Abstract
Measuring the radial collision force between the steam generator tube (SGT) and the tube support plate (TSP) is essential to assess the fretting damage of the SGT. In order to measure the radial collision force, a novel miniaturized force sensor based on fiber Fabry-Perot (F-P) was designed, and the principle and characteristics of the sensor were analyzed in detail. Then, the F-P force sensor was successfully fabricated and calibrated, and the overall dimensions of the encapsulated fiber F-P sensor were 17 mm × 5 mm × 3 mm (L × W × H). The sensor works well in humid, high pressure (10 MPa), high temperature (350 °C), and vibration (40 kHz) environments. Finally, the F-P force sensors were installed in a 1:1 steam generator test loop, and the radial collision force signals between the SGT and the TSP were obtained. The experiments indicated that the F-P sensor with small volume and high performance could help in assessing the fretting damage of the steam generator tubes.
Highlights
Steam generator tube rupture (SGTR) has been addressed as one of the most significant safety issues in past decades when operating nuclear power plants
According to an independent investigation of American pressurized water reactor (PWR) nuclear power plants, 75% of all failure risks in pressurized water reactor nuclear power plants are induced by SGTR-related faults [1]
The investigation results show that the fretting damage due to the fluid motion and thermal energy transmission between the steam generator tube (SGT) and the tube support plate (TSP) is the most important cause of fatigue cracks in the SGT
Summary
Steam generator tube rupture (SGTR) has been addressed as one of the most significant safety issues in past decades when operating nuclear power plants. To calculate the fretting work, the radial impact force and the axial displacement between the SGT and the TSP need to be measured. Steam generator tubes are arranged closely in a high temperature and pressure environment (350 ◦ C, 15 MPa, humid). This working environment requires force sensors with large measurement range, small volume (especially, the height must be less than 4 mm), and good heat resistance, pressure resistance, and waterproofness. The first and urgent step to accessing the fretting damage of the SGT is to investigate the force sensors with high performance in a real steam generator tube. SGT is to investigate the force sensors with high performance in a real steam generator tube.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
