisms affect the tubes. The tubes are dented, craked, ovalized, wasted, etc. This paper describes the main corrosion problems in steam generators and includes the corrective actions to considered to reduce or eliminate these corrosion problems. (author) [pt

  15. Coincident steam generator tube rupture and stuck-open safety relief valve carryover tests: MB-2 steam generator transient response test program

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Garbett, K.; Mendler, O.J.; Gardner, G.C.; Garnsey, R.; Young, M.Y.

    1987-03-01

    In PWR steam generator tube rupture (SGTR) faults, a direct pathway for the release of radioactive fission products can exist if there is a coincident stuck-open safety relief valve (SORV) or if the safety relief valve is cycled. In addition to the release of fission products from the bulk steam generator water by moisture carryover, there exists the possibility that some primary coolant may be released without having first mixed with the bulk water - a process called primary coolant bypassing. The MB-2 Phase II test program was designed specifically to identify the processes for droplet carryover during SGTR faults and to provide data of sufficient accuracy for use in developing physical models and computer codes to describe activity release. The test program consisted of sixteen separate tests designed to cover a range of steady-state and transient fault conditions. These included a full SGTR/SORV transient simulation, two SGTR overfill tests, ten steady-state SGTR tests at water levels ranging from very low levels in the bundle up to those when the dryer was flooded, and three moisture carryover tests without SGTR. In these tests the influence of break location and the effect of bypassing the dryer were also studied. In a final test the behavior with respect to aerosol particles in a dry steam generator, appropriate to a severe accident fault, was investigated

  16. Photographic inspection apparatus and process to know the shape and the dimensions of the end parts of steam generator tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Martin, A.

    1986-01-01

    Before any inspection or repair operation of the tubes of a steam generator, one needs to know the shape and the dimension of the hole of the tube in the near the primary face of the tube plate. The photographic inspection apparatus is moved parallel with the tube plate, inside the water box, such as its optical axis keeps parallel to a determined direction during its displacement. One takes successively photographs of the primary face of the tube plate with the photographic apparatus in different positions, to obtain at least two photographs of each tube to be inspected, under different angles. Photographs are developed at a determined scale of the primary face of the tube plate and of the tube ends. The photographs are oriented two by two to obtain a stereophotogrammetric view of the end parts of each tube. Measurements and examinations are done from the stereophotogrammetric view obtained for each tube, outside the steam generator zone. The invention concerns the process and also the photographic apparatus described in the present patent [fr

  17. A Study of Frequency Mixing Approaches for Eddy Current Testing of Steam Generator Tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Jung, Hee Jun; Song, Sung Jin; Kim, Chang Hwan; Kim, Dae Kwang

    2009-01-01

    The multifrequency eddy current testing(ECT) have been proposed various frequency mixing algorithms. In this study, we compare these approaches to frequency mixing of ECT signals from steam generator tubes; time-domain optimization, discrete cosine transform-domain optimization. Specifically, in this study, two different frequency mixing algorithms, a time-domain optimization method and a discrete cosine transform(DCT) optimization method, are investigated using the experimental signals captured from the ASME standard tube. The DCT domain optimization method is computationally fast but produces larger amount of residue.

  18. Denting of Inconel 600 steam generator tubes in pressurized water reactors

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Van Rooyen, D.; Weeks, J.R.

    1976-10-01

    Rapid, localized corrosion of carbon steel tube support plates (TSP) has led to cases of denting of steam generator tubes, due to the pressure of corrosion products formed in crevices between the tubes and TSP holes. The corrosion product is mainly magnetite (Fe 3 O 4 ), formed in ''run-away'' fashion as a result of local chemistry changes when an extended operation with phosphate (PO 4 ) treatment of the secondary coolant is followed by an all volatile treatment (AVT). The rate of the ''run-away'' magnetite formation, and therefore, the extent of damage will probably vary with the amounts of the harmful chemicals present and with temperature. Leaky condensers are felt to be responsible for the presence of Cl - ions, and for the observation that denting is more extensive in plants with salt water cooled condensers. It is possible that thermal cycles assist the denting process, both by mechanical and chemical ratchetting mechanisms. Recommendations are presented concerning the continued operation of plants with observed denting

  19. Large-leak sodium-water reaction analysis for steam generators

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Sakano, K.; Shindo, Y.; Hori, M.

    1975-01-01

    The guillotine rupture of 4 tubes is assumed as a design basis regarding the large-leak sodium-water reaction in the system of the MONJU steam generator. Three kinds of analyses were performed with the view to showing the integrity of the steam generator system on the reaction. The first one is the analysis of the initial pressure spike, assuming the initial guillotine rupture of 1 tube. The analysis was performed by utilizing one-dimensional sphere-cylinder model code SWAC-7 and two-dimensional axisymmetric code PISCES 2DL. The second one is the analysis of the secondary peak pressure and its propagation in the system, assuming the instantaneous guillotine rupture of 4 tubes. The third one is the analysis of the dynamic deformation of the steam generator shell. The integrity of the steam generator system was shown by the analyses. (author)

  20. Large-leak sodium-water reaction analysis for steam generators

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Sakano, K; Shindo, Y; Hori, M

    1975-07-01

    The guillotine rupture of 4 tubes is assumed as a design basis regarding the large-leak sodium-water reaction in the system of the MONJU steam generator. Three kinds of analyses were performed with the view to showing the integrity of the steam generator system on the reaction. The first one is the analysis of the initial pressure spike, assuming the initial guillotine rupture of 1 tube. The analysis was performed by utilizing one-dimensional sphere-cylinder model code SWAC-7 and two-dimensional axisymmetric code PISCES 2DL. The second one is the analysis of the secondary peak pressure and its propagation in the system, assuming the instantaneous guillotine rupture of 4 tubes. The third one is the analysis of the dynamic deformation of the steam generator shell. The integrity of the steam generator system was shown by the analyses. (author)

  1. Reliability of double-wall-tube steam generator for FBR considering water leak accident frequency

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ueda, Nobuyuki; Kinoshita, Izumi; Nishi, Yoshihisa

    2000-01-01

    For early realization, a fast breeder reactor (FBR) is required to reduce construction cost. A reactor concept in which the intermediate heat transport system is eliminated by introducing a double-wall-tube steam generator is one convincing approach. The reliability of the double-wall-tube SG in a water leak accident (sodium-water reaction accident) due to tube failure is strongly related to the mitigating system design. The safety design of the double-wall-tube SG approach is investigated to limit the accident occurrence below 10 -7 (1/ry. A tube-to-tube weld is excluded from the reference design, because the welding process is too difficult and complicated to effectively prevent adhesion of the double-wall-tube. The reliability of the tube-to-tube plate was evaluated at 10 -10 (l/hr) for an inner tube and 10 -9 (l/hr) for an outer with reference to the failure experience of previous SGs. The failure must be detected within 30 to 60 minutes. (author)

  2. Optical Fiber Demodulation System with High Performance for Assessing Fretting Damage of Steam Generator Tubes.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Huang, Peijian; Wang, Ning; Li, Junying; Zhu, Yong; Zhang, Jie; Xi, Zhide

    2018-01-12

    In order to access the fretting damage of the steam generator tube (SGT), a fast fiber Fabry-Perot (F-P) non-scanning correlation demodulation system based on a super luminescent light emitting diode (SLED) was performed. By demodulating the light signal coming out from the F-P force sensor, the radial collision force between the SGT and the tube support plate (TSP) was interrogated. For higher demodulation accuracy, the effects of the center wavelength, bandwidth, and spectrum noise of SLED were discussed in detail. Specially, a piezoelectric ceramic transducer (PZT) modulation method was developed to get rid of the interference of mode coupling induced by different types of fiber optics in the demodulation system. The reflectivity of optical wedge and F-P sensor was optimized. Finally, the demodulation system worked well in a 1:1 steam generator test loop and successfully demodulated a force signal of 32 N with a collision time of 2 ms.

  3. Optical Fiber Demodulation System with High Performance for Assessing Fretting Damage of Steam Generator Tubes

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Peijian Huang

    2018-01-01

    Full Text Available In order to access the fretting damage of the steam generator tube (SGT, a fast fiber Fabry-Perot (F-P non-scanning correlation demodulation system based on a super luminescent light emitting diode (SLED was performed. By demodulating the light signal coming out from the F-P force sensor, the radial collision force between the SGT and the tube support plate (TSP was interrogated. For higher demodulation accuracy, the effects of the center wavelength, bandwidth, and spectrum noise of SLED were discussed in detail. Specially, a piezoelectric ceramic transducer (PZT modulation method was developed to get rid of the interference of mode coupling induced by different types of fiber optics in the demodulation system. The reflectivity of optical wedge and F-P sensor was optimized. Finally, the demodulation system worked well in a 1:1 steam generator test loop and successfully demodulated a force signal of 32 N with a collision time of 2 ms.

  4. Evaluation of a steam generator tube repair process using an explosive expansion techniuqe at TMI-1

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Rajan, J.; Shook, T.A.; Leonard, L.

    1983-01-01

    After a planned shutdown of Unit No. 1 at Three Mile Island, cracks were discovered in the primary side of steam generator tubes in the vicinity of the upper surface of the upper tubesheet. The nature of these cracks was later characterized as intergranular stress corrosion. The licensee, General Public Utilities Nuclear (GPUN), proposed to form a new tube-to-tubesheet seal below the cracks using a repair process wherein a detonating cord and polyethylene cartridge assembly inserted into the tube explosively expand the tube against the tubesheet. The explosive expansion process has had numerous applications over the years in the initial fabrication of heat exchanger tube-to-tubesheet assemblies and in repair processes using sleeving. However, this is the first use of this process in a steam generator to expand a previously rolled tube and to form a new seal between it and the tubesheet below a defective region in the tube. The seal obtained between the tube and tubesheet depends on the magnitude of explosive energy released in the detonating process. In this application, it is desired to obtain a mechanical bond rather than a metallurgical welding of the tube and tubesheet. A number of critical variables must be taken into account in order to obtain a successful mechanical seal. These include the explosive power of the detonating cord, the number of expansion shots used, the length of tube which is expanded, cartridge and tube diameters, the diameter of the tubesheet hole, the materials of the tube and tubesheet, and the condition of the surfaces at the time of repair. (orig./GL)

  5. Improved eddy-current inspection for steam generator tubing

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Dodd, C.V.; Pate, J.R.; Allen, J.D. Jr.

    1989-01-01

    Computer programs have been written to allow the analysis of different types of eddy-current probes and their performance under different steam generator test conditions. The probe types include the differential bobbin probe, the absolute bobbin probe, the pancake probe and the reflection probe. The generator test conditions include tube supports, copper deposits, magnetite deposits, denting, wastage, pitting, cracking and IGA. These studies are based mostly on computed values, with the limited number of test specimens available used to verify the computed results. The instrument readings were computed for a complete matrix of the different test conditions, and then the test conditions determined as a function of the readings by a least-squares technique. A comparison was made of the errors in fit and instrument drift for the different probe types. The computations of the change in instrument reading due to the defects have led to an ''inversion'' technique in which the defect properties can be computed from the instrument readings. This has been done both experimentally and analytically for each of these probe types. 3 refs., 13 figs., 1 tab

  6. Steam-generator tube failures: world experience in water-cooled nuclear power reactors in 1974

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hare, M.G.

