Valve testing for nuclear utilities is a core business for Wyle - a capability developed, maintained and enhanced for more than 25 years. We provide everything needed to help nuclear utilities meet reporting and recertification requirements for motor operated valves (MOVs) and safety relief valves (SRVs). We are uniquely qualified to handle, test and repair contaminated valves and provide the quick turnaround that utilities need for outage services. Wyle’s in-house repair services include OEM team members Crane, Crosby, Dresser, Target Rock and ValveTech. We also test new valves and prototypes for design verification. Valve manufacturers, as well as utilities, rely on us for engineering analysis, in-service testing and support services to qualify their products for a variety of critical applications. Wyle supports special test requirements for utilities for equipment as varied as power operated relief valves (PORVs), air-operated valves (AOVs), check valves and butterfly valves.
OVERVIEW OF OUR FACILITY
Wyle's 12,000 square foot SRV test/repair facility in Huntsville, Alabama was constructed in 1978 to inspect, decontaminate, repair and test SRVs and other nuclear plant equipment. A 6,400 square foot area was added to the facility in 1990 to increase the "hot" shop and controlled storage area. The storage area meets the requirements of NQA-2-1989, Part 2.2, Level C. This facility is regularly utilized by over 35 utilities to test and rebuild "hot" valves, snubbers and other nuclear components. The building contains:
- a high bay separated into "hot" and "clean" work areas
- a decontamination area
- a radioactive waste treatment area
- three "hot" test cells
- a remote test control room and offices.
The high bay area contains two separate work areas, one for radioactive components and the other for clean components. 5-ton and 10-ton bridge cranes serve both areas with interlocking spur rails for access to each of the three test cells. Individual hoists service the worktables. There is also a segregated welding area. All areas are under negative air pressure. A nearby building provides facilities for testing "clean" SRVs.
There are three "hot" cells and one "clean" cell available for testing safety relief valves. Saturated steam to 3,000 psig is available. Each cell is outfitted with continuous line bleeds and a high efficiency particulate filter/separator at each valve header. Air, nitrogen, electrical and water services are also provided.
Virtually any safety relief valve in use today, including pressurizer safety valves, can be tested. Most large contaminated valves are tested under "restricted lift" conditions. This is done to ensure that steam is available in the test manifold to "cushion" reseat. Restricted lift is achieved on spring valves by restricting the spindle lift. Wyle has developed test procedures for virtually all safety relief valves currently in service.
DATA ACQUISITION/CONTROL ROOM
Wyle utilizes sophisticated digital control and data acquisition systems for the highest accuracy and most efficient reporting of results. Wyle's newest system provides multi-channel digital data recording at 2500 samples per second. Each test cell is equipped with individual controls, closed circuit TV, intercoms and a digital data acquisition system to allow for simultaneous testing. All test equipment used for data collection is verified before and after each test to ensure 0.1% accuracy. Calibrations are traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
BOILERS
Three gas-fired boilers provide the steam for testing. Two boilers can provide 3,000 psig saturated steam at 6,000 pounds per hour each when fired independently, or 12,000 pounds per hour when fired in parallel for safety valve testing. One boiler can provide 1,550 psig saturated steam at 12,000 pounds per hour. Boiler feed water is filtered, deionized and treated for pH and oxygen content. Water chemistry is continuously monitored.
DECONTAMINATION
The decontamination system includes three newly installed ultrasonic cleaning units with associated rinse tanks and other decontamination equipment. Electric hoists with trolleys are located over the decontamination systems. Solid and liquid waste and discharged air are processed in the radioactive waste treatment area. Capabilities include 4,000 gallons of water storage and an exhaust airflow rate of 13,200 CFM from the facility through HEPA filtering.
VALVE REPAIR
The original equipment manufacturers' (OEMs) field service representative typically performs valve repairs with Wyle assistance. Wyle maintains a close rapport with the valve manufacturers and has the special tooling and machines required for efficient and reliable valve repair. Support is also provided to plants that refurbish their own valves at Wyle.
NONDESTRUCTIVE EXAMINATION (NDE)
In the event that NDE is required, Wyle has qualified personnel, equipment and procedures to perform various surface and volumetric examinations, and has the means to monitor and report performance.
TRANSPORTATION
Valve shipments are coordinated and scheduled to meet customer requirements. Contaminated valves may be shipped by common carrier, provided they are packaged as specified by the Department of Transportation. Valves are scheduled into the facility prior to leaving the power plants. Wyle will provide crates or drums for packaging upon special request. Upon arrival at the Huntsville facility, trucks, crates and valves are subjected to radiological survey.
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For More information Contact:
Robert Francis
7800 Highway 20 West
Huntsville, AL 35806
(256) 837-4411 ext 315
(256) 837-3363 fax
Robert.Francis@wyle.com