Abstract
Fossil power plant high energy, high temperature steam headers have been found to be susceptible to thermal fatigue assisted creep degradation. These mechanisms initiate and grow cracks in chrome molybdenum headers, from the bore hole edges and stub tube-to-header welds. Linking up of multiple cracks can lead to explosive expulsion of tubes and severe shorting of the header life. In order to extend the header life and operate safely, a better understanding of crack growth that may occur during specific plant operating conditions is needed. With that understanding, harsh operating conditions that may be causing excessive crack propagation and header damage can be curtailed. Acoustic emission monitoring of headers was performed to assist in identifying operating conditions that lead to header damage. This Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) sponsored program found acoustic emission activity levels correlated to identified crack growth and analytically calculated stresses. Utilizing these results, draft EPRI guidelines have been developed to aid electric utilities in performing acoustic emission monitoring on superheater headers.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.