Toledo Edison review of thermographic analysis of valve operations

Davis-Besse began using infrared thermography to inspect electrical equipment in 1987 and currently has a well established Predictive Maintenance (PDM) program for electrical equipment. Additionally, Davis-Besse has used infrared thermography on a periodic, as applicable, basis to augment other existing PDM programs for valve reliability and thermal performance since late 1989. This paper will discuss those initial applications to detect valve positions in the component cooling water (CCW) system and steam trap bypass valves. It will also discuss recent attempts to acquire thermographic baseline data on the pressurizer safety relief valves. These data were acquired in an attempt to obtain actual thermal gradients across the valves. This may permit actual plant conditions to be recreated in lab testing. The purpose of the paper is to identify possible economic and safety benefits that can result from applying infrared thermography to valve applications. The paper should also enhance the interest to promote further application, development, and sharing of information on this topic