Component:

• High pressure steam Y-piece, operating at 535°C, on a 314MW unit

Objective:

• Proving of an on-line monitoring system using optical fibre temperature sensors, at a field demonstration

Approach:

• Optical fibre system and replacement insulation system produced in advance of plant shutdown
• Development of software to calculate creep and thermal fatigue damage on-line in real time

Results:

• Installation completed and tested within shutdown timescales
• Successful monitoring of start-up and steady state operation

Benefits:

• Distributed temperature monitors can be cost-effectively installed
• Installation can be achieved in normal shutdown timescales
• Real-time life monitoring can be achieved
• Operators can evaluate mode of operation and the resulting damage
• Life extension programmes can be undertaken