Maximizing Value of Existing Nuclear Power Plant Generating Assets: A Case Study

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Komandur S. Sunder Raj
Keyword(s):  
Power Plant ◽  
Nuclear Power Plant ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Nuclear Facilities ◽  
Operation Performance ◽  
Generating Capacity ◽  
Greenhouse Effects ◽  
And Performance

The nuclear power industry is presently witnessing a renaissance. Global warming, greenhouse effects, concerns with use of as well as rising costs of fossil fuels, the desire to be weaned from foreign oil are all factors driving the need for increased reliance on nuclear power. Consequently, nuclear power plant owners are seeking to maximize the value of their generating assets through various means: improved operation, performance, capacity, availability, reliability and efficiency; license renewals, and; power uprates. Capacity factors are currently averaging well over 90% and, forced outage rates have decreased significantly, reflecting the maturation of operating and maintenance practices. In recognition of low fuel and relatively stable operating costs of their nuclear facilities, nuclear power plant owners have not only applied for license renewals, but have also upgraded the operation and, added electrical generating capacity to the operating units. Using a case study, this paper describes current efforts in maximizing the value of existing nuclear power plant generating assets. The focus of the paper is on maximizing benefits through improved operations and performance.

Use of Shear Lugs for Anchorage to Concrete

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter J. Carrato ◽  
Martin Reifschneider
Keyword(s):  
Power Plant ◽  
Nuclear Power Plant ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Design Method ◽  
American Concrete Institute ◽  
Significant Activity ◽  
Lateral Loads ◽  
Nuclear Facilities ◽  
Shear Loads ◽  
Full Scale Tests

Anchoring structures, systems and components to concrete is a significant activity in the design and construction of a nuclear power plant. Early in this decade the Concrete Capacity Design method (CCD) was adopted by the American Concrete Institute (ACI) for use in the structural design for both commercial and nuclear facilities. This design method and associated qualification tests brings new challenges to designing efficient means for anchoring to concrete structures. Although the CCD method provides guidance on many aspects of concrete anchorage there are a few areas, pertinent to nuclear power plant construction, that are not covered or require significant interpretation of the most recent codes. This paper will focus on the design of shear lugs used to resist significant lateral loads. Results from laboratory tests of shear lugs are presented. These full scale tests considered the interaction of tension and shear loads on the performance of shear lug assemblies. Recommendations for the efficient use of shear lugs are provided.

Concept for the Guarantee of the Integrity of Bolted Flanged Connections in a German Nuclear Power Plant

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manfred Schaaf ◽  
Friedrich Schoeckle ◽  
Jaroslav Bartonicek
Keyword(s):  
Power Plant ◽  
Nuclear Power Plant ◽  
Data Base ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Test Laboratory ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Nuclear Facilities ◽  
Systematic Treatment ◽  
Bolted Flange ◽  
Test Loading

In nuclear facilities in Germany a systematic treatment of all sealing connections which are opened during the annual shutdowns is performed since several years. Special attention is paid to a design which meets specifications of the bolted flange connections (BFC’s). Apart from the use of suitable and certified materials this includes also the calculation of the required torques in accordance to the present rules. For the calculation procedure the nuclear code KTA 3211.2 (draft 2003) is applied which allows a tightness proof of the BFC, besides a stress analysis. For this calculation, experimentally achieved gasket characteristics according to DIN 28090-1 are required, which are either supplied by the gasket manufacturers or determined in the amtec test laboratory. The geometry and material data of each BFC are stored in a special data base. In addition, the data of the operating state as well as the design and test loading cases are included in the data base, so that all inputs for a later calculation are available. The results of the calculation which must be checked and approved by an expert third-party are stored in the flange data base, too (assembly state settings of each flange connection). On this base individual flange data sheets can be provided to the flange fitter teams that include all necessary information for assembly of each BFC (bolts, nuts, gasket, geometry and material specifications, lubricant, etc.).

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