Structural and leakage integrity of tubes affected by circumferential cracking
- TRACTEBEL, Brussels (Belgium)
In this paper the author deals with the notion that circumferential cracks are generally considered unacceptable. He argues for the need to differentiate two facets of such cracks: the issue of the size and growth rate of a crack; and the issue of the structural strength and leakage potential of the tube in the presence of the crack. In this paper the author tries to show that the second point is not a major concern for such cracks. The paper presents data on the structural strength or burst pressure characteristics of steam generator tubes derived from models and data bases of experimental work. He also presents a leak rate model, and compares the performance of circumferential and axial cracks as far as burst strength and leak rate. The final conclusion is that subject to improvement in NDE capabilities (sizing, detection, growth), that Steam Generator Defect Specific Management can be used to allow circumferentially degraded tubes to remain in service.
- Research Organization:
- CH2M Hill, Gainesville, FL (United States); Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 467895
- Report Number(s):
- NUREG/CP-0154; ANL-96/14; NEA/CNRA/R-(96)1; CONF-9510423-; ON: TI97004312; TRN: 97:008361
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: CNRA/CSNI workshop on steam generator tube integrity in nuclear power plants, Oak Brook, IL (United States), 30 Oct - 2 Nov 1995; Other Information: PBD: Feb 1997; Related Information: Is Part Of Proceedings of the CNRA/CSNI workshop on steam generator tube integrity in nuclear power plants; Diercks, D.R. [Argonne National Lab., IL (United States)]; PB: 621 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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