How to Keep Your Steam Generator Working with Low Costs for a Long and Reliable Operating Time

Abstract

Strategic planning of steam generator (SG) maintenance and repair is a key issue for plant availability and reliability. In Germany, maintenance and eventual repair considerations are an integrated part of a multistep concept for reliable SG performance. This concept is addressed as early as in the design phase of a nuclear power plant. In contrast to the tube degradation problems that have been encountered worldwide, SGs of the SiemensIKWU design have proven by operating experience that they are very efficient in minimizing tube corrosion or any other SG related problems. A multilevel concept has been developed, applied and wherever necessary improved in order to ensure reliable operation. The main elements of this concept are thorough design engineering incl. proper material selection and stringent requirements and quality control for fabrication accompanied by tight control requirements of water chemistry environments. In order to counteract tube deficiencies a complete arsenal of maintenance: inspection- and repair-techniques have been developed and successfully applied. Performance of SG is continuously evaluated and fixed in lifetime databases. The main indicator for SG integrity still is the eddy-current testing of SG tubes. SG tubes which have shown indications at the eddy current tests are rated with lifetime threshold values and SGs affected by tube damages are inspected, and eventually, repaired, based on individual assessment criteria.