    1976-01-01

    Steam-generator tube failures were reported at 25 of 59 water-cooled nuclear power reactors surveyed in 1974, compared to 11 of 49 in 1973. A summary is presented of these failures, most of which, where the cause is known, were the result of corrosion. Water chemistry control, inspection and repair procedures, and failure rates are discussed

  7. Steam generator for pressurized-water reactors

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Michel, E.

    1971-01-01

    In the steam generator for a PWR the central fall space of a U-tube bundel heat exchanger is used as a preliminary cyclon separator. The steam escaping upwards, which is largely free of water, can flow through the residual heating surface, i.e. the U-tube turns. In this way substantial drying and less superheating by the heat still added becomes possible. In its upper part the central fall space for the water separated in the preliminary separator, enclosed by a cylindrical guide wall and the U-tube bundle, is provided with tangential inlet slots. Through these, the water-steam mixture steams out of the section of the vertical legs of the U-tube bundle into the fall space. Above the inlet slots the rising space is closed by means of a turn-round plate. At the lower end of the guide wall outlet, slots are provided for the water flowing downwards and radially outwards into the unfilled space. (DG/PB) [de

  8. SCC testing of steam generator tubes repaired by welded sleeves

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Pierson, E.; Stubbe, J.

    1993-01-01

    One way to repair steam generator tubing is to introduce a sleeve inside the tube so that it spans the corroded area and to seal it at both ends. This technique has been studied at Laborelec with a particular attention paid to the occurrence of new SCC cracks at the upper joint. Tube segments coming from the same lot of mill annealed alloy 600 were sent to six manufacturers to be sleeved by their own procedure (including TIG, laser or kinetic welding, followed or not by a stress relief heat treatment), and then tested at Laborelecin 10% NaOH at 350 degrees C. The tests were performed with and without differential pressure i.e. in capsules (Δ = 9 and 19 MPa) and in autoclave (Δp = 0). Nearly all the not stress relieved mock-ups developed through cracks in several hundred hours in auto-clave. The cracks were circumferential and situated near the weld. At 9 and 19 MPa, the time to failure decreased and longitudinal cracks appeared near the weld and at the transition zone of expanded areas. Cracks were never observed in the alloy 690 sleeve, except in the weld bead. Reference capsules (roll expaned tubes) made of the same lot of alloy 600 were tested in the same environment

  9. Design of a partial inter-tube lancing system actuated by hydraulic power for type F model steam generator in nuclear power plant

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kim, S. T.; Jeong, W. T.

    2008-01-01

    The sludge grown up in steam generators of nuclear power plants shortens the life-cycle of steam generators and reduces the output of power plants. So KHNP(Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power), the only nuclear power utility in Korea, removes it periodically using a steam generator lancing system during the outage of plants for an overhaul. KEPRI(Korea Electric Power Research Institute) has developed lancing systems with high pressured water nozzle for steam generators of nuclear power plants since 2001. In this paper, the design of a partial inter-tube lancing system for model F type steam generators will be described. The system is actuated without a DC motor inner steam generators because the motors in a steam generator make a trouble from high intensity of radioactivity as a break down

  10. Steam generator tubesheet waterlancing at Bruce B

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Persad, R. [Babcock and Wilcox Canada, Cambridge, Ontario (Canada); Eybergen, D. [Bruce Power, Tiverton, Ontario (Canada)

    2006-07-01

    High pressure water cleaning of steam generator secondary side tubesheet surfaces is an important and effective strategy for reducing or eliminating under-deposit chemical attack of the tubing. At the Bruce B station, reaching the interior of the tube bundle with a high-pressure water lance is particularly challenging due to the requirement to setup on-boiler equipment within the containment bellows. This paper presents how these and other design constraints were solved with new equipment. Also discussed is the application of new high-resolution inter-tube video probe capability to the Bruce B steam generator tubesheets. (author)

  11. Experience with modular steam generator production and application of new testing methods

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Olesovsky

    Experience is reviewed gained at the Trebic IBZKG plant with the production of modular steam generators. The plant started producing steam generators for the Jaslovske Bohunice nuclear power plant in 1965. In addition to the steam generator for the A-1, the plant also produced a loop for the Melekess power plant and a steam generator for the BOR-60 reactor. Operating experience gained so far allowed improving the quality of the BOR steam generator, especially in the tube-tube plate joint. A double tube plate was used and the welded joint shape was changed. As a result of high requirements on the quality of welded joints, the steam generator has successfully been in operation for more then 10,000 hours. The existing experience was utilized in designing a new steam generator named Nadya. Many design and technological requirements were presented concerning the Nadya generator and many new checking operations have been included in technology. (Kr)

  12. Capability evaluation of Eddy current and ultrasonic in-service inspections of steam generator tubes. A status report of PISC III Action 5

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Bieth, M.; Birac, C.; Comby, R.

    1998-01-01

    Document summarizes the PISC III (Programme for the Inspection of Steel Components) report No. 41, full description of the PISC III Action 5 on Steam Generator Tubes Inspection, containing all details and final conclusions which are still to be approved by the PISC III Management Board. The report was prepared by the reference laboratory of PISC under guidance and with continuous contribution of the members of the Data Analysis Group (DAG) of this PISC III. There were several procedures which demonstrated good detection capability of major flaws in typical locations of the steam generator. Conclusions of the exercise indicate that capability demonstration is necessary to qualify in service inspection procedures for steam generator tubes

  13. Influence of sodium deposits in steam generator tubes on remote field eddy current signals

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Thirunavukkarasu, S. [EMSI Section, NDE Division, Metallurgy and Materials Group, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam 603 102, Tamil Nadu (India); Rao, B.P.C. [EMSI Section, NDE Division, Metallurgy and Materials Group, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam 603 102, Tamil Nadu (India)], E-mail: bpcrao@igcar.gov.in; Vaidyanathan, S.; Jayakumar, T.; Raj, Baldev [EMSI Section, NDE Division, Metallurgy and Materials Group, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam 603 102, Tamil Nadu (India)

    2008-04-15

    The presence of sodium deposits in defective regions of steam generator (SG) tubes of fast-breeder reactors is expected to influence the remote field eddy current (RFEC) signals. By exposing five SG tubes having uniform wall loss grooves to a sodium environment in a specially designed test vessel, changes in the shape of RFEC signals were observed and it was possible to approximate the volume of sodium deposited in defects. An invariant signal parameter was determined for quantitative characterization of defects despite the presence of sodium in the defects.

  14. Application of probabilistic fracture mechanics to optimize the maintenance of PWR steam generator tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Pitner, P.; Riffard, T.

    1993-09-01

    This paper describes the COMPROMIS code developed by Electricite de France (EDF) to optimize the tube bundle maintenance of steam generators (SG). The model, based on probabilistic fracture mechanics, makes it possible to quantify the influence of in-service inspections and maintenance work on the risk of an SG tube rupture, taking all significant parameters into account as random variables (initial defect size distribution, reliability of nondestructive detection and sizing, crack initiation and propagation, critical sizes, leak before risk of break, etc). (authors). 14 figs., 4 tabs., 12 refs

  15. Design of jet manipulator for sludge lancing for steam generators

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kumar, Kundan; Nathani, D.K.; Kayal, J.N.; Rupani, B.B.

    2006-01-01

    The sludge accumulation in secondary side of mushroom type steam generators of Indian Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) may lead to loss of thermal efficiency and corrosion. Sludge removal is required to minimise such effects for safe and enhanced operating life of the steam generators. A sludge lancing system has been developed for sludge removal from the secondary side of the steam generators. Jet Manipulator is one of the various modules of the sludge lancing system. The JM consists of three modules namely walker, elevator and nozzle heads. Each module is designed to pass through hand hole, having 180 mm diameter and 100 mm wide gap between steam generator shell and shroud. These three modules are connected to each other by quick connecting type joints and are having their specific functions. The walker crawls by step of single pitch of the tube along the central no-tube lane of the steam generator by taking lateral supports on the nearest tubes. The elevator is capable of lifting the nozzle head to a suitable height required for lancing operation of entire tube sheet of the steam generator. The nozzle head directs the multiple jets along the narrow inter tube lanes having 3 mm width, on both sides of the central no-tube lane. The nozzle can be set to move at different elevations such that the multiple jets will graze along the narrow tube lane to create the sludge lancing action. The provision exists for movement of JM in both directions, i.e. forward and reverse. This paper highlights the objective, design and development, selection of nozzles, qualification and performance evaluation of JM. The manipulator is remotely operable by compressed air in the forward and reverse direction in the central no-tube lane to position the nozzle head in the horizontal direction. (author)

  16. Flow-induced vibration of steam generator helical tubes subjected to external liquid cross flow and internal two-phase flow

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Jong Chull Jo; Myung Jo Jhung; Woong Sik Kim; Hho Jung Kim

    2005-01-01

    Full text of publication follows: This paper addresses the potential flow-induced vibration problems in a helically-coiled tube steam generator of integral-type nuclear reactor, of which the tubes are subjected to liquid cross flow externally and multi-phase flow externally. The thermal-hydraulic conditions of both tube side and shell side flow fields are predicted using a general purpose computational fluid dynamics code employing the finite volume element modeling. To get the natural frequency and corresponding mode shape of the helical type tubes with various conditions, a finite element analysis code is used. Based on the results of both helical coiled tube steam generator thermal-hydraulic and coiled tube modal analyses, turbulence-induced vibration and fluid-elastic instability analyses are performed. And then the potential for damages on the tubes due to either turbulence-induced vibration or fluid-elastic instability is assessed. In the assessment, special emphases are put on the detailed investigation for the effects of support conditions, coil diameter, and helix pitch on the modal, vibration amplitude and instability characteristics of tubes, from which a technical information and basis needed for designers and regulatory reviewers can be derived. (authors)

  17. Overview of steam generator tube-inspection technology

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Obrutsky, L.; Renaud, J.; Lakhan, R., E-mail: obrutskl@aecl.ca, E-mail: renaudj@aecl.ca, E-mail: lakhanr@aecl.ca [Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, Chalk River, Ontario (Canada)

