Determination of equivalent single crack based on coalescence criterion of collinear axial cracks

In a nuclear power plant the steam generator tubes cover a major portion of the primary pressure-retaining boundary. Thus, very conservative approaches have been taken in the light of steam generator tube integrity. According to the present criteria, tubes wall-thinned in excess of 40% should be plugged whatever the cause. However, many analytical and experimental results have shown that no safety problems exist even with thickness reductions greater than 40%. The present criterion was developed about 20 years ago when wear and pitting were dominant causes for steam generator tube degradation, and it is based on tubes with single cracks regardless of the fact that the appearance of multiple cracks is more common in general. The objective of this study is to review the conservatism of the present plugging criteria of steam generator tubes and to propose a new coalescence model for two adjacent through-wall cracks existing in steam generator tubes. Using the existing failure models and experimental results, we reviewed the conservatism of the present plugging criteria. In order to verify the usefulness of the proposed new coalescence model, we performed finite element analysis and some parametric studies. Then, we developed a coalescence evaluation diagram.     

Investigation on the interaction effect of two parallel axial through-wall cracks existing in steam generator tube

It is commonly required that steam generator tubes wall-thinned in excess of 40% should be plugged. However, the plugging criterion is known to be too conservative for some locations and types of defects and its application is confined to a single crack. In the previous study, the conservatism of the present plugging criterion of steam generator tubes was reviewed and a crack coalescence model applicable to steam generator tubes with two collinear axial through-wall cracks was proposed. Since parallel axial cracks are more frequently detected during in-service inspections than collinear axial cracks, the studies on parallel axial cracks spaced in circumferential direction are necessary. The objective of this paper is to investigate the interaction effect between two parallel axial through-wall cracks existing in a steam generator tube. Finite element analyses were performed and a new failure model of the steam generator tube with these types of cracks is suggested. Interaction effects between two adjacent cracks were investigated to explain the deformation behavior of cracked tubes.     

Surry steam generator - examination & evaluation

This report summarizes research conducted during the fourth year of the five year Steam Generator Group Project. During this period the project conducted numerous nondestructive examination (NDE) round robin inspections of the original Surry 2A steam generator. They included data acquisition/analysis and analysis-only round robins using multifrequency bobbin coil eddy current tests. In addition, the generator was nondestructively examined by alternate or advanced techniques including ultrasonics, optical fiber, profilometry and special eddy current instrumentation. The round robin interpretation data were compared. To validate the NDE results and for tube integrity testing, a selection of tubing samples, determined to be representative of the generator, was designated for removal. Initial sample removals from the generator included three sections of tube sheet, two sections of support plate and encompassed tubes, and a number of straight and U-bend tubing sections. Metallographic examination of these sections was initiated. Details of significant results are presented in the following paper.     

Overview of steam generator tube degradation and integrity issues

The degradation of steam generator tubes in pressurized water nuclear reactors, and, in particular, the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of Alloy 600 tubes, continues to be a serious problem. Primary water SCC is commonly observed at the roll transition zone (RTZ), at U-bends and tube denting locations, and occasionally in plugs and sleeves. Outer-diameter SCC (ODSCC) and intergranular attack (IGA) commonly occur near tube support plate (TSP) crevices, near the tube sheet in crevices, or under sludge piles, and occasionally in the free span. A particularly troubling recent trend has been the increasing occurrence of axial and circumferential cracking at the RTZ on both the primary and secondary sides. Outer-diameter stress corrosion cracking in TSP crevices, commonly consisting of segmented axial cracks with interspersed uncracked ligaments, is also becoming more common. Despite recent advances in inservice inspection (ISI) technology, a clear need still exists for quantifying and improving the reliability of ISI methods with respect to the probability of detection of the various types of flaws and their accurate sizing. These improvements are necessary to permit an accurate assessment of the consequences of leaving degraded tubes in service over the next reactor operating cycle. Degradation modes such as circumferential cracking, intergranular attack, and ODSCC at the TSP have affected a large number of tubes. New regulatory guidance is being developed that requires the development and implementation of a steam generator management program that monitors tube condition against accepted performance criteria to ensure that the tubes will perform the required safety function over the next operating cycle. In formulating new guidance for the implementation of alternate repair criteria, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is also evaluating the contribution to overall plant risk from severe accidents. Preliminary analyses are being performed for a postulated severe-accident scenario that involves station blackout and loss of primary feedwater, in order to determine the probability of failure for degraded tubes.     

