Steam generator fretting-wear damage: A summary of recent findings

Journal Article · Sun Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1999 · Journal of Pressure Vessel Technology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1115/1.2883707· OSTI ID:687524

Guerout, F M; Fisher, N J ^[1]

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1. Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, Chalk River, Ontario (Canada). Chalk River Labs.

Flow-induced vibration of steam generator (SG) tubes may sometimes result in fretting-wear damage at the tube-to-support locations. Fretting-wear damage predictions are largely based on experimental data obtained at representative test conditions. Fretting-wear of SG materials has been studied at the Chalk River Laboratories for two decades. Tests are conducted in fretting-wear test machines that simulate SG environmental conditions and tube-to-support dynamic interactions. A new high-temperature force and displacement measuring system was developed to monitor tube-to-support interaction (i.e., work-rate) at operating conditions. This improvement in experimental fretting-wear technology was used to perform a comprehensive study of the effect of various environment and design parameters on SG tube wear damage. This paper summarizes the results of tests performed over the past 4 yr to study the effect of temperature, water chemistry, support geometry, and tube material on fretting-wear. The results show a significant effect of temperature on tube wear damage. Therefore, fretting-wear tests must be performed at operating temperatures in order to be relevant. No significant effect of the type of water treatment on tube wear damage was observed. For predominantly impacting motion, the wear of SG tubes in contact with 410 stainless steel is similar regardless of whether Alloy 690 or Alloy 800 is used as tubing material or whether lattice bars or broached hole supports are used. Based on results presented in this paper, an average wear coefficient value is recommended that is used for the prediction of SG tube wear depth versus time.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 687524
• Journal Information: Journal of Pressure Vessel Technology, Journal Name: Journal of Pressure Vessel Technology Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 121; ISSN JPVTAS; ISSN 0094-9930
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
CANDU TYPE REACTORS
FLUID-STRUCTURE INTERACTIONS
INCOLOY 800
INCONEL 690
STAINLESS STEEL-410
STEAM GENERATORS
TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCE
WEAR