    2014-03-15

    Degradation of steam generator (SG) tubing due to both mechanical and corrosion modes has resulted in extensive repairs and replacement of SGs around the world. The variety of degradation modes challenges the integrity of SG tubing and, therefore, the stations' reliability. Inspection and monitoring aimed at timely detection and characterization of the degradation is a key element for ensuring tube integrity. Up to the early-70's, the in-service inspection of SG tubing was carried out using single-frequency eddy current testing (ET) bobbin coils, which were adequate for the detection of volumetric degradation. By the mid-80's, additional modes of degradation such as pitting, intergranular attack, and axial and circumferential inside or outside diameter stress corrosion cracking had to be addressed. The need for timely, fast detection and characterization of these diverse modes of degradation motivated the development in the 90's of inspection systems based on advanced probe technology coupled with versatile instruments operated by fast computers and remote communication systems. SG inspection systems have progressed in the new millennium to a much higher level of automation, efficiency and reliability. Also, the role of Non Destructive Evaluation (NDE) has evolved from simple detection tools to diagnostic tools that provide input into integrity assessment decisions, fitness-far-service and operational assessments. This new role was motivated by tighter regulatory requirements to assure the safety of the public and the environment, better SG life management strategies and often self-imposed regulations. It led to the development of advanced probe technologies, more reliable and versatile instruments and robotics, better training and qualification of personnel and better data management and analysis systems. This paper provides a brief historical perspective regarding the evolution of SG inspections and analyzes the motivations behind that

  18. Detection and mode identification of axial cracks in the steam generator tube of the nuclear power plant using ultrasonic guided wave

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Yoon, Byungsik; Yang, Seunghan; Lee, Heejong; Kim, Yongsik

    2010-01-01

    For those people who are involved in NDE, there is a growing concern regarding the significant traveling distance of a guided wave in a structure, which ensures the inspection of a large area of the structure from a single location. A significant number of studies on the guided wave have therefore been made to apply the foregoing to a nondestructive evaluation in many different industries and resulted in an increase in the efficiency of practical guided wave inspection. Unlike the previous studies based mainly on the detection of circumferential flaws, this study is focused on the axial flaw detection in the steam generator tubes of Korean standard nuclear power plants by generating the guided wave by changing frequency and selecting the applicable mode from the dispersion curve for the steam generator tube calculated in this study, where the dispersion-based short-time Fourier transform (D-STFT) algorithm is used to enhance mode identification. In conclusion, the L (0,1) mode at 2.25 MHz is found to be most sensitive in detecting axial flaws in a steam generator tube. (author)

  19. Predicting tube repair at French nuclear steam generators using statistical modeling

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Mathon, C., E-mail: cedric.mathon@edf.fr [EDF Generation, Basic Design Department (SEPTEN), 69628 Villeurbanne (France); Chaudhary, A. [EDF Generation, Basic Design Department (SEPTEN), 69628 Villeurbanne (France); Gay, N.; Pitner, P. [EDF Generation, Nuclear Operation Division (UNIE), Saint-Denis (France)

    2014-04-01

    Electricité de France (EDF) currently operates a total of 58 Nuclear Pressurized Water Reactors (PWR) which are composed of 34 units of 900 MWe, 20 units of 1300 MWe and 4 units of 1450 MWe. This report provides an overall status of SG tube bundles on the 1300 MWe units. These units are 4 loop reactors using the AREVA 68/19 type SG model which are equipped either with Alloy 600 thermally treated (TT) tubes or Alloy 690 TT tubes. As of 2011, the effective full power years of operation (EFPY) ranges from 13 to 20 and during this time, the main degradation mechanisms observed on SG tubes are primary water stress corrosion cracking (PWSCC) and wear at anti-vibration bars (AVB) level. Statistical models have been developed for each type of degradation in order to predict the growth rate and number of affected tubes. Additional plugging is also performed to prevent other degradations such as tube wear due to foreign objects or high-cycle flow-induced fatigue. The contribution of these degradation mechanisms on the rate of tube plugging is described. The results from the statistical models are then used in predicting the long-term life of the steam generators and therefore providing a useful tool toward their effective life management and possible replacement.

  20. Remote-controlled television for locating leaking tubes in pressurized-water reactor steam generators

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Cormault, P.; Denis, J.

    1978-01-01

    The Scarabee system is designed for observation of the tubes in water boxes of pressurized-water reactor nuclear-power-station steam generators. It consists essentially of a camera and a projector used as a marker, both of which swivel freely. The whole unit is housed in a water-tight container which can easily be decontaminated. Remote control of camera and marker movement is carried out from a console. (author)

  1. Roll-expanded plugs for steam generator heating tubes verification of leak tightness over the component lifetime

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Beck, J.; Ziegler, R.; Schönheit, N.

    2013-01-01

    Highlights: • Design description of roll-expanded plugs. • Experimental simulation of 40 years lifetime of plugged steam generator tubes. • Destructive testing for off-design loads. • Evaluation of release pressure and tightness before and after the tests. -- Abstract: Steam generator heating tubes are the boundary between the irradiated primary cycle and the conventional secondary cycle in a pressurized water reactor. Despite their operational task to transfer the heat from the primary to the secondary cycle, these tubes have a crucial safety function: the retention of irradiated primary coolant inside the circuit in all operating, emergency and off-design conditions. The heating tubes are subject to various degradation mechanisms during operation. To verify the integrity of each single tube, nuclear power plants carry out frequent in-service inspections. In case of a tube wall degradation beyond the permissible limit, the tube needs to be taken out of service in order to maintain the overall component integrity. The most common method to do so is to plug a damaged tube by a roll-expanded plug. After plugging, the roll-expanded plug acts as pressure boundary between the primary and the secondary cycle instead of the damaged heating tube. The plug must be able to maintain this function, previously provided by the heating tube, in all operational, emergency and off-design conditions. This article describes the approach to this verification by launching several comprehensive process qualification programmes consisting of mechanical analyses as well as static and dynamic testing programmes. The result was a qualified roll-expanded plug which remains leak-tight even during off-design conditions

  2. Experiment data report for Semiscale Mod-1 test S-28-3 (steam generator tube rupture test)

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Gillins, R.L.; Sackett, K.E.

    1977-10-01

    Recorded test data are presented for Test S-28-3 of the Semiscale Mod-1 steam generator tube rupture test series. These tests are among several Semiscale Mod-1 experiments conducted to investigate the thermal and hydraulic phenomena accompanying a hypothesized loss-of-coolant accident in a pressurized water reactor (PWR) system. Test S-28-3 was conducted from initial conditions of 15621 kPa and 555 K to investigate the response of the Semiscale Mod-1 system to a depressurization and reflood transient following a simulated double-ended offset shear of the broken loop cold leg piping. During the test, cooling water was injected into the cold leg of the intact and broken loops to simulate emergency core coolant injection in a PWR. Twelve steam generator tube ruptures were simulated by a controlled injection from a heated accumulator into the intact loop hot leg

  3. Experiment data report for semiscale Mod-1 test S-28-2 (steam generator tube rupture test)

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Patton, M.L.; Sackett, K.E.

    1977-10-01

    Recorded test data are presented for Test S-28-2 of the Semiscale Mod-1 steam generator tube rupture test series. These tests are among several Semiscale Mod-1 experiments conducted to investigate the thermal and hydraulic phenomena accompanying a hypothesized loss-of-coolant accident in a pressurized water reactor (PWR) system. Test S-28-2 was conducted from initial conditions of 15 936 kPa and 558 K to investigate the response of the Semiscale Mod-1 system to a depressurization and reflood transient following a simulated double-ended offset shear of the broken loop cold leg piping. During the test, cooling water was injected into the cold leg of the intact and broken loops to simulate emergency core coolant injection in a PWR. For Test S-28-2, accumulator injection into the intact loop hot leg was provided to simulate simulate the rupture of six steam generator tubes

  4. Experiment data report for semiscale Mod-1 test S-28-4 (steam generator tube rupture test)

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Esparza, V.; Sackett, K.E.

    1977-10-01

    Recorded test data are presented for Test S-28-4 of the Semiscale Mod-1 steam generator tube rupture test series. These tests are among several Semiscale Mod-1 experiments conducted to investigate the thermal and hydraulic phenomena accompanying a hypothesized loss-of-coolant accident in a pressurized water reactor (PWR) system. Test S-28-4 was conducted from initial conditions of 15 646 kPa and 557 K to investigate the response of the Semiscale Mod-1 system to a depressurization and reflood transient following a simulated double-ended offset shear of the broken loop cold leg piping. During the test, cooling water was injected into the cold leg of the intact and broken loops to simulate emergency core coolant injection in a PWR. Thirty steam generator tube ruptures were simulated by a controlled injection from a heated accumulator into the intact loop hot leg

  5. RELAP5 analysis of reflux condensation behavior in heat transfer tube bundle of a steam generator

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Minami, Noritoshi; Chikusa, Toshiaki; Nagae, Takashi; Murase, Michio

    2007-01-01

    In case of loss of the residual heat removal system and other alternative cooling methods under mid-loop operation during shutdown of the pressurized water reactor plant, reflux condensation in the steam generator (SG) may be an effective heat removal mechanism. In reflux condensation experiments 7.2c with injection of nitrogen gas using the BETHSY facility in France, which is a scale model of a pressurized water reactor plant, 34 heat transfer tubes were divided into two kinds of flow patterns, which were steam forward flow and nitrogen reverse flow. In this study, we simulated the BETHSY experiments using the transient analysis code RELAP5. Modifying calculation equations for interfacial friction force and wall friction force between the inlet plenum and heat transfer tubes, nitrogen reverse flow was successfully simulated. In calculations with alteration of the flow area ratio to two flow channels for the heat transfer tube bundle, the number of active tubes with the maximum nitrogen recirculation flow rate agreed rather well with the observed number of active tubes. In calculations with three flow channels for the heat transfer tube bundle, the average number of active tubes in several calculations with different flow area ratios of the three flow channels predicted the number of active tubes well. (author)

  6. NRC integrated program for the resolution of Unresolved Safety Issues A-3, A-4 and A-5 regarding steam generator tube integrity: Final report

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    1988-09-01

    This report presents the results of the NRC integrated program for the resolution of Unresolved Safety Issues (USIs) A-3, A-4, and A-5 regarding steam generator tube integrity. A generic risk assessment is provided and indicates that risk from steam generator tube rupture (SGTR) events is not a significant contributor to total risk at a given site, nor to the total risk to which the general public is routinely exposed. This finding is considered to be indicative of the effectiveness of licensee programs and regulatory requirements for ensuring steam generator tube integrity in accordance with 10 CFR 50, Appendices A and B. This report also identifies a number of staff-recommended actions that the staff finds can further improve the effectiveness of licensee programs in ensuring the integrity of steam generator tubes and in mitigating the consequences of an SGTR. As part of the integrated program, the staff issued Generic Letter 85-02 encouraging licensees of pressurized water reactors (PWRs) to upgrade their programs, as necessary, to meet the intent of the staff-recommended actions; however, such actions do not constitute NRC requirements. In addition, this report describes a number of ongoing staff actions and studies involving steam generator issues which are being pursued to provide added assurance that risk from SGTR events will continue to be small. 146 refs., 5 figs., 11 tabs

  7. Data analysis algorithms for flaw sizing based on eddy current rotating probe examination of steam generator tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Bakhtiari, S.; Elmer, T.W.

