Design of Composite Rehabilitation Technologies for Power Generation Facilities

Deterioration of components and structures at power generating facilities has caused unscheduled plant outages, personnel safety concerns, and significant impact on operating budgets. However, a new technology is now available that can increase the usable life of components and structures, while significantly reducing the economic burden normally associated with repair or replacement options. This technology, known as “Fiber Reinforced Polymers” or FRP, utilizes carbon fibers and high strength epoxy resins to restore or enhance the structural and or pressure boundary capacity of plant equipment and structures. This technology utilizes the high strength of the carbon fibers to add additional structural capacity to the existing member. This is accomplished through the superior adhesive bond provided by the epoxy. The design determines the orientation of the fibers to add strength in the direction of static and dynamic loading conditions. The repairs to the affected items are performed in-place and completed during relatively short durations. Small crews perform the work and can do internal strengthening with access through only a manhole. Power generation facilities and electrical transmission/distribution networks have typically shunned the use of composite materials to rehabilitate structures or components. The technology and engineering associated with FRP repair methods provides an effective mechanism to rehabilitate piping, pumps, heat exchangers, water boxes, structural shapes and numerous other items while minimizing the cost typically associated with direct replacement.