Embalse steam generators - status in 2009

The Embalse Nuclear Generating Station (ENGS) is a CANDU 6, a pressurized heavy water plant, with a net capacity of 648 MW. The primary heat transport system at Embalse includes four Steam Generators (SGs) manufactured by Babcock and Wilcox Canada (B and W). These steam generators are vertical recirculating heat exchangers with Incoloy 800 inverted U-tubes and an integral preheater. Embalse SGs performed very well until the late 1990s, when an increase in tube fretting was noticed in the U-bend region. In-service inspection in 2002 and 2004 confirmed that the cause of the tube fretting was flow accelerated corrosion (FAC) damage of scallop bar supports in the U-bend region. The straight leg tube support plates (TSPs) have also been degrading. Degradation was worst at the top support plates, and it was in the form of material loss on the cold leg. The hot leg TSPs were heavily fouled with deposits and flow areas were blocked. Visual inspections and subsequent studies showed that the cause of the TSP degradation was also FAC. The Embalse SGs have carbon steel supports that make them susceptible to FAC. To mitigate the effects of degraded tube support structures, three additional sets of anti-vibration bars were installed in the U-bend regions of all four steam generators in 2004. In 2007, an improved secondary-side chemistry specification was implemented to reduce the FAC rate and the hot leg TSPs was waterlanced. A root cause analysis and condition assessment was performed for the tube supports in 2007. Fitness for Service (FFS) evaluation was completed using the Canadian Industry Guidelines for steam generator tubes. The steam generators were returned to service and the plant has operated without another forced outage to date. The FAC degradation of the carbon steel U-bend tube support systems has had the most significant impact on the plant operation causing a number of forced outages. The discovery of the extent of TSP degradation and difficulties to repair TSPs without major intervention led to a decision to replace the steam generators. This paper identifies the active degradation mechanisms affecting the steam generator performance and actions taken since 2004 with an emphasis on the activities of 2007 to mitigate their impacts. The processes followed the actions taken in 2007 leading to return to service. The results of the root cause analysis along with the recommendations to change the secondary side chemistry are included. The tube inspection data were used in the development of a successful condition assessment tool to characterize the tube support plates. This characterization was the key step in the completion of a successful FFS evaluation. Additional actions implemented by Embalse to ensure safe and continued operation of the steam generators are also included. (author)