Steam plant surface condenser leakage study. Final report: Volume I

Results are presented of a study to determine the factors which affect the deterioration and subsequent leakage of main surface condenser tubes in electric power plants. Several areas related to condenser tube leakage, including design, materials, chemistry, operation, and maintenance are discussed. The data on which the report is based were obtained through field trips to operating power stations, mail questionnaires, and a literature search. The field survey concentrated on large fossil-fueled plants, nuclear plants, and plants having condensers tubed with titanium. Much emphasis was placed on presenting tubing failure information as a function of tubing material, cooling-water conditions, failure mechanisms, condenser design, and several other parameters. Information is also presented on the criteria for retubing condensers, and recommendations for future work pertaining to condensers is discussed