Determing creep through strain monitoring
Components that are subject to loading by internal pressures and/or external forces at high temperatures will deform to an increasing degree as a result of creep. This deformation can lead to fracture, and thus to material and economic loss.
KEMA has developed, in co-operation with the Dutch power generating companies, an inspection method called SPICA, to determine the rate of creep during a specific operating period. SPICA (Speckle Image Correlation Analysis) monitors the creep strain at the surface of components. These creep measurements can be done during a maintenance period or when the installation is in operation. By taking periodic measurements, an insight into the rate of creep can be gained. Together with the regulations, this insight makes it possible to determine the residual life of the component and hence plan future activities. This can serve to underpin a request to postpone periodical inspection and/or to extend operating terms.
The Dutch utilities use creep strain monitoring by SPICA in realizing in-service inspections of their steam pipes; SPICA service makes a major contribution to extending the time between maintenance periods.
As one of our clients, E.ON Benelux, put it: "SPICA considerably contributes to extending the operating terms; a saving of many millions of EUROs. Apart from this SPICA substantially contributes to a safe and reliable operational management of our installations."Beside the SPICA service, KEMA can also supply you with the necessary hardware, software and training facilities, in case you want to do the monitoring yourself.
For more information, please contact us.
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