Measurements of Stresses, Forces and Moments on Operating Steam Generators at Bruce 'A' Nuclear Generating Station

Abstract

Regulatory demands required that measurements be made on an operating steam drum/steam generator structure to ensure that maximum bending stress magnitudes would not be exceeded. Although there were significant theoretical and practical obstacles to the performance of the measurements, an unconventional measurement approach was developed and successfully applied.

The results of the measurements verified that the bending stresses in the structure would not exceed allowable limits. In addition, the measurement approach and procedures that were used in this project may have widespread applicability to other measurement requirements in nuclear stations.