    2009-01-01

    Computer-aided data analysis tools can help improve the efficiency and reliability of flaw sizing based on nondestructive examination data. They can further help produce more consistent results, which is important for both in-service inspection applications and for engineering assessments associated with steam generator tube integrity. Results of recent investigations at Argonne on the development of various algorithms for sizing of flaws in steam generator tubes based on eddy current rotating probe data are presented. The research was carried out as part of the activities under the International Steam Generator Tube Integrity Program (ISG-TIP) sponsored by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. A computer-aided data analysis tool has been developed for off-line processing of eddy current inspection data. The main objectives of the work have been to a) allow all data processing stages to be performed under the same user interface, b) simplify modification and testing of signal processing and data analysis scripts, and c) allow independent evaluation of viable flaw sizing algorithms. The focus of most recent studies at Argonne has been on the processing of data acquired with the +Point probe, which is one of the more widely used eddy current rotating probes for steam generator tube examinations in the U.S. The probe employs a directional surface riding differential coil, which helps reduce the influence of tubing artifacts and in turn helps improve the signal-to-noise ratio. Various algorithms developed under the MATLAB environment for the conversion, segmentation, calibration, and analysis of data have been consolidated within a single user interface. Data acquired with a number of standard eddy current test equipment are automatically recognized and converted to a standard format for further processing. Because of its modular structure, the graphical user interface allows user-developed routines to be easily incorporated, modified, and tested independent of the

  8. Application of numerical analysis techniques to eddy current testing for steam generator tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Morimoto, Kazuo; Satake, Koji; Araki, Yasui; Morimura, Koichi; Tanaka, Michio; Shimizu, Naoya; Iwahashi, Yoichi

    1994-01-01

    This paper describes the application of numerical analysis to eddy current testing (ECT) for steam generator tubes. A symmetrical and three-dimensional sinusoidal steady state eddy current analysis code was developed. This code is formulated by future element method-boundary element method coupling techniques, in order not to regenerate the mesh data in the tube domain at every movement of the probe. The calculations were carried out under various conditions including those for various probe types, defect orientations and so on. Compared with the experimental data, it was shown that it is feasible to apply this code to actual use. Furthermore, we have developed a total eddy current analysis system which consists of an ECT calculation code, an automatic mesh generator for analysis, a database and display software for calculated results. ((orig.))

  9. Automatic system for redistributing feedwater in a steam generator of a nuclear power plant

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Fuoto, J.S.; Crotzer, M.E.; Lang, G.E.

    1980-01-01

    A system is described for automatically redistributing a steam generator secondary tube system after a burst in the secondary tubing. This applies to a given steam generator in a system having several steam generators partially sharing a common tube system, and employs a pressure control generating an electrical signal which is compared with given values [fr

  10. A balanced strategy in managing steam generator thermal performance

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hu, M. H.; Nelson, P. R.

    2009-01-01

    This paper presents a balanced strategy in managing thermal performance of steam generator designed to deliver rated megawatt thermal (MWt) and megawatt electric (MWe) power without loss with some amount of thermal margin. A steam generator (SG) is a boiling heat exchanger whose thermal performance may degrade because of steam pressure loss. In other words, steam pressure loss is an indicator of thermal performance degradation. Steam pressure loss is mainly a result of either 1) tube scale induced poor boiling or 2) tube plugging historically resulting from tubing corrosion, wear due to flow induced tube vibration or loose parts impact. Thermal performance degradation was historically due to tube plugging but more recently it is due to poor boiling caused by more bad than good constituents of feedwater impurities. The whole SG industry still concentrates solely on maintenance programs towards preventing causes for tube plugging and yet almost no programs on maintaining adequate boiling of fouled tubes. There can be an acceptable amount of tube scale that provides excellent boiling capacity without tubing corrosion, as operational experience has repeatedly demonstrated. Therefore, future maintenance has to come up balanced programs for allocating limited resources in both maintaining good boiling capacity and preventing tube plugging. This paper discusses also thermal performance degradation due to feedwater impurity induced blockage of tube support plate and thus subsequent water level oscillations, and how to mitigate them. This paper provides a predictive management of tube scale for maintaining adequate steam pressure and stable water level without loss in MWt/MWe or recovering from steam pressure loss or water level oscillations. This paper offers a balanced strategy in managing SG thermal performance to fulfill its mission. Such a strategy is even more important in view of the industry trend in pursuing extended power uprate as high as 20 percent

  11. Steam generator operating experience update, 1982-1983

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Frank, L.

    1984-06-01

    This report is a continuation of earlier reports by the staff addressing pressurized water reactor steam generator operating experience. NUREG-0886, Steam Generator Tube Experience, published in February 1982 summarized experience in domestic and foreign plants through December 1981. This report summarizes steam generator operating experience in domestic plants for the years 1982 and 1983. Included are new problems encountered with secondary-side loose parts, sulfur-induced stress-assisted corrosion cracking, and flow-induced vibrational wear in the new preheater design steam generators. The status of Unresolved Safety Issues A3, A4, and A5 is also discussed

  12. The steam generator programme of PISC III

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Birac, C.; Herkenrath, H.

    1990-12-01

    The PISC III Actions are intended to extend the results and methodologies of the previous PISC excercises, i.e. the validation of the capabilities of the various examination techniques when used on real defects in real components under real conditions of inspection. Being aware of the important safety role that steam generator tubes play as barrier between primary and secondary cooling system and of the industrial problems that the degradation of these tubes can create, the PISC III Management Board agreed to include in the PISC III Programme a special Action on Steam Generator Tubes Testing (SGT). It was decided to organize the programme in three phases, including Round Robin Tests (RRT): - capability tests on loose tubes, - capability tests on transportable mock-ups, - reliability tests on fixed mock-ups including some interesting SURRY tubes

  13. A study on integrity of LMFBR secondary cooling system to hypothetical tube failure propagation in the steam generator

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Yoshihisa Shindo; Kazuo Haga

    2005-01-01

    Full text of publication follows: A fundamental safety issue of liquid-metal-cooled fast breeder reactor (LMFBR) is to maintain the integrity of the secondary cooling system components against violent chemical sodium-water reaction caused by the water leak from the heat transfer tube of steam generators (SG). The produced sodium-water reaction jet would attack more severely surrounding tubes and would cause other tube failures (tube failure propagation), if it was assumed that the water leak was not detected by function-less detectors and proper operating actions to mitigate the tube failure propagation, such as isolations of the SG from the secondary cooling system and turbine water/steam system, and blowing water and steam inside tubes in the SG, were not taken. This study has been made focusing on the affection of large-scale water leak enlarged due to SG tube failure propagation to the structural integrity of the secondary cooling system because the generated pressure pulse caused by a large-scale sodium-water reaction might break heat transfer tubes of the intermediate heat exchanger (IHX). The present work has been made as one part of the study of probabilistic safety assessment (PSA) of LMFBR, because if the heat-transfer tubes of IHX were failed, the reactor core may be affected by the pressure pulse and/or by the sodium-water reaction products transported through the primary cooling system. As tools for PSA of the water leak incident of SG, we have developed QUARK-LP Version 4 code that mainly analyzes the high temperature rupture phenomena and estimates the number of failed tubes during the middle-scale water leak. The pressure pulse behavior generated by sodium-water reaction in the failure SG and the pressure propagation in the secondary cooling system are calculated by using the SWAAM-2 code developed by ANL. Furthermore, the quasi-steady state high pressure and temperature of the secondary cooling system in a long term is estimated by using the SWAAM

  14. Wear behavior of 2-1/4 Cr-1Mo tubing against alloy 718 tube-support material in sodium-cooled steam generators

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Wilson, W.L.

    1983-05-01

    A series of prototypic steam generator 2-1/4 Cr-1 Mo tube/alloy 718 tube support plate wear tests were conducted in direct support of the Westinghouse Nuclear Components Division -- Breeder Reactor Components Project Large Scale steam Generator design. The initial objective was to verify the acceptable wear behavior of softer, ''over-aged'' alloy 718 support plate material. For all interfaces under all test conditions, resultant wear damage was adhesive in nature with varying amounts of 2-1/4 Cr-1 Mo tube material being adhesively transferred to the alloy 718 tube supports. Maximum tube wear depths exceeded the initially established design allowable limit of 127 μm (.005 in.) at 17 of the 18 interfaces tested. A decrease in contact stresses produced acceptable tube wear depths below a readjusted maximum design allowable value of 381 μm (.015 in.). Additional conservatisms associated with the simulation of a 40-year lifetime of rubbing in a one-week laboratory test provided further confidence that the 381 μm maximum tube wear allowance would not be exceeded in service. Softer, ''over-aged'' alloy 718 material was found to produce slightly less wear damage on 2-1/4 Cr-1 Mo tubing than fully age hardened material. Also, air formed oxide films on the alloy 718 reduced initial tube wear and delayed the onset of adhesive surface damage. However, at high surface stress levels, these films were not sufficiently stable to provide adequate long term protection from adhesive wear. The results of the present work and those of previous test programs suggest that the successful in-sodium tribological performance of 2-1/4 Cr-1 Mo/alloy 718 rubbing couples is dependent upon the presence of lubricative surface films, such as oxides and/or surface reaction or deposition products. 11 refs., 13 figs., 4 tabs

  15. Status of Siemens steam generator design and measures to assure continuous long-term reliable operation

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hoch, G.

    1999-01-01

    Operating pressurized water reactors with U-tube steam generators have encountered difficulties with either one or a combination of inadequate material selection, poor design or manufacturing and an insufficient water chemistry control which resulted in excessive tube degradation. In contrast to the above mentioned problems, steam generators from Siemens/KWU are proving by operating experience that all measures undertaken at the design stage as well as during the operating and maintenance phase were effective enough to counteract any tube corrosion phenomena or other steam generator related problem. An Integrated Service Concept has been developed, applied and wherever necessary improved in order to ensure reliable steam generator operation. The performance of the steam generators is updated continuously, evaluated and implemented in lifetime databases. The main indicator for steam generator integrity are the results of the eddy current testing of the steam generator tubes. Tubes with indications are rated with lifetime threshold values and if necessary plugged, based on individual assessment criteria.(author)

  16. Staranje cevi uparjalnikov v Jedrski elektrarni Krško: Aging of tubes in the Krško nuclear power plant's steam generators:

    OpenAIRE

    Androjna, Ferdo; Cizelj, Leon

    2000-01-01

    The paper reviews the domestic efforts devoted to the safe and reliable operation of the Krško nuclear power plant (NPP) at full power, close to the design limit of the steam generators (18% of plugged tubes) for a full decade. This includes an overview of the recent status and history of the degradation processes, discussion of repair criteria, defining the acceptable size of defects and selected results from safety analyses supporting the operation of degraded steam generator (SG) tubes. It...

  17. Chemical-cleaning process evaluation: Westinghouse steam generators. Final report

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Cleary, W.F.; Gockley, G.B.

