Abstract
Two small-bore piping systems of the Residual Heat Removal System failed by vibration-induced fatigue on a French PWR power plant at the end of 1999. An experimental investigation was performed on site. It showed that two cavitating butterfly valves generated broadband vibrations of the piping system, and that hydraulics controlled these vibrations. The allowable vibrations for the 12 small-bore piping systems around the valves were determined with the CIRCUS® software and an hydroacoustical description of the cavitating valves was made. Safe operating conditions were then defined and have been successfully used by the power plant operators to prevent vibration-induced fatigue.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 99-106 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Pressure Vessels and Piping Division (Publication) PVP |
| Volume | 420 II |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Dec 2001 |
| Externally published | Yes |
| Event | 2001 ASME Pressure Vessels and Piping Conference - Atlanta, GA, United States Duration: 22 Jul 2001 → 26 Jul 2001 |