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Title: Life assessment methodology for turbogenerator rotors: Volume 1, Improvements to the SAFER (Stress and Fracture Evaluation of Rotors) code rotor lifetime prediction software: Final report

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5360438

The original SAFER (Stress and Fracture Evaluation of Rotors) code was developed by EPRI between 1976 and 1980 in response to concerns for turbo-generator rotor burst in the wake of the TVA Gallatin IP/LP rotor incident. The industry's response to the Gallatin burst was to inspect and retire any rotor which was suspected to have low creep ductility (especially Grade C 1CrMoV forgings) or a high ..delta..FATT (resulting from temper embrittlement during elevated temperature service) and, of course, which exhibited bore ultrasonic indications which by their density or distribution posed the threat of harboring or initiating cracks near the critical size. The conservatism inherent in these recommendations for retirement certainly removed many potentially dangerous rotors from service, but just as certainly led to the unnecessary retirement of many rotors which had not suffered any significant damage during their service history. The emphasis in the utility industry on extending the useful life of plant components, at the same time when fossil plants were being relegated to peaking duty and thus subjecting many turbines to much increased cyclic loading, resulted in critical examination of the economic basis of run/retire decisions and a need to understand the degree of risk involved in continued operation. This report discusses that examination and the improvements to the SAFER code as a result of that examination. 41 refs., 49 figs., 7 tabs.

Research Organization:
Jones (J.A.) Applied Research Co., Charlotte, NC (USA)
OSTI ID:
5360438
Report Number(s):
EPRI-CS/EL-5593-Vol.1; ON: TI88920239
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English