ENGINEERING CONCEPTS IN HIGH TEMPERATURE DESIGN AND LIFE EXTENSION PROCEDURES IN THE POWER GENERATION INDUSTRY

In this paper a general review of the factors that have to be considered in designing and operating parts of the power generation plants which are subjected to creep at elevated temperatures are introduced. Factors that are used in avoiding failure are considered in conjunction with the relevant operating conditions. Improvements in plant utilization and efficiencies by the use of new materials, design modifications and more refined lifetime assessment procedures are discussed. Methods of estimating the remaining useful lifetimes of plant that has been in service for a period are also presented. The main aim of the paper is to outline the modern methodologies that are used in practical circumstances for the design and life extension of power plant components operating at elevated temperatures under creep/fatigue comnditions.