    1983-04-01

    The Steam Generator Owners Group (SGOG)/Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) Steam Generator Secondary Side Chemical Cleaning Program, under develpment since 1978, has resulted in a generic process for the removal of accumulated corrosion products and tube deposits in the tube support plate crevices. The SGOG/EPRI Project S150-3 was established to obtain an evaluation of the generic process in regard to its applicability to Westinghouse steam generators. The results of the evaluation form the basis for recommendations for transferring the generic process to a plant specific application and identify chemical cleaning corrosion guidelines for the materials in Westinghouse Steam Generators. The results of the evaluation, recommendations for plant-specific applications and corrosion guidelines for chemical cleaning are presented in this report

  18. Critical heat flux and transition boiling characteristics for a sodium-heated steam generator tube for LMFBR applications

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Wolf, S.; Holmes, D.H.

    1977-04-01

    An experimental program was conducted to characterize critical heat flux (CHF) in a sodium-heated steam generator tube model at a proposed PLBR steam generator design pressure of 7.2 MPa. Water was circulated vertically upward in the tube and the heating sodium was flowing counter-current downward. The experimental ranges were: mass flux, 110 to 1490 kg/s.m/sup 2/ (0.08 to 1.10 10/sup 6/ lbm/h.ft/sup 2/); critical heat flux, 0.16 to 1.86 MW/m/sup 2/ (0.05 to 0.59 10/sup 6/ Btu/h.ft/sup 2/); and critical quality, 0.48 to 1.0. The CHF phenomenon for the experimental conditions is determined to be dryout as opposed to departure from nucleate boiling (DNB). The data are divided into high- and low-mass flux regions.

  19. Intelligent monitoring of YAG laser welding on steam generator tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hosaka, Shigetaka; Nagura, Yasumi; Ishide, Takashi; Nagashima, Tadashi; Akaba, Takashi

    1992-01-01

    The 'KASHIKOKI' intelligent device for monitoring the YAG laser welding of steam generator tubes is described in this paper. The 'KASHIKOKI', it monitors the series of six channels, for example, the reflected laser beam and the welding speed, etc. It learns the normal criteria and the anomalous criteria of welding, and discriminates between normal and anomalous welding using the learned criteria, and distinguishes the anomaly into several types. As the results of evaluation test, the degree of correspondence between this device and an expert is about 90%. This paper describes the new methods the multi-variate analysis model for discriminating between normal and anomalous welding, and a neural network model for distinguishing the types of anomaly. (author)

  20. Flow-induced decentering and tube support interaction for steam generator tubes: experiment and physical interpretation

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Gay, N.; Granger, S.

    1992-11-01

    Maintaining PWR components under reliable operating conditions requires a complex design to prevent various damaging processes including flow-induced vibration and wear mechanisms. To improve the prediction of tube/support interaction and wear in PWR components, EDF has undertaken a comprehensive program oriented to both experimental and computational studies. The present paper illustrates one aspect of this program, related to the determination of contact forces between steam generator tubes and anti-vibration bars (AVBs). The dynamic, nonlinear behavior of a U-tube excited by an air cross-flow is investigated on the CLAVECIN experiment. Interesting and rather unexpected results have been obtained, by varying clearances and flow velocities. The paper is focused on four main points: (i) the originality of the experiment with a force measurement device located in flow; (ii) the importance of a refined data processing for accurately measuring contact forces; (iii) the presentation of the unexpected phenomena revealed in the CLAVECIN experiment, i.e. a flow-induced decentering of the tube which changed the initial tube/AVB clearance, and the consequences on tube/support interaction; (iv) the influence of the actual tube/support clearance in flow on wear mechanisms. The work, presented in the second part of this paper, concentrates exclusively on the physical interpretation of the flow-induced decentering phenomenon and on the theoretical analysis of its consequences on dynamic tube/support interaction. We show that the flow-induced decentering phenomenon can be generated by an unstable quasi-static coupling between the flexible tube and the confined flow, in the vicinity of the support system. This phenomenon is not specific to the CLAVECIN tests and it can be expected every time that a movable obstacle is subjected to confined flow. Moreover, in single-sided impacting conditions, the theoretical analysis confirms the linear relation, found in the CLAVECIN tests

  1. The Thermal Hydraulics of Tube Support Fouling in Nuclear Steam Generators

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Rummens, Helena E.C.; Rogers, J.T.; Turner, C.W.

    2004-01-01

    It is hypothesized that the thermal-hydraulic environment plays a role in the fouling of tube supports in nuclear steam generators. Experiments were performed to simulate the thermal-hydraulic environment near various designs of supports. Pressure loss, local velocity, turbulence intensity, and local void fraction were measured to characterize the effect of the support. Fouling mechanisms specific to supports were inferred from these experimental data and from actual steam generator inspection results. An analytical model was developed to predict the rate of particulate deposition on the supports, to better understand the complex processes involved.This paper presents the following set of tools for assessing the fouling propensity of a given support design: (1) proposed fouling mechanisms, (2) criteria for support fouling propensity, (3) correlation of fouling with parameters such as mass flux and quality, (4) descriptions of experimental tools such as flow visualization and measurement of pressure-loss profiles, and (5) analytical tools.An important conclusion from this and our previous work is that the fouling propensity is greater with broached support plates, both trefoil and quatrefoil, than with lattice bar supports and formed bar supports, in which significant cross flows occur

  2. Time-dependent crack growth in steam generator tube leakage

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Chung, H.D.; Lee, J.H.; Park, Y.W.; Choi, Y.H.

    2006-01-01

    In general, cracks found in steam generator tubes have semi-elliptical shapes and it is assumed to be rectangular shape for conservatism after crack penetration. Hence, the leak and crack growth behavior has not been clearly understood after the elliptical crack penetrates the tube wall. Several experimental results performed by Argonne Nation Laboratory exhibited time-dependent crack growth behavior of rectangular flaws as well as trapezoidal flaws under constant pressure. The crack growth faster than expected was observed in both cases, which is likely attributed to time-dependent crack growth accompanied by fatigue sources such as the interaction between active jet and crack. The stress intensity factor, K 1 , is necessary for the prediction of the observed fatigue crack growth behavior. However, no K 1 solution is available for a trapezoidal flaw. The objective of this study is to develop the stress intensity factor which can be used for the fatigue analysis of a trapezoidal crack. To simplify the analysis, the crack is assumed to be a symmetric trapezoidal shape. A new K 1 formula for axial trapezoidal through-wall cracks was proposed based on the FEM results. (author)

  3. Life Estimation of PWR Steam Generator U-Tubes Subjected to Foreign Object-Induced Fretting Wear

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Jo, Jong Chull; Jhung, Myung Jo; Kim, Woong Sik; Kim, Hho Jung

    2005-01-01

    This paper presents an approach to the remaining life prediction of steam generator (SG) U-tubes, which are intact initially, subjected to fretting-wear degradation due to the interaction between a vibrating tube and a foreign object in operating nuclear power plants. The operating SG shell-side flow field conditions are obtained from a three-dimensional SG flow calculation using the ATHOS3 code. Modal analyses are performed for the finite element models of U-tubes to get the natural frequency, corresponding mode shape, and participation factor. The wear rate of a U-tube caused by a foreign object is calculated using the Archard formula, and the remaining life of the tube is predicted. Also discussed in this study are the effects of the tube modal characteristics, external flow velocity, and tube internal pressure on the estimated results of the remaining life of the tube

  4. Comparative Analyses on OPR1000 Steam Generator Tube Rupture Event Emergency Operational Guideline

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lee, Sang Won; Bae, Yeon Kyoung; Kim, Hyeong Teak

    2006-01-01

    The Steam Generator Tube Rupture (SGTR) event is one of the important scenarios in respect to the radiation release to the environment. When the SGTR occurs, containment integrity is not effective because of the direct bypass of containment via the ruptured steam generator to the MSSV and MSADV. To prevent this path, the Emergency Operational Guideline of OPR1000 indicates the use of Turbine Bypass Valves (TBVs) as an effective means to depressurize the main steam line and prevent the lifting of MSSV. However, the TBVs are not operable when the offsite power is not available (LOOP). In this situation, the RCS cool-down is achieved by opening the both intact and ruptured SG MSADV. But this action causes the large amount of radiation release to the environment. To minimize the radiation release to the environment, KSNP EOG adopts the improved strategy when the SGTR concurrently with LOOP is occurred. However, these procedures show some duplicated procedure and branch line that might confusing the operator for optimal recovery action. So, in this paper, the comparative analysis on SGTR and SGTR with LOOP is performed and optimized procedure is proposed

  5. Experimental investigations of heat exchange and hydrodynamics on models of a VG-400 steam generator tube bundle made up of small diameter helicoils

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Golovko, V.F; Ivaskov, N.A.; Obukhov, P.I.; Pospelov, V.N.; Sergeev, A.I.

    1988-01-01

    Features of HTGR steam generators having heat exchange surface made up of small diameter helicoils are discussed in the paper. A general approach to optimization of thermohydraulic characteristics BΓW-400 steam generator design backed by calculation and experiment are given. Main results of steam generator assembly's model aerodynamic test are presented. Data of thermohydraulic tests of a single tube model in a helium heated test rig are discussed. (author)

  6. Studies on the permeation of hydrogen through steam generator tubes at high temperatures using an electrochemical method

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Giraudeau, F.; Yang, L.; Steward, F.R.; DeBouvier, O.

    1998-01-01

    The permeation of hydrogen through steam generator tubes at high temperatures (∼ 300 degrees C) has been studied using an electrochemical technique. With this technique, hydrogen is generated on one side of the tube and monitored on the other side. The time for the hydrogen to reach the other side is used to determine the diffusion coefficient of hydrogen in the tube. Boundary conditions at the entry and exit sides have been investigated separately. Preliminary studies were performed on Stainless Steel 316 and Nickel Alloy 800 to better understand the influence of the solution chemistry on the electrochemical evolution of hydrogen. The surface phenomena effect and the trapping effect are discussed to account for differences observed in the permeation response. The hydrogen permeation through oxides at the exit side has been studied. Two nickel alloys (Alloy 800 and Alloy 600), materials widely used for steam generator tubes, have been investigated. The tubes were prefilmed using two different treatments. The oxides were formed in dry air at high temperatures (300 degrees C to 600 degrees C), or in humid gas at 300 degrees C. The diffusion coefficients at 300 degrees C in Stainless Steel 316 and Alloy 800 were determined to be of the order of 10 -6 - 10 -7 cm 2 /s for the bare metal. This is in agreement with results obtained by gas phase permeation techniques in the literature. (author)

  7. Preliminary evaluation of steam generator tube rupture (SGTR) accident in lead cooled reactor

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Frano, R. Lo; Forasassi, G.

