Cracking on metal surface including Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) is a concern for nuclear power plant reactor system piping and components. Several repair techniques have been developed over the years that help address the cracking issues. In the United States, some crack remaining repair technologies such as Weld Overlay (WOL) technique have already been developed and also some technologies such as Excavate and Weld Repair (EWR) are still being actively discussed. Fitness-for-Service (FFS) codes in Japan also define some repair methods which allow repairing the components without removing the cracks. This paper introduces three repair methods which are described in the Fitness-for Service code in Japan, the WOL, the cap repair technique for Bottom Mounted Instrumentation (BMI) nozzles and seal welding. WOL is a repair method that maintains structural integrity by depositing Intergranular Stress Corrosion Cracking (IGSCC) resistant weld to the outer surface of cracked circumferential welded joints in primary piping made of austenitic stainless steel. The cap repair technique for BMI nozzles is a method of repairing from the outer surface when leakage due to SCC occurs. The cap develops a new boundary outside the BMI nozzle to prevent the leakage by retaining the leakage inside the cap. The seal welding technique is also a repair method to cover the cracks by welding to prevent propagation of the cracks and to prevent leakage of reactor water. Provided the cracks are adequately managed and evaluated, these crack remaining repair methods are very beneficial.
展开▼
