Vibration Monitoring of Heat Transfer Equipment and Piping Systems in Operating CANDU Stations

Abstract

Over the course of the past 15 years Ontario Hydro Research Division has developed vibration monitoring procedures that have been used successfully to detect and solve vibration problems in heat transfer equipment and piping systems in Ontario Hydro's CANDU stations. The primary purpose of the paper is to illustrate the value of vibration monitoring in preventative and predictive maintenance on installed systems. The theory and practice involved in the vibration monitoring procedures will be described. The application of the procedures will be illustrated by case studies drawn from recent field experience in CANDU stations.