    2009-01-01

    In this paper some contributions are provided to the development of a European Lead-cooled System, known as the ELSY project (within EU-6 Framework Project); that will constitute a possible reference system for a large lead-cooled reactor of GEN IV. Steam generator (SG) tubing of this system type might be subject to a variety of degradation processes, such as cracking, wall thinning and potential leakage or rupture, eventually leading to the failure of one or more SG tubes that constitute a steam generator tube rupture (SGTR) accident with possible consequences for the safety of the primary systems. It is therefore of interest for the designer to know how the SG itself, as well as the vessel and internals structures, behave under impulsive loading conditions (in form of a rapid and strong increase of pressure) that can arise as consequences of the interaction between the primary and secondary coolants (lead-water interaction). The analysed initiator event, as already mentioned, is a large break (up to a double ended guillotine break) of one (or more) SG cooling tubes that may become severe enough to determine dangerous effects on the interested structures. In order to better simulate and perform the mentioned postulated SGTR accident sequence analyses, an appropriate numerical model with the available computing resources (FEM codes) was set up at the DIMNP of Pisa University. That model was used to evaluate the effects of the propagation of the blast pressure waves inside the SG structures, taking into account also the sloshing phenomenon that could be induced by the lead primary coolant motions. Therefore the SGTR effects study may be considered as a transient and non linear problem the solution of which provides the 'time histories' of hydrodynamic pressures and stresses on the reactor pressure vessel and internals walls. (author)

  8. Future steam generator designs. Single wall designs

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hayden, O.

    1978-01-01

    The easily removable 'U' tube design style adopted in the UK for the existing PFR Steam Generators, the Replacement Units now in production and for the future CDFR, gives the operator an extremely valuable option in the event of a water/steam leak occurring inside the Steam Generator. He can choose to shut-down, attempt to find the leak, assess damage, repair, revalidate and return to service in situ, or he can elect to remove the defect unit and replace with a 'proven' spare before returning the circuit to power. With the latter approach the resultant outage time is a known entity of about two weeks. If a repair is attempted in situ, predictions of outage time can become a matter of guesswork since one has no 'guaranteed' method of leak location and the assessment of secondary damage may be very time consuming, depending on the size and type of the original leak together with the particular design style of the Steam Generator. A further significant advantage of the removable 'U' tube design concept is that periodic interchanging of bundles with a spare enables routine chemical cleaning and thorough scheduled tube inspections, with specimen tube sample removal if required for monitoring purposes. If necessary, bundle decontamination can be undertaken to assess engineering deterioration to various degrees of thoroughness ranging from 100% equivalent factory final assembly inspection, to partial decontamination operating via a glovebox type of maintenance bag arrangement, examining local points of both shell and tube areas of the bundle. Many lessons from the last five years' experience of PFR will be incorporated into the design of the CDFR and PFR Steam Generators have two very good examples of how the designer can ease or severely handicap the operator in coping with sodium/water leakages. Good, quick access to tube ends is achieved in the existing PFR Evaporator by simply unbolting the steam/water closure head, but on the superheater and reheater hand-caps have

  9. Future steam generator designs. Single wall designs

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Hayden, O [Nuclear Power Company Ltd, Warrington, Cheshire (United Kingdom)

    1978-10-01

    The easily removable 'U' tube design style adopted in the UK for the existing PFR Steam Generators, the Replacement Units now in production and for the future CDFR, gives the operator an extremely valuable option in the event of a water/steam leak occurring inside the Steam Generator. He can choose to shut-down, attempt to find the leak, assess damage, repair, revalidate and return to service in situ, or he can elect to remove the defect unit and replace with a 'proven' spare before returning the circuit to power. With the latter approach the resultant outage time is a known entity of about two weeks. If a repair is attempted in situ, predictions of outage time can become a matter of guesswork since one has no 'guaranteed' method of leak location and the assessment of secondary damage may be very time consuming, depending on the size and type of the original leak together with the particular design style of the Steam Generator. A further significant advantage of the removable 'U' tube design concept is that periodic interchanging of bundles with a spare enables routine chemical cleaning and thorough scheduled tube inspections, with specimen tube sample removal if required for monitoring purposes. If necessary, bundle decontamination can be undertaken to assess engineering deterioration to various degrees of thoroughness ranging from 100% equivalent factory final assembly inspection, to partial decontamination operating via a glovebox type of maintenance bag arrangement, examining local points of both shell and tube areas of the bundle. Many lessons from the last five years' experience of PFR will be incorporated into the design of the CDFR and PFR Steam Generators have two very good examples of how the designer can ease or severely handicap the operator in coping with sodium/water leakages. Good, quick access to tube ends is achieved in the existing PFR Evaporator by simply unbolting the steam/water closure head, but on the superheater and reheater hand-caps have

  10. Steam generator arrangement

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ssinegurski, E.

    1981-01-01

    A steam flow path arrangement for covering the walls of the rear gas pass of a steam generator is disclosed. The entire flow passes down the sidewalls with a minor portion then passing up through the rear wall to a superheater inlet header at an intermediate elevation. The major portion of the flow passes up the front wall and through hanger tubes to a roof header. From there the major portion passes across the roof and down the rear wall to the superheater inlet header at the intermediate elevation

  11. Thermo hydrodynamical analyses of steam generator of nuclear power plant

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Petelin, S.; Gregoric, M.

    1984-01-01

    SMUP computer code for stationary model of a U-tube steam generator of a PWR nuclear power plant was developed. feed water flow can enter through main and auxiliary path. The computer code is based on the one dimensional mathematical model. Among the results that give an insight into physical processes along the tubes of steam generator are distribution of temperatures, water qualities, heat transfer rates. Parametric analysis permits conclusion on advantage of each design solution regarding heat transfer effects and safety of steam generator. (author)

  12. Steam generator tube performance: experience with water-cooled nuclear power reactors during 1983 and 1984

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Tatone, O.S.; Meindl, P.; Taylor, G.F.

    1986-06-01

    A review of the performance of steam generator tubes in water-cooled nuclear power reactors showed that tubes were plugged at 47 (35.6%) of the reactors in 1983 and at 63 (42.6%) of the reactors during 1984. In 1983 and 1984 3291 and 3335 tubes, respectively, were removed from service, about the same as in 1982. The leading causes assigned to tube failure were stress corrosion cracking from the primary side and stress corrosion cracking or intergranular attack from the secondary side. In addition 5668 tubes were repaired for further service by installation of internal sleeves. Most of these were believed to have deteriorated by one of the above mechanisms or by pitting. There is a continuing trend towards high-integrity condenser tube materials at sites cooled by brackish or sea water. 31 refs

  13. Steam generator waterlancing at DNGS

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Seppala, D.; Malaugh, J.

    1995-01-01

    Darlington Nuclear Generating Station (DNGS) is a four 900 MW Unit nuclear station forming part of the Ontario Hydro East System. There are four identical steam generators(SGs) per reactor unit. The Darlington SGs are vertical heat exchangers with an inverted U-tube bundle in a cylindrical shell. The DNGS Nuclear Plant Life Assurance Group , a department of DNGS Engineering Services have taken a Proactive Approach to ensure long term SG integrity. Instead of waiting until the tubesheets are covered by a substantial and established hard deposit; DNGS plan to clean each steam generator's tubesheet, first half lattice tube support assembly and bottom of the thermal plate every four years. The ten year business plan provides for cleaning and inspection to be conducted on all four SGs in each unit during maintenance outages (currently scheduled for every four years)

  14. Experimental study of single- and two-phase flow fields around PWR steam generator tube support plates

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Bates, J.M.; Stewart, C.W.

    1979-08-01

    Laser-Doppler anemometry (LDA) was used to measure local mean axial velocities and turbulence intnsities at selected locations within a study model dimensionally protypic of an existing PWR steam generator design. The model tube bundle with support plate was installed in a special flow housing that formed part of an isothermal recirculating water flow loop. Flow conditions for this experiment were intended to simulate only typical single-phase flow velocities and were not an attempt to completely model actual steam generator, boiling, two-phase flow conditions. The measurements were performed in water at approximately 85 0 F with test section average velocities of approximately 0.55 and 1.1 fps. These conditions corresponded to Reynolds numbers of approximately 7,000 and approximately 14,000, respectively. Normalized velocity and turbulence intensity ratios are graphically reported. Additional qualitative, photographic investigations of air-water two-phase flows in a PWR steam generator study model were also performed

  15. An evaluation of the statistical variability in thermal expansion properties of steam generator tubesheet (SA-508) and tubing (Alloy-600TT)

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Riccardella, P.C.; Staples, J.F.; Kandra, J.T.

    2009-01-01

    Inspections of steam generator tubing are performed in U.S. PWRs as part of the Steam Generator Management Program. Westinghouse has recently completed a technical justification demonstrating that in steam generators with thermally treated Ni-Cr Alloy (Alloy 600TT) tubes that are hydraulically expanded into low alloy steel (SA-508) tubesheets, flaws in the region of the tubes below a certain distance from the top of the tubesheet, denoted H * , will not result in reactor coolant pressure boundary breach nor unacceptable primary-to-secondary leakage. This is because, even if a flaw in this region were to result in complete tube sever, if the length of undegraded tube in the tubesheet exceeds H*, neither operating nor accident loadings create sufficient pull-out forces to overcome the frictional forces between the tube and tubesheet. One key component of this technical justification is the differential thermal expansion between the tube and tubesheet, since a significant portion of the pullout strength of the hydraulically expanded tube-to-tubesheet joint is due to mechanical interference resulting from the larger expansion of the tubing relative to the tubesheet at a given temperature. To address this phenomenon, a detailed statistical evaluation of coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) data for the tubesheet material (SA-508) and the tube material (thermally treated Alloy-600) was performed. Data used in the evaluation included existing test results obtained from a number of sources as well as extensive new laboratory data developed specifically for this purpose. The evaluation resulted in recommended statistical distributions of this property for the two materials including their means and probabilistic variability. In addition, it was determined that the CTE values reported in the ASME Code (Section II) represent reasonably conservative mean values for both the tubesheet and tubing material. (author)

  16. Predictive analyses of flow-induced vibration and fretting wear in steam generator tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Axisa, F.

    1989-01-01

    Maintaining the service life of PWR steam generators under highly reliable conditions requires a complex design to prevent various damaging processes, including those related to flow induced vibration. Predictive analyses have to rely on numerical tools to compute the vibratory response of multi-supported tubes in association with experimental data and semi-empirical relationships for quantifying flow-induced excitation mechanisms and tube damaging processes. In the presence of loose supports tube dynamics becomes highly nonlinear in nature. To deal with such problems CEA and FRAMATOME developed a computer program called GERBOISE. This paper provides a short description of an experimental program currently in progress at CEN Saclay to validate the numerical methods implemented in GERBOISE. According to the results obtained so far reasonable agreement is obtained between experiment and numerical simulation, especially as averaged quantities are concerned

  17. Regression analysis of pulsed eddy current signals for inspection of steam generator tube support structures

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Buck, J.; Underhill, P.R.; Mokros, S.G.; Morelli, J.; Krause, T.W.; Babbar, V.K.; Lepine, B.