Influence of flow stress choice on the plastic collapse estimation of axially cracked steam generator tubes

The influence of the choice of flow stress on the plastic collapse estimation of axially cracked steam generator (SG) tubes is considered. The plastic limit and collapse loads of thick-walled tubes with external axial semi-elliptical surface cracks are investigated by three-dimensional non-linear finite element (FE) analyses. The limit pressure solution as a function of the crack depth, length and tube geometry has been developed on the basis of extensive FE limit load analyses employing the elastic–perfectly plastic material behaviour and small strain theory. Unlike the existing solutions, the newly developed analytical approximation of the plastic limit pressure for thick-walled tubes is applicable to a wide range of crack dimensions. Further, the plastic collapse analysis with a real strain-hardening material model and a large deformation theory is performed and an analytical approximation for the estimation of the flow stress is proposed. Numerical results show that the flow stress, defined by some failure assessment diagram (FAD) methods, depends not only on the tube material, but also on the crack geometry. It is shown that the plastic collapse pressure results, in the case of deeper cracks obtained by using the flow stress as the average of the yield stress and the ultimate tensile strength, can become unsafe.     

Coalescence evaluation of collinear axial through-wall cracks in steam generator tubes

To maintain the structural integrity of steam generator tubes, usually, 40% of wall thickness plugging criterion has been adopted. However, since the criterion is applicable only for the steam generator tube containing a single crack, the interaction effect of multiple cracks cannot be considered. In this paper, the coalescence pressure of tube with dual cracks is evaluated based on detailed three-dimensional elastic–plastic finite element analyses. In terms of the crack configuration, collinear axial through-wall cracks with various length, distance and ratio between individual cracks are selected. The applicability of failure pressure prediction models recently proposed by the authors was verified by comparing the finite element analyses results with corresponding experimental data for tubes with two identical cracks. Further, in order to quantify the effect of crack length ratio on failure behavior, the failure pressure prediction model was used expansively for tubes containing different-sized cracks and a coalescence evaluation diagram was developed.     

PWR核电站蒸汽发生器传热管和主管道的应力腐蚀破裂研究

用慢应变速率试验(SSRT)、恒载荷试验(CLT)和低周循环载荷试验方法研究以秦山和大亚湾核电站安全为目的的有关压力边界管道破裂始发事件应力腐蚀破裂(SCC)的行为,为评价管道的结构完整性提供支持性实验数据。研究的材料有核等级主管道焊接热影响区(WHAZ)316不锈钢(SS),核等级蒸汽发生器(SG)传热管材Incoloy-800、Inconel-600、Inconel-690和321SS。研究的影响因素包括材料冶金、表面喷丸处理、载荷、应变速率、循环载荷以及水化学条件对SCC的影响规律。     

中国核动力研究设计院青年基金资助

采用近似方法从理论上导出了一种立式U型管自然循环蒸汽发生器换热面积的近似理论公式,并将其计算结果与实际的立式U型管自然循环蒸汽发生器换面积进行了,其绝对误差在8％以下。     

A case study on detection and sizing of defects in steam generator tubes using eddy current testing

Eddy current testing (ECT) method is widely used to detect various types of defects occurring in nuclear steam generator tubes. Therefore, the reliability of its detection and sizing accuracy for defects should be validated. For this purpose, two tubes with defect signals were pulled from an operating steam generator and destructively examined. The defect type was a circumferential crack for one tube and an intergranular attack (IGA) for the other tube. The plus point coil probe showed a better capability to detect and size both a circumferential crack and a volumetric IGA than pancake and bobbin coil probe. The destructive results are correlated with the ECT results obtained during the in-service inspection.     

核电厂蒸汽发生器一次侧向二次侧泄漏率取值研究北大核心CSCD

合理确定蒸汽发生器一次侧向二次侧泄漏率取值,并据此制定核电厂运行策略,对核电厂的安全及稳定运行意义重大。本文根据泄漏率数值使用目的,将泄漏率分为用于辐射防护设计的泄漏率取值、用于核电厂运行控制的泄漏率控制值、用于保证蒸汽发生器传热管完整性的泄漏率保护阈值三大类,并探讨了各类取值的确定依据。完成了对国内外核电厂蒸汽发生器一次侧向二次侧泄漏率取值情况的调研分析,结合研究情况,提出了我国核电厂蒸汽发生器一次侧向二次侧泄漏率取值及控制的建议。     

