FLUS - Leak Detection on CANDU Secondary Side Piping: Experience at pt, Lepreau and Gentilly 2

Abstract

Due to regulatory concerns for the protection of the Control Rooms (CR) against the possible consequences of a Steam/Feedwater pipe break at the Point Lepreau Generating Station (PLGS) and at Gentilly-2 (G2), NB Power and Hydro Quebec have each installed an on-line leak detection system on their Secondary Side Piping (SSP) in close proximity to these rooms. After laboratory testing three prospective systems, the Siemens FLUS system was selected and installed in I999 at both sites. Both systems have been in-service since December 1999 (G2) and June 2000 (PLGS), and both have met the necessary requirements. The main features of the FLUS system are: a robust and low maintenance design; simple installation of all field components; high sensitvity (2.5 kg/h leak rate and better); short response time (40 minutes and better); high locating accuracy (few meters). Both FLUS systems are of identical design, except for the amount of tubing connected. The system at PLGS is the largest FLUS system ever installed, operating 1700 m of total tubing (700 m of monitored pipes and 1000 m of connector tubes).