Steam generator replacement at DOEL 3 plant - Belgium: experiments

Having faced generator tubing problems during the last decade, several utilities are now forced to look at steam generator replacement as a viable option. Local repair methods such as plugging individual tubes or sleeving the affected tubes areas are in most cases just temporary solutions. The first tube damage in the steam generators at the Doel 3 plant, a 928 MW-3-loop unit operated by Electrabel, which went into operation in 1982, was detected as early as 1983. Cost - benefit analyses led to the decision to replace the S.G.s. at Doel 3 plant. This paper presents some aspects of the techniques employed in the replacement project. (author). 1 ref, 6 figs