蒸汽发生器传热管在泵致脉动压力载荷下的动力学响应研究

泵致脉动压力是核电站中引起主设备部件疲劳失效的主要原因之一。本文建立了蒸汽发生器传热管的泵致脉动压力载荷表达式,并建立不同弯曲半径的传热管有限元模型,对蒸汽发生器传热管在泵致脉动压力载荷下的动力学响应进行了研究。结果表明：34、64、94、114、124、144排传热管附近的频率、振型对泵致脉动压力最为敏感;包络泵致脉动压力作用下,最大应力出现在32排传热管上;传热管在泵致脉动压力载荷作用下,泵致脉动压力载荷的轴频频率对结构响应的贡献最大。本文分析结果为蒸汽发生器传热管在泵致脉动压力载荷下的磨损分析提供了参考。     

300MW核电汽轮机凝汽器动态过程的数值分析

凝汽器冷却管热应力直接影响到冷却管与管板之间连接的密封性，从而影响到蒸汽发生器的安全运行。通过对300MW核电汽轮机凝汽器动态过程数值仿真，分析了汽轮机真空系统严密性试验，冷却水中断以及汽轮机甩全负荷对凝汽器冷却管热应力的影响，为提高蒸汽发生器运行的安全性。奠定了理论基础。     

传热管与支撑件随机碰撞实验研究

针对蒸汽发生器中传热管与支撑件的碰撞行为,对悬臂梁固定的传热管在不同支撑条件下开展了激振实验,获得了传热管均方根位移与接触率,分析了传热管与支撑件磨损功率的变化规律,并探究了传热管固有频率对振动特性的影响。结果表明,防振条支撑与波纹带支撑时传热管的法向均方根位移均随激振力增加逐渐放缓,而防振条支撑对应的切向位移呈线性增长。防振条支撑与波纹带支撑时的接触率均表现为随激振力增大趋于稳定,其中间隙对防振条支撑的接触率影响更明显。在以冲击为主导的激励方式下,激振力与磨损功率表现为明显的正相关。支撑间隙对磨损功率的影响相对复杂,防振条支撑下磨损功率在0.1 mm和0.25 mm间隙存在极值,而波纹带支撑磨损功率仅在0.2 mm间隙存在极值。传热管固有频率对振动响应结果的影响很小。     

核电厂蒸汽发生器传热管氦气检漏系统研究

本研究介绍了某核电厂蒸汽发生器传热管在役氦气检漏系统的原理及系统组成,并模拟了某核电厂蒸汽发生器在役大修期间传热管检漏试验。试验结果表明,最佳参数可设置为:蒸汽发生器二次侧氦气浓度份额为30%;抽气速率为 20 L/min;蒸汽发生器二次侧压力为0.6 MPa;系统漏点定位误差在0.5 m以内。本文研究的蒸汽发生器传热管在役氦气检漏系统可为国内核电厂安全、稳定地运行提供可靠的技术保障。      

蒸汽发生器传热管的微动磨损损伤及预测模型

蒸汽发生器是核电厂中能量转换的关键装备,内部高速流经的高温、高压流体引起传热管流激振动,造成传热管微动磨损损伤,严重时发生管道破裂。文章介绍了传热管典型的微动磨损失效案例,相应的模拟实验研究结果,以及机械磨损与冲蚀-腐蚀共同作用的损伤机制。采用工作率模型可对传热管的磨损失效进行合理的寿命预测评估,该预测模型已经在核电厂安全评估方面应用。     

Secondary side corrosion in steam generator tubes: lessons learned in France from the in-service inspection results

Non-destructive testing (NDT) has proved to be very important in the maintenance of steam generator tubing. This is particularly true in the case of secondary side corrosion, because this type of degradation leads to various morphologies which are often complex (intergrranular attack) (IGA), intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC), or a mixture of both. Their detection and characterization by the usual NDT techniques have been achieved through numerous laboratory studies, which were conducted in order to determine the performance and limitations of NDT. Pulled tube examination in a hot laboratory was very valuable, for both NDT and fracture mechanics aspects. The eddy current bobbin coil probe, used for multipurpose inspection of tubes, allows the detection of IGA-SCC at the tube support plate elevation. In France, the use of rotating probes is not required for that type of degradation, since the repair criterion is based on bobbin coil results only. The bobbin coil is also used for detection of IGSCC occurring in free spans, within sludge deposits. The eddy current rotating probe allows, in that case, characterization of main cracks. Concerning the outer diameter initiated circumferential cracks which occur at the top of the tube sheet, only the rotating probe is used. An ultrasonic (UT) inspection was performed several times, in order to obtain information on UT capabilities. The goal of tube inspection is obviously knowledge of the status of steam generators, but also to follow up degradations and to estimate their revolution, and to verify the beneficial effect of some corrective measures, e.g. boric acid injection.     

