NDE - Database
Balance-of-Plant Heat Exchanger and Condenser Tubing Eddy Current Inspection Best Practice Document Database (BOPECI) v1.0
The Balance-of-Plant Heat Exchanger and Condenser Tubing Eddy Current Inspection Best Practice Document Database will provide EPRI members with eddy current inspection documents that are presently and/or previously been used in inspections at nuclear power plants. Users may benchmark and use these documents to develop and optimize their own inspection and data analysis techniques. Access to shared industry knowledge will provide utility and their stakeholders with common eddy current inspection techniques and practices that are being used in the industry to inspect heat exchanger and condenser tubes. By using these reference documents as a guide, utilities can optimize their own inspection techniques based on historical and present condition of their heat exchanger and condenser tubing. Information about the types of probes, calibration standards, data acquisition and analysis parameters, and reporting methods used to detect, depth size, and report specific flaw types can be obtained from the ETSS and other inspection documents. With optimal results, engineers can make informed and timely decisions about repair, replacement, and maintenance opportunities, successfully trend the eddy current data for flaw growth, and focus on high-risk zones for future inspections. This affords for improved asset management beyond normal life expectancy of the heat exchanger significantly contributing to the evasion of tube leaks during normal plant operation.
NDE - Database
BOP Heat Exchanger and Condenser Tubing Degradation Database Version 1.0
The information in the EPRI Balance-of-Plant (BOP) Condenser and Heat Exchanger Tubing Degradation Database was provided by EPRI utility members through a survey that was conducted in 2020 and 2021. Some members have provided supplemental information such as copies of their eddy current final report, drawings, and examination technique specification sheets (ETSS) that users may download and use for their information purposes only. It is recommended that utilities optimize their own inspection techniques based on the components historical and present tubing degradation. Using verbatim inspection techniques from this database may lead to erroneous results as operating conditions, tubing material composition, and damage mechanisms may vary from one component to another. Access to shared industry knowledge will provide engineers with early information about potential or similar problems being observed in the industry about their own heat exchangers and condensers. This knowledge is valuable and important to the engineers for making informed decisions regarding the next steps to take such as, timely preparations for component repairs and replacement, selecting the correct tubing material as replacement choice, and selecting optimal NDE inspection practices and techniques. With this information, successful data trending can be done to observe damage growth, focus on high-risk zones for future inspections, and importantly to evade tube leaks during normal plant operation.
NDE - Database
BOP Heat Exchanger & Condenser Tubing Degradation Database
Welcome to the EPRI Balance-of-Plant (BOP) Condenser and Heat Exchanger Tubing Degradation Database. The information in the database was provided by EPRI utility members through a survey that was conducted in 2020 and 2021. Some members have provided supplemental information such as copies of their eddy current final report, drawings, and examination technique specification sheets (ETSS) that the user may download and use for their information purposes only. It is recommended that utilities optimize their own inspection techniques based on the components historical and present tubing degradation. Using verbatim inspection techniques from this database may lead to erroneous results as operating conditions, tubing material composition, and damage mechanisms may vary from one component to another. Access to shared industry knowledge will provide engineers with early information about potential or similar problems being observed in the industry about their own heat exchangers and condensers. This knowledge is valuable and important to the engineers for making informed decisions regarding the next steps to take such as, timely preparations for component repairs and replacement, selecting the correct tubing material as replacement choice, and selecting optimal NDE inspection practices and techniques. With this information, successful data trending can be done to observe damage growth, focus on high-risk zones for future inspections, and importantly to evade tube leaks during normal plant operation.
NDE - Subscriber Website
NDE Product Matrix
The NDE Product Matrix is a visual representation of the EPRI materials that are available for each component.
WRTC - Knowledge Management
WRTC Virtual Lab Tour
From manual and automated welding process to material testing and characterization equipment, the WRTC labs are centered on evaluation technologies. Everything from manual welding processes (GMAW, SMAW, GTAW, PTAW) to mechanized and robotics systems are utilized to create representative mockups of real-world conditions in the Nuclear Power Industry. The labs also host many evaluation methods, material testing, modeling and simulation, in-situ monitoring, or post weld material processing. This facility is utilized to evaluate or develop new welding repair techniques, in-depth evaluation of fabrication methods, support of Code requirements and technical bases data, and supporting implementation of technology in the power industry. By taking the interactive virtual tour users will be able to walk through the WRTC labs and gather information on equipment capabilities and high-level project details, supporting a collaborative research and development.
WRTC - Knowledge Management
WRTC Wiki
The Welding and Repair Technology Center (WRTC) program develops and tests advanced materials, joining, and repair technologies for nuclear plant applications, supporting the implementation of safe, effective welding and repair technologies and procedures in the field. The program also provides technical input to code and regulatory entities to inform the development and modification of relevant welding and joining requirements. The WRTC supports technology transfer through onsite support, guidance documents, training and education, and information exchanges. The Welding and Repair Technology Center (WRTC) provides technical input to code and regulatory entities to inform the development and modification of relevant welding and joining requirements. The program also develops and tests advanced materials, joining, and repair technologies for nuclear plant applications, supporting the implementation of safe, effective welding and repair technologies and procedures in the field. The WRTC supports technology transfer through guidance documents, onsite assistance, training and education, and information exchanges.
