Secondary side tube deposits can have an adverse effect on steam generator (SG) operation. Unless properly maintained, SGs can be subject to performance degradation as a result of tubing corrosion and steam pressure reduction.
To develop the appropriate maintenance plans, plant operators need an accurate understanding of the deposit condition within the SGs. Westinghouse SG Scale Profiling utilizes low-frequency eddy current data to provide a comprehensive view of the distribution patterns of secondary side deposits in the SG. Plant personnel can then use this information to support their recommendations for secondary side outage services, allowing for enhanced evaluation and optimization of cleaning processes.
Scale Profiling uses the low-frequency eddy current data that is collected from routine SG inspections to profile magnetite that has deposited on SG tubes, generating mathematical models of tube scale distributions. Visualization software provides volumetric representations of the deposit profile and pinpoints the areas of heaviest deposits. The data are also used to estimate the deposit inventory in each SG.
Additionally, rotating pancake coil (RPC) eddy current test data are utilized to assess deposit blockage in tube support plate (TSP) flow paths and at tube-to-tubesheet locations.
Westinghouse SG Scale Profiling is a valuable planning tool that provides information regarding:
The results of Scale Profiling are documented in a report provided to the utility. This report contains:
For more than 20 years, Westinghouse has completed numerous Scale Profiling assessments for various SG models such as Westinghouse, Combustion Engineering, and Babcock and Wilcox designs. Various plants perform Scale Profiling on a routine basis as input to their secondary side integrity assessments and strategic planning.
Rachel DeVito, PE
devitorl@westinghouse.com
1-412-374-2287