The reliability of check valves is paramount to the safe operation of plant systems. This paper provides a description of the benefits of applying advanced phased array techniques to establish the operational readiness of swing-check valves in the static or dynamic operational modes. In addition, a utility model perspective is described explaining how the Phased Array Sectorial Scanning (PASS) data assessments can be used to support operational predictive maintenance decisions. A collaborative effort between Arizona Public Service Co., the Palo Verde plants, and IHI Southwest Technologies, Inc. (IHI), was realized when IHI personnel applied Phased Array Sequence Scanning techniques to swing-check valves operating in the closed static position, as well as to three identical valves operating in the dynamic open positions in Palo Verde Units 1, 2 and 3 respectively.
Paper published with permission.
