EDF (Electricite de France) experience with PWR turbine plant: operation and maintenance of condensers

Over recent years, the condensers in Electricite de France (EDF) nuclear power plants have been subjected to increased surveillance. This is performed both during operation to detect water intake, and during unit outages to acquire precise knowledge on the general state of the heat exchangers, and especially the tube bundle. The main reason for this increased surveillance is the qualitative importance of the condenser in PWR technology. In effect, the condenser can largely contribute to the long lifetime of steam generators by preserving the quality of extraction water chemistry. The surveillance is based on operating feedback and is part of the overall preventive maintenance program applicable to all our nuclear plants. It implies technico-economic choices regarding condenser renovation and design. In this paper, we will first briefly describe the technology of the nuclear power plant condensers operated by EDF. Then, we will examine the main operating feedback data, and finally outline the surveillance performed on condensers. (author)