Generic Steam Generator Life Cycle Management From a Utility Perspective

Abstract

Steam generator repairs and replacements, which have occurred over the last 10 years, have lead many utilities to evaluate the economics of continued maintenance on existing steam generators against the economics of steam generator replacement. Such an endeavor requires an assessment of the expected rate and types of degradation. In addition, an identification of possible preventative or remedial measures and their potential effectiveness must be made. To arrive at an assessment of the economic impact of various combinations of potential courses of action many utilities have employed in-house developed or customized commercial programs to convert technical assessments into economic impact evaluations. This paper intends to give the reader an introduction to the technical issues and insight into a method of addressing the economic impact of possible management strategies.