Kalsi Engineering, Inc. attended the 13th ASME/NRC Pump and Valve Symposium the week of July 17, 2017 in Silver Spring, Maryland. The following papers were presented at this conference by Kalsi Engineering.
Paper Title: Plant Performance History of an Innovative Gate Valve in Critical Service Applications
Abstract: An earlier paper [Reference 1] describes the key features of an innovative flexible wedge gate valve design that was developed to overcome the performance limitations and high maintenance costs of conventional gate valves in critical service applications. This paper will document the performance history from several plants where these valves were installed in containment isolation service applications for both steam and water in Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs) and Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs). This paper will also summarize the extensive separate effects testing and flow loop testing that was performed under various plant scenarios, that included normal plant operation, various thermal binding and pressure locking scenarios, and accident/pipe rupture conditions. The results of the long-term performance history of over 20 years including any possible degradation will be documented.
Reference 1: An Improved Gate Valve for Critical Applications in Nuclear Power Plants, M.S. Kalsi, et. al., Proceedings of ASME/NRC Pump and Valve Symposium, NUREG/CP-0152, July 1996.
Author: M.S. Kalsi, PhD, P.E., President Kalsi Engineering, Inc.
Paper Title: Design Basis Verification and Preservice Testing Considerations for OM Code Appendix III
Abstract: ASME OM Code Mandatory Appendix III for in-service testing of motor-operated valves (MOVs) contains prerequisites for a design basis verification test (DBVT) and preservice test prior to initiating in-service testing. The DBVT has specific requirements that depend on valve type and operational experience, and the preservice test must adequately bridge the DBVT and in-service test. In addition, certain maintenance or modification activities require an evaluation to determine what aspects (if any) of the DBVT or preservice test require repeat testing and/or engineering analysis to either confirm existing reference values or establish new reference values. Finally, existing testing performed under legacy NRC Generic Letter (GL) 89-10/96-05 MOV Programs or ASME QME-1 functional qualification standard may be credited to satisfy all or a portion of the DBVT and preservice test.
The purpose of this paper is to describe, by valve type, the specific requirements for the DBVT and preservice test, the use of previous qualification testing (e.g. GL 89-10/96-05 and ASME QME-1) to satisfy the DBVT and preservice test requirements, what activities may require analysis and/or repeating portions of the DBVT and preservice testing, and effective approaches to merge legacy in-service test and MOV programs.
Author: Neal Estep, P.E., Vice-President Kalsi Engineering, Inc.
Paper Title: New Validated Methodology for the Required Force to Operate Balanced Disk Globe Valves
Abstract: In 2016, Kalsi Engineering, Inc. developed a new validated methodology to predict the required force to operate balanced disk globe valves for the Electric Power Research Institute. This methodology was developed based on flow loop testing and computational fluid dynamic analyses. The development of this methodology focused on quantifying the effect of side load on the disk and differential pressure between the top and bottom of the disk due to flow effects. Previous industry methodologies had not accounted for the DP between the top and bottom of the disk and the offsetting benefit of this force for some configurations. This methodology will be vital for establishing test acceptance criteria for performance assessment testing of balanced disk globe valves in the plant’s ASME O&M Code Mandatory Appendix IV program scope.
The purpose of this paper is to describe the development, theory, applicability, and implementation procedure for this methodology. In addition, useful examples will be provided to aid the power plant engineer in understanding how to screen valve applications for possible concerns.
Co-Authors: Zachary Leutwyler, Emil Leutwyler, Kenneth Beasley, Mital Mistry
Paper Title: Effective Diaphragm Area Test Program for Air Operated Valve Actuators
Abstract: GE contracted Kalsi Engineering, Inc. (KEI) to perform actuator testing to determine the effective diaphragm area for the Model 37/38 actuator line and to develop a bounding effective diaphragm area tolerance to account for measurement uncertainties and manufacturing tolerances.
The GE-sponsored test matrix includes Model 37/38 Sizes 9, 11, 13, 15,18, and 24 actuators. The test matrix was designed to facilitate the evaluation of the effect of the key parameters on the effective diaphragm area (EDA) throughout the stroke. These parameters include stroke position, pressure, diaphragm materials, measurement uncertainty and manufacturing tolerances. The test matrix also included with and without spring test configurations, two spring options for the same actuator size and model, and two diaphragm materials: Nitrile Elastomer and Silicone.
The test program provides reliable data for AOV design basis evaluations as required by the NRC RIS 2000-03. This paper presents the results for the Masoneilan Model 38 Size 18 diaphragm actuator, which show that EDA is both position and pressure-dependent.
Co-Authors: Zachary Leutwyler, M.S. Kalsi, PhD, P.E., Lisa Thidavanh, Laurie Luckhardt, Thomas Cunningham
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