Open AccessPreliminary Aging Assessment of Nuclear Air-Treatment and Cooling System Fans
Author(s) -
W.K. Winegardner
Publication year - 1995
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Reports
DOI - 10.2172/1105003
Subject(s) - nuclear plant , stressor , environmental science , lubrication , fatigue testing , forensic engineering , engineering , nuclear engineering , mechanical engineering , structural engineering , psychology , clinical psychology
A preliminary aging assessment of the fans used in nuclear air treatment and cooling systems was performed by the Pacific Northwest Laboratory as part of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission's Nuclear Plant Aging Research Program. Details from guides and standards for the design, testing, and installation of fans; results of failure surveys; and information concerning stressors, related aging mechanisms, and inspection, surveillance, and monitoring methods (ISMM) were compiled. Failure surveys suggest that about half of the failures reported for fans are primarily associated with aging. Aging mechanisms associated with the various fan components and resulting from mechanical, thermal, and environmental stressors include wear, fatigue, corrosion, and erosion of metals and the deterioration of belts and lubricants. A bearing is the component most frequently linked to fan failure. The assessment also suggests that ISMM that will detect irregularities arising from improper lubrication, cooling, alignment, and balance of the various components should aid in counteracting many of the aging effects that could impair fan performance. An expanded program, to define and evaluate the adequacy of current ISMM and maintenance practices and to include a documented Phase I aging assessment, is recommended