In line with its commitment to safe nuclear power generation, the Koeberg Nuclear
Power Station (KNPS) replaced the outdated vibration monitoring system with a modern
on-line vibration monitoring system. This will allow plant personnel to monitor
components on a continuous basis which will provide faster response time in the
scenario of excessive vibrations of the primary components.
This study focuses on the analysis of the vibration of the primary components of the
KNPS by analysing the frequency spectra of the vibration signals of the primary
components and comparing these to reference signatures obtained during similar
operating conditions. The condition of the vibration sensors will also be evaluated.
In order to obtain a deeper understanding of the vibration behaviour and hence vibration
signatures of the KNPS primary reactor components, a simplified mathematical model
of the primary components is developed, based on the system of elasto-dynamic
equations. The equations are solved numerically and used to simulate the KNPS
vibration monitoring system. The mechanical system is modelled. Time series are
generated and Fast Fourier Transforms (FFT) are calculated to simulate the new KNPS
monitoring system. In the simulation mechanical degradation of the primary
components as well as sensor degradation is simulated.
The purpose of this study is to indicate whether mechanical degradation has occurred in
the primary components of the plant and to validate the vibration signals. At the same
time the study aims to lay a foundation for future monitoring and interpretation of
vibration signatures by simulating the vibration and the monitoring signals.
It was found that the primary components had not been affected by mechanical
degradation as no deviations in resonances were detected in the frequency signatures.
A small number of vibration sensors were found to have deteriorated; hence
replacement / maintenance was proposed.
The mechanical model and the simulation of the monitoring signals proved to be useful
to understand and interpret the vibration of the KNPS primary components. / Thesis (M.Ing. (Nuclear Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:nwu/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/4387 |
| Date | January 2010 |
| Creators | Bezuidenhout, Jandré Albert |
| Publisher | North-West University |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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