Test and evaluation of Alco/BLH prototype sodium-heated steam generator. Final report

A 30-Mwt prototype sodium-to-sodium intermediate heat exchanger and a 30-Mwt prototype sodium-heated steam generator were tested in combined operation in its Sodium Components Test Installation. This report contains the results of test and evaluation of the steam generator. During plant performance tests, performance degradation was observed, which resulted in the initiation of a diagnostic test series. This test series revealed that under certain operating conditions, the thermohydraulic characteristic of the steam generator changed either suddenly or gradually, resulting in overall performance degradation. A structural failure, requiring retirement of the unit, occurred before the diagnostic test series and analytical support effort were completed. This report describes the thermohydraulic and structural performance, including the structural failures, and related evaluation analyses of the Alco/BLH prototype steam generator performed prior to termination of the test and evaluation program. In addition, the report presents a post-test examination plan to obtain data that could possibly explain the cause of performance anomalies and structural failures experienced during testing