Maintaining the Strength of FAC Programs

Topic :

Flow Accelerated Corrosion
Wall thinning management

ABSTRACT :

While the details of Flow-Accelerated Corrosion (FAC) process are quite complicated and still subject of controversies, the implementation of effective inspection programs is relatively straightforward.  In the United States, FAC programs have generally followed the recommendation of an EPRI report NSAC-202L.  However, experience has shown, that having an agreed upon set of recommendations is not enough.  Utility engineers must carefully and continually follow the appropriate procedures.  To ensure proper execution, continual review and oversight of FAC programs must also occur.

In 2009, EPRI conducted reviews of a sample of FAC programs in the United States.  In general, the programs reviewed were in compliance with the consensus EPRI recommendations.  However, there was one under-performing program identified.

This paper will discuss the EPRI assessments as well as provide a description of the approach taken by US utilities to ensure that FAC programs are properly implemented.  Included in this approach are: self-assessments, shared experience through CHUG meetings, user training in FAC software and programmatic aspects, and documents designed to document good practices.