An objective of this program is to validate the procedures that are used to estimate damage accumulation and predict accurately the remaining life of critical components in high temperature plant. This should reduce the current uncertainty in the reliability of such plant which is due to increased trends to thermally cycle critical components to satisfy commercial requirements. It should also contribute to the campaign to increase the safe life of existing assets beyond their initial design life . It is also the objective to conduct related work for the petrochemical industry which would also benefit from research into life management of plant operating at high temperatures and pressures.

These objectives will be achieved through the completion of the following projects:

Life Estimation of welded pressure equipment
Both an analytical and finite element model have been developed together with a methodology to more accurately estimate life of welded pressure equipment under real operating conditions. Determination of optimum inspection intervals will result in increased safety and cost effectiveness.

A creep testing program is underway and is expected to yield a significant database of materials properties for the heat affected zones of two commonly used power plant steels. The data will also be used for multi-material finite element modelling of welded joints under creep conditions.

There is considerable interest in the outcomes from this project from Pacific Power and a number of other power generation companies.

Integrity of high energy piping systems
This will build on the achievements of the previous project but include new alloy groups in the materials testing program. Advanced stress analysis will be used for assessment of pipe system stresses and for accurate identification of locations most susceptible to damage. Localised modelling will also be conducted of welded joints incorporating multiple material properties and creep.