Nuclear Facility selects CFRP for a Permanent Repair Solution on a Service Water Line
Rapid CFRP Rehabilitation to Restore Critical Infrastructure
A service water line at a nuclear facility suffered a sudden leak, posing an immediate risk to plant operations. Given the critical nature of the piping system, a rapid and permanent repair was required to restore functionality and prevent further deterioration.
CFES was commissioned to execute an emergency repair during an outage, ensuring the system was fully restored with minimal downtime. The solution involved a 4-layer CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer) system, designed with a 3X safety factor for long-term reliability.
Experience always overcomes challenges
The repair had to be completed within the outage window, requiring rapid mobilization and execution to avoid extended downtime.
The service water line operates under high pressure and harsh conditions, requiring a durable, long-term solution.
Inspection and Preparation
A thorough assessment and surface preparation process was conducted to ensure optimal adhesion and structural performance of the CFRP system.
Condition Assessment:
Inspection confirmed a leak in the service water line, requiring immediate stabilization.
Structural integrity analysis determined that CFRP reinforcement was the best alternative to full pipe replacement.
Surface Preparation:
High-pressure cleaning and mechanical abrasion were used to remove contaminants and corrosion from the affected area.
The surface was treated and primed to enhance the bonding strength of the CFRP system.
Innovative Repair Methods
Advanced materials and techniques were employed to ensure reliable and durable repairs:
Multi-Layer CFRP Reinforcement
CFES applied a 4-layer Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer system to the affected area, ensuring:
Structural reinforcement to restore pipe strength.
Seamless integration with the existing piping system.
3X Design Factor for Long-Term Durability
The CFRP system was engineered with a 3X safety factor, meaning:
The repair was designed to withstand three times the normal operating stresses, ensuring long-term reliability.
Enhanced resistance to pressure fluctuations and environmental conditions.
Key Outcomes
Emergency Repair Completed: The leak was permanently sealed without extending the scheduled outage.
Avoided Costly Pipe Replacement: The CFRP system provided a strong, durable alternative, eliminating the need for full pipe replacement.
Extended Service Life of the Water Line: The 3X design factor ensures long-term performance, preventing future failures.
Minimal Downtime, Maximum Efficiency: The plant was able to resume full operations on time, avoiding any disruptions.
