Presentation: Development of Real-Time Damage Monitoring System for the Optimization of Inspection Planning of Power Boiler Tubes

Planning power boiler tube inspection, inspection time, method and work scope are important factor to determine effectiveness and reliability of inspection. Time based maintenance (TBM) has been principal of inspection planning for a long time in boiler inspection so that regular boiler inspection has been generally performed every two years. However as condition based maintenance (CBM) becomes prevalent in maintenance planning, TBM is suspected of causing too frequent maintenance and too broad work scope. Considering damage mechanism of the tube, it is rational to inspect for defects when a tube is aged instead of regular inspection. Real time damage monitoring system of boiler tubes can provide information about current integrity of each tube and predict the time when significant damage occurs on each tube.

Accordingly, proper inspection time and range of boiler tube are defined by real time damage monitoring system and if the effectiveness of inspection method against damage mode is evaluated, the optimized inspection plan can be completed. This paper describes how to assess the real time damage of power boiler tube mainly caused by high temperature creep and thinning and how to assign the inspection method effectively. Furthermore, the system structure and business process for inspection planning are introduced through real system developed by OSIsoft's PI.