Testing of full-size steam plant components

Abstract

The integrity of components operating in steam generating plant at elevated temperatures and pressures must be assured as they approach their design lives, of if they are found to contain defects. This paper describes a number of programmes that were undertaken by the Central Electricity Generating Board to ensure the continued safe operation of welded pipework components in such plant. The work described examines the behaviour of nominally sound and defective welded pipework as well as a specific case involving the testing of a component removed from fossil-fired plant. In each case, the results arising from the work are discussed in terms of the assessment and appraisals that may be applied to operating plant.