Failure of Vapor Overheads Discharge Line for a Radioactive Waste Evaporator
A 2-inch schedule 40 steel core pipe in an evaporator overheads discharge line broke at several locations downstream from a section of the line where it bridges a road. Fish mouth openings that developed along the pipe seams were initiated at lack of fusion defects in the pipe welds. A vacuum created in the piping upstream of the breaks prevented full drainage of the water upon shut down of the pump. Freezing of water in the pipe (the line was not heat traced) and water hammer effects occurring with pump restart could each contribute to the extensive deformation and tearing observed at the breaks. Both the weld flaws and the over pressure contributed to the outcome. All pipe was replaced and a vacuum break was installed to eliminate the problem.
- Research Organization:
- Savannah River Site (SRS), Aiken, SC (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- US Department of Energy (US)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC09-96SR18500
- OSTI ID:
- 821124
- Report Number(s):
- WSRC-MS-2003-00815; TRN: US0400639
- Journal Information:
- Practical Failure Analysis, Other Information: PBD: 20 Jan 2004
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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