Hetman – Non-destructive testing and safety of operation of pressure vessels and pipelines
The book summarizes theoretical and experimental research results, as well as practical experience in applying the “leak before failure” concept to ensure the safety of pressure vessels and pipelines at nuclear power plants (NPPs) in Russia and abroad.
Getman’s book, “Non-Destructive Testing and Operational Safety of Pressure Vessels and Pipelines,” is intended for scientists, engineers, and technical staff working in the field of operational safety of pressure vessels and pipelines. It is also useful for students majoring in relevant university programs.
It is believed that the reliability and operational safety of structural components is determined by the design and quality of manufacture. During operation, this level deteriorates due to structural degradation, metal aging, and other processes.
In fact, operational experience, particularly with structural components at nuclear power plants (NPPs), suggests the opposite. Reliability and safety characteristics can be significantly improved during operation. By summarizing operating experience and taking into account the latest scientific and technological advances, the operating organization, Energoatom, conducts systematic and planned work at NPPs to enhance the reliability and safety of their operation.
One example of such work is the monograph “Getman” (Non-Destructive Testing and Operational Safety of Pressure Vessels and Pipelines), which is presented to specialists. It describes methods and technologies for ensuring the safe operation of NPP main pipelines based on the “leak before break” (LBF) concept. These methods and technologies have been implemented for the first time in Russia (and the CIS) at four NPP units with first-generation VVER-440 reactors (Units I and II of the Kola NPP and Units III and IV of the Novovoronezh NPP). These units were not chosen at random, but because they have the longest operating life of all units in operation in Russia. The application of a new operational safety technology based on the TPR concept has significantly improved the reliability and operational safety of the main pipelines of these reactors, bringing them to an acceptable level, exceeding IAEA recommendations.
The advantage of the monograph “Getman – Non-Destructive Testing and Operational Safety of Pressure Vessels and Pipelines” is that it summarizes not only Russian experience in the practical implementation of the TPR concept but also the experience of the United States, Germany, France, and other countries.
The research results discussed in the monograph “Getman – Non-Destructive Testing and Operational Safety of Pressure Vessels and Pipelines” were obtained through the joint work of specialists from Russian institutes, organizations, and NPPs, as well as through international cooperation organized by Rosenergoatom as part of the TAB1C program and other programs.
