Structural integrity analysis of process water system Bingham pumps

Technical Report · Thu Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1992

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6587923· OSTI ID:6587923

Gupta, N K

Bingham pumps comprise part of the pressure boundary of the Process Water System (PWS). Monitoring the pump casing through in-service inspection is important to demonstrate the structural integrity throughout service. An acceptance criteria methodology with technical bases is provided to disposition flaws detected during examination of the pump casing. The methodology ensures that the defined structural or safety margins against failure are maintained throughout pump service in full consideration of service-induced degradation. Acceptance criteria, defining the acceptable flaw (length and depth) configurations for the pump casing, are established through structural analyses of the casing and flaw stability analyses of postulated flaws. Three-dimensional shell element model of the complex-shaped casing is constructed and detailed finite element stress analyses are performed at normal and off-normal loading conditions. Safety factors are applied to the resultant stresses and flaws are postulated at the most highly stressed regions of the pump casing. Postulated throughwall flaws in simplified casing configurations are analyzed with linear elastic and limit load methods with conservative application of the stress results. The most limiting results from the flaw stability analyses define The acceptable flaw length of 3.5 inches for the casing. The pump suction cover was separately analyzed to study the bolt failure concerns. Analyses were performed considering all bolts intact, all bolts cracked (25% deep through minor diameter), and up to 8 bolts inactive. It is found that as many as 4 bolts could be completely broken without adversely impacting the pressure boundary of the pumps at the design and operating conditions. Therefore, the current practice of volumetric and surface examination of the suction cover bolts is sufficient for the continued safe operation of the pumps.

• Research Organization: Savannah River Site (SRS), Aiken, SC (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC09-89SR18035
• OSTI ID: 6587923
• Report Number(s): WSRC-TR-92-12; ON: DE93013687
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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