Risk-based method for substantiating reduction of pressure of hydraulic strength tests and its application on steam line of nuclear power plant with WWER (PWR) reactor plant

Abstract

Hydraulic tests are used in various sectors of the national economy to check the strength and tightness of vessels and pipelines, their parts and assembly units loaded with pressure. The hydraulic test pressure is a calculated value and is determined on the basis of regulatory documentation for the relevant control objects. Analysis of current trends in the field of hydraulic testing both in the Russian Federation and abroad has shown a trend to reduce the damageability of test objects by choosing the most optimal hydraulic test pressure. The main purpose of the research was to reduce the operational damage to equipment and pipelines of nuclear power plants by reducing the pressure of hydraulic strength tests during maintenance. The research is based on probability theory, mathematical statistics, strength physics and fracture mechanics, taking into account the possibility of occasional discontinuities or defects that might be observed in operation. The method is based on a risk-based approach, which makes it possible to determine the permissible risk variation based on recommendations on the safety of nuclear power plants in the Russian Federation. The objects of research are the equipment and pipelines of nuclear power plants. The result of the research is the development of a method substantiating the reduction of the pressure of hydraulic strength tests for equipment and pipelines of nuclear power plants based on a risk-based approach. The developed method can be used by organizations involved in the production of electricity (at nuclear or thermal power plants), transportation of oil, gas or other substances, at facilities where pipelines are an essential part of their structures, affecting the reliability and efficiency of operation of these facilities.