    2015-01-01

    Nuclear steam generator (SG) support structure degradation and fouling can result in damage to SG tubes and loss of SG efficiency. Conventional eddy current technology is extensively used to detect cracks, frets at supports and other flaws, but has limited capabilities in the presence of multiple degradation modes or fouling. Pulsed eddy current (PEC) combined with principal components analysis (PCA) and multiple linear regression models was examined for the inspection of support structure degradation and SG tube off-centering with the goal of extending results to include additional degradation modes. (author)

  18. Development of a helical-coil double wall tube steam generator for 4S reactor

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kitajima, Yuko; Maruyama, Shigeki; Jimbo, Noboru; Hino, Takehisa; Sato, Katsuhiko

    2011-01-01

    The 4S, Super-Safe Small and Simple, is a small-sized sodium-cooled fast reactor. A fast reactor usually uses sodium as a coolant to transfer heat from core to turbine/generator system. The heat of the intermediate heat transport system and that of the water stream systems are exchanged by the steam generator (SG) tubes. If the tube failure occurs, a sodium/water reaction could be occurred. To prevent the reaction and enhance safety, a helical-coil-type double wall tube with wire mesh interlayer and continuous monitoring systems of tube failure are applied to the SG of the 4S. The development and general features of this type double wall tube were described in Ref. 1) and Ref. 2). Those paper summarized following results; The tubes studied in these references were straight type. To establish this SG, development of manufacturing method of helical-coil-type double wall tube and validation of the tube failure monitoring system are needed. In this study, three demonstration tests have been performed; welding test of the double wall tube to manufacture the tubes with 70-80m length, assembling test of the helical-coil tube, and confirmation test of the tube processing system using the fabricated helical-coil tubes. As a result, following technologies have been successfully established. (1) Development of the welding techniques for manufacturing of the helical-coil-type double wall tube with wire mesh interlayer. (2) The confirmation test for manufacturing the helical coil tube of the SG. (author)

  19. PACTEL: Experiments on the behaviour of the new horizontal steam generator

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Kouhia, J.; Riikonen, V.; Purhonen, H. [VTT Energy, Lappeenranta (Finland)

    1995-12-31

    Experiments were performed to study the behaviour of the PACTEL facility, a medium scale integral test loop simulating VVER 440 pressurized water reactors. The study focused on the operation of the new horizontal steam generator model installed in PACTEL. Three experiments were conducted: a small-break test to observe the steam generator behaviour over a range of primary coolant inventories, a hot leg loop seal experiment to study the cyclic behaviour of a loop seal and a loss of secondary side feedwater test to examine the effect of uncovered tubes in the steam generator. A reverse flow was observed in the lower part of the U-tube bundle of the steam generator during natural circulation. The flow reversal point dropped when the tubes uncovered, during secondary inventory reduction. (orig.). 5 refs.

  20. PACTEL: Experiments on the behaviour of the new horizontal steam generator

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Kouhia, J; Riikonen, V; Purhonen, H [VTT Energy, Lappeenranta (Finland)

    1996-12-31

    Experiments were performed to study the behaviour of the PACTEL facility, a medium scale integral test loop simulating VVER 440 pressurized water reactors. The study focused on the operation of the new horizontal steam generator model installed in PACTEL. Three experiments were conducted: a small-break test to observe the steam generator behaviour over a range of primary coolant inventories, a hot leg loop seal experiment to study the cyclic behaviour of a loop seal and a loss of secondary side feedwater test to examine the effect of uncovered tubes in the steam generator. A reverse flow was observed in the lower part of the U-tube bundle of the steam generator during natural circulation. The flow reversal point dropped when the tubes uncovered, during secondary inventory reduction. (orig.). 5 refs.

  1. Expandable antivibration bar for a steam generator

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lagally, H.O.

    1987-01-01

    This patent describes a steam generator for a nuclear power plant comprising a shell, a plurality of tubes having a U-shaped configuration arranged in successive columns within the shell. The tubes are adapted to heat feedwater flowing around the outside of the tubes by the flow of hot reactor coolant within the tubes, and antivibration bars any vibrations of the tubes as a result of steam between the columns of tubes. The improvement described here comprises means for varying the thickness of the antivibration bars to fit substantially the actual space between the columns of tubes comprising first and second bars, with at least one bar being movable, and with at least one mating inclined surface between the first and second bars

  2. Chemical cleaning of nuclear (PWR) steam generators

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Welty, C.S. Jr.; Mundis, J.A.

    1982-01-01

    This paper reports on a significant research program sponsored by a group of utilities (the Steam Generator Owners Group), which was undertaken to develop a process to chemically remove corrosion product deposits from the secondary side of pressurized water reactor (PWR) power plant steam generators. Results of this work have defined a process (solvent system and application methods) that is capable of removing sludge and tube-to-tube support plate crevice corrosion products generated during operation with all-volatile treatment (AVT) water chemistry. Considers a plant-specific test program that includes all materials in the steam generator to be cleaned and accounts for the physical locations (proximity and contact) of those materials. Points out that prior to applying the process in an operational unit, the utility, with the participation of the NSSR vendor, must define allowable total corrosion to the materials of construction of the unit

  3. Theoretical-experimental assessment of the variables affecting fretting of Atucha I nuclear power plant utility steam generators tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kulichevsky, Raul M.

    1995-01-01

    Fretting wear of Steam Generator tubes caused by flow induced vibrations generates uncertainty on their integrity. The knowledge of the controlling variables of the wear process may give a criterion to evaluate the tubes residual life. Information on vibratory response and dynamic interaction between tubes and their supports are prerequisites for understanding the relationship between fretting wear and tube vibration. Experimental results of the vibratory response of an Atucha-I nuclear power plant type U-tube, the influence of tube/support clearance on this response and a study of tube/support dynamic interaction, which allow the verification of a finite element model of this type of tubes, are presented in this work. Also wear results for the Incoloy 800/DIN 1.4550 austenitic stainless steel pair of materials and a first evaluation of the wear constant of this pair are presented. (author)

  4. Experiment data report for Semiscale Mod-1 Test S-28-1 (steam generator tube rupture test series)

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Collins, B.L.; Coppin, C.E.; Sackett, K.E.

    1977-10-01

    Recorded test data are presented for Test S-28-1 of the Semiscale Mod-1 steam generator tube rupture test series. These tests are among several Semiscale Mod-1 experiments conducted to investigate the thermal and hydraulic phenomena accompanying a hypothesized loss-of-coolant accident in a pressurized water reactor (PWR) system. Test S-28-1 was conducted from initial conditions of 15 767 kPa and 557 K to investigate the response of the Semiscale Mod-1 system to a depressurization and reflood transient following a simulated double-ended offset shear of the broken loop cold leg piping. During the test, cooling water was injected into the cold leg of the intact and broken loops to simulate emergency core coolant injection in a PWR. Sixty steam generator tube ruptures were simulated by a controlled injection from a heated accumulator into the intact loop hot leg

  5. A computational model for reliability calculation of steam generators from defects in its tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Rivero, Paulo C.M.; Melo, P.F. Frutuoso e

    2000-01-01

    Nowadays, probability approaches are employed for calculating the reliability of steam generators as a function of defects in their tubes without any deterministic association with warranty assurance. Unfortunately, probability models produce large failure values, as opposed to the recommendation of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, that is, failure probabilities must be as small as possible In this paper, we propose the association of the deterministic methodology with the probabilistic one. At first, the failure probability evaluation of steam generators follows a probabilistic methodology: to find the failure probability, critical cracks - obtained from Monte Carlo simulations - are limited to have length's in the interval defined by their lower value and the plugging limit one, so as to obtain a failure probability of at most 1%. The distribution employed for modeling the observed (measured) cracks considers the same interval. Any length outside the mentioned interval is not considered for the probability evaluation: it is approached by the deterministic model. The deterministic approach is to plug the tube when any anomalous crack is detected in it. Such a crack is an observed one placed in the third region on the plot of the logarithmic time derivative of crack lengths versus the mode I stress intensity factor, while for normal cracks the plugging of tubes occurs in the second region of that plot - if they are dangerous, of course, considering their random evolution. A methodology for identifying anomalous cracks is also presented. (author)

  6. Functional performance of the helical coil steam generator, Consolidated Nuclear Steam Generator (CNSG) IV system. Executive summary report

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Watson, G.B.

    1975-10-01

    The objective of this project was to study the functional performance of the CNSG - IV helical steam generator to demonstrate that the generator meets steady-state and transient thermal-hydraulic performance specifications and that secondary flow instability will not be a problem. Economic success of the CNSG concepts depends to a great extent on minimizing the size of the steam generator and the reactor vessel for ship installation. Also, for marine application the system must meet stringent specifications for operating stability, transient response, and control. The full-size two-tube experimental unit differed from the CNSG only in the number of tubes and the mode of primary flow. In general, the functional performance test demonstrated that the helical steam generator concept will exceed the specified superheat of 35F at 100% load. The experimental measured superheat at comparable operating conditions was 95F. Testing also revealed that available computer codes accurately predict trends and overall performance characteristics

  7. LMFBR steam generators in the United Kingdom

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Anderson, R.; Hayden, O.

    2002-01-01

    Experience has been gained in the UK on the operation of LMFBR Steam Generator Units (SGU) over a period of 20 years from the Dounreay Fast Reactor (DFR) and the Prototype Fast Reactor (PFR). The DFR steam generator featured a double barrier and therefore did not represent a commercial design. PFR, however, faced the challenge of a single wall design and it is experience from this which is most valuable. The PFR reactor went critical in March 1974 and the plant operating history since then has been dominated by experience with leaks in the tube to tube plate welds of the high performance U-tubes SGU's. Operation at high power using the full complement of three secondary sodium circuits was delayed until July 1976 by the occurrence of leaks in the tube to tube plate welds of the superheater and reheater units which are fabricated in stainless steel. Repairs were carried out to the two superheaters and they were returned to service. The reheater tube bundle was removed from circuit after sodium was found to have entered the steam side. When the sodium had been removed and inspection carried out it was decided not to recover the unit. Since 1976 the remaining five stainless steel units have operated satisfactorily. This year a replacement reheater unit has been installed. This is of a new design in 9-Cr-Mo ferritic steel using a sleeve through which the steam tube passes to eliminate the tube to tube plate weld. Despite a few early leaks in evaporator tube to tube plate welds up to 1979, these failures did not initially present a major problem. However, in 1980 the rate of evaporator weld failures increased and despite the successful application of a shot peening process to eliminate stress corrosion failures from the water side of the weld, failures traced to the sodium side continued. A sleeving process was developed for application to complete evaporator units on a production basis with the objective of bypassing the welds at each end of the 500 tubes. The decision

  8. Dismantling Experiment of Mock-up Tube Bundle of Steam Generator

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kim, Sung Kyun; Lee, Kune Woo

    2010-01-01

    A SG (steam generator) is one of the biggest decommissioning components in nuclear power plants and one has been replaced 2∼6 times during the whole operation of a nuclear power plant. The old SG should be decommissioned for the purpose of the volume reduction of radioactive waste. Among the components of SG, the tube bundle is one of the most difficult items to be dismantled due to the fact that it is very hard to cut since it is made of Inconel 600 which has high resistance of corrosion and abrasion. Moreover, All cutting process should be performed by remotely since radioactive contamination of the internal surface of SG tubes is very high (about 150,000∼300,000 Bq/cm 2 ). Therefore, it is necessary to choose the appropriate cutting methods by the pros and cons analysis for candidate dismantling technologies and to do experiment study for the validation. In this study, the results of cutting experiment for a mock-up bundle by using band saw cutting method are described herein

  9. Rotating sensor technology for the inspection of steam generator tubing

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Glass, S.W.; Richards, T.A.

