First non-OEM steam-generator replacement in US a success
In selecting replacements for major powerplant components, a fresh approach can be advantageous--even when complex nuclear components are involved. This was the experience at Unit 2 of Millstone nuclear station, which features an 870-MW pressurized-water reactor (PWR) with two nuclear recirculating steam generators. The unit began operation in 1975. In the early 1980s, pitting problems surfaced in the steam generator tubing; by the mid eighties, tube corrosion had reached an unacceptable level. Virtually all of the 17,000 tubes in the two units were deteriorating, with 2500 plugged and 5000 sleeved. Several new problems also were identified, including secondary-side circumferential cracking of the Alloy 600 tubing near the tubesheet face, and deterioration of the carbon steel egg-crate tube supports. Despite improvements to primary and secondary steam-generator water chemistry, including almost complete copper removal from the condensate and feedwater loops, Northeast Utilities (NU) was unable to completely control degradation of the tube bundles. The utility decided in 1987 that full replacement was the most viable alternative. NU made a bold move, selecting a supplier other than the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).
- OSTI ID:
- 7177555
- Journal Information:
- Power; (United States), Vol. 138:4; ISSN 0032-5929
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
PWR TYPE REACTORS
STEAM GENERATORS
RETROFITTING
AVAILABILITY
MAINTENANCE
MILLSTONE-2 REACTOR
BOILERS
ENRICHED URANIUM REACTORS
POWER REACTORS
REACTORS
THERMAL REACTORS
VAPOR GENERATORS
WATER COOLED REACTORS
WATER MODERATED REACTORS
210200* - Power Reactors
Nonbreeding
Light-Water Moderated
Nonboiling Water Cooled