基于声发射技术的蒸汽发生器传热管点腐蚀研究

蒸汽发生器传热管的腐蚀是影响核动力装置安全运行的重要问题之一,传热管的腐蚀以点腐蚀的危害最为常见。利用声发射仪器,对蒸汽发生器传热管进行腐蚀实验时的信号进行采集和分析,并对腐蚀点进行了准确定位。实验结果表明,传热管的点腐蚀经历3个阶段:发展期、平稳期和迅速发展期。声发射技术能比其它任何无损检测方法更早地发现传热管腐蚀损伤,可对蒸汽发生器的安全和运行情况进行在线实时监测,具有重要的意义。     

Dynamic characteristics of steam generator U-tubes with defect

This study investigates the fluid elastic instability characteristics of steam generator (SG) U-tubes with defect and the safety assessment of the potential for fretting-wear damages caused by foreign object in operating nuclear power plants. To get the natural frequency, corresponding mode shape and participation factor, modal analyses are performed for the U-tubes either with axial or circumferential flaw with different sizes. Special emphases are on the effects of flaw orientation and size on the modal and instability characteristics of tubes, which are expressed in terms of the natural frequency, corresponding mode shape and stability ratio. Also, the wear rate of U-tube caused by foreign object is calculated using the Archard formula and the remaining life of the tube is predicted, and discussed in this study is the effect of the flow velocity and vibration of the tube on the remaining life of the tube. In addition, addressed in this study is the effect of the internal pressure on the vibration and fretting-wear characteristics of the tube.     

基于流热固耦合的核电蒸汽发生器传热管热应力数值模拟

以大亚湾核电站蒸汽发生器为原型,基于相似模化原理建立了蒸汽发生器简化物理模型。采用两流体模型及热弹性力学基本关系式分别描述气液两相流沸腾相变过程和热应力变化规律。利用CFX对一、二回路侧流体流动传热及与传热管的耦合换热过程进行了数值模拟,并在ANSYS WORKBENCH中实现了流体温度场载荷向结构的传递,进而对传热管进行稳态热分析和热应力分析。计算结果表明：二回路出口质量含汽率为24.5%,冷却剂出口温度为296.2 ℃,均与大亚湾蒸汽发生器实际运行参数相符;传热管热应力与其壁面温差分布一致,且沿壁厚方向先减小后增大,并存在中性层,传热管最大热应力为54.5 MPa。研究结果为蒸汽发生器的优化设计及安全运行提供了一定的理论支撑。     

Mechanical integrity analysis of TMI-1 OTSG unplugged tubes

Small I.D. circumferential defects have been identified in many steam generator tubes. The origin of the cracks is known to be chemical, not mechanical. A fracture mechanics evaluation has been conducted to ascertain the stability of tube cracks under steady-state and anticipated transient conditions. A spectrum of hypothetical crack sizes was interacted with tube stresses derived from the load evaluation using the methods of linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM). Stress intensities were calculated for part-through wall cracks in cylinders combining components due to membrane stress, bending stress, and stresses due to internal pressure acting on the parting crack faces as the loads are cycled.The LEFM computational code, “BIGIF”, developed for EPRI, was used to integrate over a range of stress intensities following the model to describe crack growth in INCO 600 at operating temperature using the equation (ΔK)^3.5.The code was modified by applying ΔK_Th, the threshold stress intensity range. Below ΔK_Th small cracks will not propagate at all. Appropriate R ratio values were employed when calculating crack propagation due to high cycle or low cycle loading.Cracks that may have escaped detection by ECT will not jeopardize tube integrity during normal cooldown unless these cracks are greater than 180° in extent. Large non-through-wall cracks that would jeopardize tube integrity are not expected to evolve because in axi-symmetric tensile stress fields, cracks propagate preferentially through the tube wall rather than around the circumference. Tube integrity can be demonstrated for mid-span tube regions and for the transition region as well.The as-repaired transition geometry is a design no less adequate than the original. The as-repaired condition represents an improvement in the state of stress due to mechanical and thermal loads as compared to the original.