Cooling System Piping Repair
When Reliability Matters
When a New England Power Station was forced off-line due to a leak in their 30” low pressure saltwater cooling system because of flooding. The plant needed a quick upgrade and an immediate restoration of their reliability before the critical summer running months. Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers was the right answer to restore reliability.
Experience always overcomes challenges
The proposed solution presented unique challenges, including:
The piping system required serval areas to fix through wall holes.
Repairs had to be completed within a short outage window to minimize operational disruption.
Inspection and Preparation
CFES carried out a meticulous inspection and preparation process to ensure repair success:
Damage Assessment:
Routine inspections revealed multiple areas with substantial wall loss, necessitating immediate action.
Surface Preparation:
All repair areas were grit blast cleaned and prepared to achieve a surface suitable for bonding CFRP.
Existing coatings were removed to expose the base materials.
Innovative Repair Methods
State-of-the-art techniques were employed to restore the piping’s functionality and reliability:
Carbon Fiber Application:
High-strength carbon fiber wrap and repair putty were applied over the steel-to-concrete transition areas, ensuring a robust bond and uniform strength.
The repairs adhered to ASME PCC-2 standards, guaranteeing compliance and reliability.
Protective Coating:
CFES S-Epxy an immersion-grade topcoat was applied over the repaired areas to provide long-term protection against environmental and operational wear.
Key Outcomes
Structural Reinforcement: Restored the integrity of the riser piping, ensuring continued safe operation.
Cost-Effective Solution: Avoided the need for complete replacement, significantly reducing costs and downtime.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensured repairs met stringent ASME PCC-2 standards.
Extended Lifespan: Provided a durable solution that extended the life of the piping system.
