Application of the New ASME Performance Test Code on Steam Surface Condensers PTC 12.2-1998

The Performance Test Code on Steam Surface Condensers underwent a major revision in 1998 with the release of ASME PTC 12.2 - 1998, “Performance Test Code on Steam Surface Condensers”. One of the improvements over the previous code revisions was the development of a new method for determining or estimating tube bundle fouling. Instrumentation has been developed to apply the new methods and was used in a test program on a recently retubed condenser. This paper describes the testing program initiated by Santee Cooper at the Winyah Generating Station where a successful attempt to utilize the guidelines established by the new Code were carried out. The objectives of our testing program were to: • Evaluate the data collected from the instrumentation developed to determine tube bundle fouling. • Propose methods for utilizing the new instrumentation to evaluate tube bundle fouling over time. • Compare the results of the test to design based on the Heat Exchange Institute Standards for Steam Surface Condensers (HEI) [2]. The initial results of the program demonstrate a good correlation between the actual versus projected condenser performance and tube bundle fouling by employing the methodology outlined in ASME PTC 12.2 - 1998. Santee Copper’s retubed condenser provided an excellent opportunity for the application of the new test code since the condition of the replacement heat transfer surface was known as “virtually clean”. The purpose of the testing was solely for investigative and information purposes as there was no performance “acceptance” criteria placed on the retubing project.