Aging of non-power-cycle heat exchangers used in nuclear power plants: Operating experience and failure identification

This report presents the results of an assessment of the time-related degradation of non-power-cycle heat exchangers used in nuclear power plants. The assessment was sponsored by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission's Nuclear Plant Aging Research Program. Heat exchanger design characteristics and applications in the plants are described and stressors leading to degradation are identified. Operating experience, as identified from nuclear industry data bases, is reviewed and failure types and causes are summarized. Regulatory requirements for inspection and testing, with a brief discussion of industry practices in this area, are presented