CUSTOMER: Exelon Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station Pennsylvania  USA

PROBLEM: A new flow measurement system, called a Leading Edge Flow Meter (LEFM) had been installed, in the feedwater pump’s discharge lines. The system ultrasonically measures the flow in the lines, which operate at pressures up to 1,000 psi and at a temperature of approximately 200°C, to an accuracy within 0.3 per cent. This is achieved via the 48 transducers attached to each meter. Stress cracks had developed at the weld points of the radially-mounted transducers, which could have rendered the system ineffective.

SOLUTION: Furmanite, in conjunction with Exelon, Caldon and Sargent & Lundy, engineered, designed, manufactured and fitted a complex, multi-part enclosure clamp, which was tested to extreme tolerances and safely installed while the unit remained on-line, but at a lower power level.

OUTCOME: By completing the work on-line, Peach Bottom avoided a costly shutdown and is now operating at an increased capacity and revenue rate, with fully functional transducers.