Operational reliability and longevity of the feed pipelines of power units at thermal power stations

A wide range of matters relating to the operational reliability of feed pipelines at power stations is analyzed. Results from investigations into the mechanical properties and parameters characterizing the cracking resistance of the metal of feed pipelines that have long been in operation are presented. The role of the main factors as possible causes of damages to the components of feed pipelines is evaluated. The results from calculations of feed pipeline components for strength and longevity are briefly analyzed, and the main requirements for their field inspection procedure are formulated.     

Reflexive Planning as Design and Work: Lessons from the Port of Amsterdam

In recent years, planning theorists have advanced various interpretations of the notion of reflexivity, inspired by American pragmatism, complexity theory, hermeneutics, discursive and collaborative planning. Scholars agree that “reflexivity” has a strong temporal dimension: it not only aims to solve present planning problems, but to imagine and understand alternative trajectories for future action. This article explores the practical utility of reflexivity for planners, through a case study that focuses on a project to promote sustainable development in the Port of Amsterdam. Reflexivity in planning emerges as a new tool for generating critical knowledge and dialogue that can synthesise the perspectives of multiple actors in a common understanding, existing structural constraints and a collective imagination of alternative future possibilities. Such research highlights the potential of this approach to generate a creative reconfiguration of the present, and to build capacity for meaningful and considered change.     

Calculating the strength and estimating the service life of pressure vessels at thermal power stations during investigation of industrial Safety

Matters relating to carrying out strength calculations and estimating the service life of pressure vessels at power stations after this equipment has worked through standardized service life are considered. The need to carry out one kind of calculations or another, depending on the purpose and operating conditions of a vessel, is analyzed. Procedures for carrying out check calculations of vessels taking their actual state and operating conditions into account for substantiating the possibility of their further operation are described.     

Experience with drilled in-situ injected pile use in Krasnoyarsk

Experience with use of cast-in-place piles with stabilization of the soils beneath their bases by the method of grouting is described. Ranges of effective application of these piles are indicated.     

Corrosion behavior of thermoelectric clathrates α- and β-Eu8Ga16−xGe30+x in air

The corrosion of thermoelectric clathrates α- and β-Eu₈Ga_16−xGe_30+x is studied under static air (DSC/TG) up to 650 °C. Oxidation product layers with thicknesses of 10.5 μm (α-Eu₈Ga_16−xGe_30+x) and 4.5 μm (β-Eu₈Ga_16−xGe_30+x) are formed. The oxidation begins at 360 and 380 °C, respectively. XRD pattern of the β-Eu₈Ga_16−xGe_30+x oxidized layer shows Ge and four Eu₂O₃ reflections; while α-Eu₈Ga_16−xGe_30+x data (sample crushed and grinded) shows α-Eu₈Ga_16−xGe_30+x reflections (majority phase), two EuGa_2±xGe_4?x strongest reflections and Ge (minority phases). These results indicate the amount of oxides is very small or they are amorphous. High temperature powder XRD measurements on α-Eu₈Ga_16−xGe_30+x under air confirm the oxidation onset temperature determined in DSC studies.     

Thermoelectric Properties of the Clathrate I Ba<Subscript>8</Subscript>Ge<Subscript>43</Subscript>□<Subscript>3</Subscript>

The clathrate I Ba₈Ge₄₃□₃ [space group Ia[`3]d Ia\bar{3}d , no. 230, a = 21.307(1) ?] has been synthesized as a single phase and characterized by x-ray powder diffraction and metallographic analysis. Electrical and thermal transport measurements have been performed in the temperature range of 5 K to 673 K. Ba₈Ge₄₃□₃ displays the electrical resistivity of a poor metal at low temperatures, with semiconducting-like behavior appearing above 300 K.     

Analysis of the development of damage in a welded junction in the hot intermediate superheat steam duct of 800-MW generator units

Data from a metallographic study of a damaged weld junction in a hot intermediate superheat steam duct and a computational model for crack development (in the damaged zone) by a creep mechanism are described. Anumerical calculation confirms the possibility of crack development to the known final size over a time of approximately 15,000 h, which corresponds to the operating time for the steam duct from the last time it was inspected until the time of a through fault, under conditions such that a 2.5-mm-deep surface crack (with a length of ∼50 mm along the surface) had been overlooked during this last inspection. Translated from élektricheskie Stantsii, No. 10, October 2008, pp. 29–35.     

Brittle fractures of the drums of high-pressure boilers: Main causes and methods for preventing them

Factors causing damage to the metal of the drums of high-pressure boilers, as well as the known cases of drum failures, are analyzed. The totality of factors determining the operational reliability of drums is systematized. The process-related mechanism governing the destruction of the drums at the Kurgan cogeneration station and TETs-3 Yaroslavl cogeneration station, and the general factors caused these drums to fail are identified. Recommendations for reducing the risk of drum failures are formulated.