    1986-01-01

    A high-resolution profilometry system, has been developed to assess the dimensional condition of steam generator tubes and rapidly produce the data to evaluate the potential for developing in-service leaks. The probe has an electromechanical sensor in a rotating head. This technique has been demonstrated in the field at four U.S. plants and one plant owned by Electricite de France. The Indian Point-2 plant of Consolidated Edison has twice used this technology to save tubes that would have been plugged with the go-gauge criterion and identifying other high-risk candidates for plugging that might otherwise not have been removed from service. As an extension of the PROFIL-360 technology, a rotating eddy current system (EDDY-360) has also been developed. The system provides improved sensitivity, resolution, and characterization of small-volume flaws and complete circumferential coverage as compared to conventional (bobbin and 8 x 1) eddy current techniques. Enhanced eddy current data processing provides on-line data analysis and real-time imaging of detected flaws. (author)

  10. Leak detection in Phenix and Super Phenix steam generators

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Cambillard, E [Centre d' Etudes Nucleaires de Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette (France)

    1978-10-01

    Water leak detection Phenix and Super Phenix steam generators is based on measurement of the hydrogen produced by the reaction of sodium with water. The hydrogen evolves in the sodium in which the steam generator tubes are completely immersed. Depending on service conditions, however (sodium temperature and flow velocity), the hydrogen may appear in the argon existing above the free levels. This is why, although the Phenix steam generators do not feature free levels, measurement systems were added to measure the hydrogen concentration in the argon in the expansion tanks. Super Phenix steam generators are fitted at their outlet with systems for measuring hydrogen in the sodium, and above their free level with a system for measuring hydrogen in the argon. The measurement systems have nickel tube probes connected to circuits kept under vacuum by an ion pump. The hydrogen partial pressure is measured by a mass spectrometer. Super Phenix measurement systems differ from Phenix systems essentially in the temperature regulation of the sodium reaching the nickel tube probes, and in the centralization of the supply and measurement systems of the ion pumps and mass spectrometers. This paper deals with description, calibration and operating conditions of the hydrogen detection systems in sodium and argon in Phenix and Super Phenix steam generators. (author)

  11. Thermal-hydraulic behavior on break simulation of steam generator U-tube

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Seul, Kwang Won; Bang, Young Seok; Lee, Sukho; Kim, Hho Jung

    1995-01-01

    The thermal-hydraulic behavior depending on the break simulation in a steam generator U-tube was investigated and identified the code predictability on plant responses during SGTR accident. The calculated results were compared and assessed with LSTF SB-SG-06 test data. The RELAP5/MOD3.1 code well predicted the sequence of events and the significant phenomena, such as the asymmetric loop behavior, the RCS cooldown and heat transfer by the natural circulation, and system depressurization, even though there were some differences from the experimental data. The break flowrate was found to be sensitive to the break model and affected the system behavior

  12. Energy balance and flow in steam generator part with sodium-water reaction

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Matal, O.

    1980-01-01

    Relations were derived for the calculation of heat liberated during the sodium water reaction in a tube failure in different parts of a steam generator. The results are graphically shown in i-T diagrams. Heat removal is described from the reaction zone to water and steam in undisturbed tubes and to the steam generator metal structure. (author)

  13. Steam generator operating experience: Update for 1984-1986

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Frank, L.; Stokley, J.

    1988-06-01

    This report summarizes operational events and degradation mechanisms affecting pressurized water reactor steam generator integrity, provides updated inspection results reported in 1984, 1985, and 1986, and highlights both prevalent problem areas and advances in improved equipment test practices, preventive measures, repair techniques, and replacement procedures. It describes equipment design features of the three major suppliers and discusses 68 plants in detail. Steam generator degradation mechanisms include intergranular stress corrosion cracking, primary water stress corrosion cracking, pitting, intergranular attack, and vibration wear that effects tube integrity and causes leakage. Plugging, sleeving heat treatment, peening, chemical cleaning, and steam generator replacements are described and regulatory instruments and inspection guidelines for nondestructive evaluations and girth weld cracking are discusses. The report concludes that although degradation mechanisms are generally understood, the elimination of unscheduled plant shutdowns and costly repairs resulting from leaking tubes has not been achieved. Highlights of steam generator research and unresolved safety issues are discussed. 21 refs., 8 tabs

  14. Leakage experiences with 1 MW steam generator

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kanamori, A.; Kawara, M.; Sano, A.

    1975-01-01

    An 1 MW steam generator was tested from October, 1971 and completed with the first series of experiments by May, 1972 after 3600 hours of operation. During these tests, unextraordinary heat absorption was experienced in the downcomer region, which led to shortage of heat transfer area to attain the rated steam temperature and to one of the reasons of flow instabilities. The steam generator was disassembled to get test pieces for structure as well as material examinations and then it was reassembled to proceed the second series of tests. Before it was done, a modification was provided to insulate the downcomer region by putting a gas space around the downcomer tube. The gas space was provided by a dual tube and spacers were welded on the inner tube and an end plate was welded on upper parts between the two to seal the gap by means of fillet welding. After the modified steam generator was put into operation, water happened to leak into a sodium side two times through these additional welding spots for the gas insulation. This paper presents operating conditions and behaviors of monitors at the time of the leakages, identifications of leaked spots, an evaluation of causes and a treatment or a precaution for them

  15. Development and application of an entrainment model for the PWR U-tube steam generators for main steam line break analysis

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Song, Dong-Soo; Park, Young-Chan

    2004-01-01

    The purpose of this paper is to present the analyses that were performed to develop and use an entrainment model for pressurized water reactor U-tube steam generators (SG) for main steam line break (MSLB) analyses. The entrainment model was developed using the RETRAN-3D computer program, and the model was benchmarked against experimental data of moisture carryover during a simulated MSLB accident. The application methodology was also developed to incorporate into the MSLB mass and energy release calculations for Kori Unit 1. This methodology utilizes LOFTRAN and RETRAN-3D codes in an iterative sequence of cases in which the LOFTRAN nuclear steam supply system model provides boundary conditions for the RETRAN-3D broken loop steam generator model, and the RETRAN-3D model provides the entrainment data that is input back into the LOFTRAN model. FORTRAN programs were developed to facilitate the sequencing of these iterative calculations. As a result of applying the entrainment model to Kori Unit 1, the temperature calculated inside Containment during MSLB accident using the CONTEMP-LT computer program decreased by about 25degC. Consequently this entrainment model provides a significant benefit by decreasing the temperature envelop for environment qualification as well as decreasing the peak Containment pressure. (author)

  16. Stress relief to prevent stress corrosion in the transition region of expanded Alloy 600 steam-generator tubing. Final report

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Woodward, J.; van Rooyen, D.

    1983-05-01

    The feasibility of preventing primary side roll transition cracking has been investigated, using induction heating to attain stress relief of expanded Ni-Cr-Fe Alloy 600 steam generator tubing. Work on rolled tubing and U-bends has shown that temperatures with which stress relief can be obtained range from 700 to 850 0 C, with lower temperatures in this range requiring longer times at temperature to provide the requisite reduction in residual stresses. No work has yet been done outside this range. Preliminary tests, using induction heating, have been carried out on a mock tube sheet assembly, designed to the dimensions of a typical steam generator, and have identified the type of heating/cooling cycle that would occur in the tube sheet during a stress relief operation. Preliminary results show that the times to reach the higher temperatures in the range observed to give stress relief, of the order of 850 0 C, can be as short as 8 seconds, and less with optimum coil design and power control

  17. Stress corrosion cracking of steam generator tube and primary pipe in PWR type nuclear power plants

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zhang Weiguo; Gao Fengqin; Zhou Hongyi

    1993-01-01

    The behavior of stress corrosion cracking (SCC) is studied by slow strain rate test (SSRT), constant load test (CLT) and low frequency cyclic loading test (LFCLT). The purpose of these tests is to get the test data for evaluating the integrity of pressurized boundary of pipes in Qinshan and Guangdong nuclear power plants. Tested materials are 316 nuclear grade stainless steel (SS) for primary pipes in welded heat affected zone (WHAZ) and steam generator tubes, such as Incoloy-800, Inconel-600, Inconel-690 and 321 SS which are used for steam generator in PWR. The effects of material metallurgy, shot-peening treatment, tensile load, strain rate, cyclic load and water chemistry on the behavior of SCC are investigated

  18. Steam generator for a pressurized-water coolant nuclear reactor

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Schroeder, H.J.; Berger, W.

    1975-01-01

    A description is given of a steam generator which has a vertical cylindrical housing having a steam output outlet, a horizontal tube sheet closing the lower end of this housing, and an inverted U-shaped tube bundle inside of the housing and having vertical inlet and outlet legs with their ends mounted in the tube sheet. Beneath the tube sheet there are inlet and outlet manifolds for the respective ends of the tube bundle so that pressurized-water coolant from a pressurized-water coolant nuclear reactor can be circulated through the tube bundle

  19. US PWR steam generator management: An overview

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Welty, C.S. Jr.

    1997-01-01

    This paper provides an overview on the status of steam generator management activities in US PWRs, and includes: (1) an overview of the impact of steam generator problems; (2) a brief discussion of historical damage trends and the current damage mechanism of most concern; (3) a discussion of the elements of open-quotes steam generator managementclose quotes; and (4) a description of the approach being followed to implement a degradation-specific protocol for tubing inspection and repair. This paper was prepared in conjunction with another paper presented during the Plenary Session of this Conference, open-quotes Steam Generator Degradation: Current Mitigation Strategies for Controlling Corrosionclose quotes, and is provided as a supplement to that material

  20. Dynamic modelling of nuclear steam generators

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kerlin, T.W.; Katz, E.M.; Freels, J.; Thakkar, J.

    1980-01-01

    Moving boundary, nodal models with dynamic energy balances, dynamic mass balances, quasi-static momentum balances, and an equivalent single channel approach have been developed for steam generators used in nuclear power plants. The model for the U-tube recirculation type steam generator is described and comparisons are made of responses from models of different complexity; non-linear versus linear, high-order versus low order, detailed modeling of the control system versus a simple control assumption. The results of dynamic tests on nuclear power systems show that when this steam generator model is included in a system simulation there is good agreement with actual plant performance. (author)