Operating Experience with Nuclear Steam Generator Tubes

Abstract

Annual surveys of steam generator tube experience have been conducted by distribution of questionnaires to utilities operating pressurized light and heavy water reactors. By the end of 1982, approximately 30 000 tubes had been plugged, mainly because of corrosion. The proportion of reactors and of tubes affected annually have not changed drastically because as some failure mechanisms were overcome, others emerged. In some plants the failure rate has been sufficiently high that large scale repairs or steam generator replacement has been necessary. Analysis of the locations and mechanisms of tube failures and the operating histories indicates that reliable steam generator experience is possible,