Thermal Performance Training Used to Isolate Problems Avoiding Plant Shutdown

Overview

South Texas Project, a 2700 MWe Nuclear Generating Station, had indications of a problem with their feed water heater drain valve, raising concerns of a possible tube leak.

Using the training from GSE Engineering, Programs and Performance (formerly True North Consulting), South Texas Project’s Engineering Rapid Response Team knew how to investigate and discover the real issue in just thirty minutes—saving them from a costly plant shutdown.

Challenge

South Texas Project Nuclear reported a high-pressure feed water heater normal drain valve issue. The indicators included: Level high high-level dump open normal drain flow reduced condensate flow to deaerator (DA) increased due to dumping to condenser Steam generator feed pump flow between DA and high-pressure feed water heater remained constant.

South Texas Project Operations then received a FWH 21B level high alarm and high-level dump valve open. The normal controller output signal demanded that the valve be fully opened. Operations were concerned there was a tube leak.

Solution

South Texas Project returned to the training they received from GSE and used the thermal performance analysis methods to refute the tube leak suspicion and quickly discover the true, less costly issue. The pneumatic line between the controller and the valve had developed a leak and fell from the normal 70% to 35% open position.

Using GSE Thermal Performance training along with a review of computer trends, South Texas Project was able to narrow the scope to an issue with the normal level control valve.

Results

The training from GSE gave South Texas Project the education it needed to refute the suspected tube leak and avoid a plant shutdown.

The cracked pneumatic tubing between the controller and valve was replaced, and the valve was returned to full service by the next morning.

Knowing how to isolate a problem systematically is critical to plant operation—saving time and money.

The training provided by GSE facilitates obtaining the root of the problem in a timely manner with the least amount of plant operation interruption.

GSE is committed to providing the best experience and training to improve the plant’s bottom line.