Resolution of creep strain measurements using the ARMAC Strain monitoring system

Morris, Andy and Kourmpetis, Miltiadis and Dear, John and Puri, Amit and Maharaj, Chris

Chris Maharaj

Proc. of ASME PVP

2007

CreepMonitoring systemsStrain measurementPipes

22–26

Essential is that creep strain monitoring sensors need to be of a rugged design well able to endure the demanding conditions related to the environment of high-pressure steam pipes and other power plant components. A useful monitoring method employs the E.ON UK ARCMAC gauge system with a capability of both uniaxial and biaxial strain measurements. The choice of monitoring location, for example, can be to welded pipe sections and other known early failure locations on steam pipes and other plant components. The ARCMAC system has been refined over the years to improve the accuracy of measurement. In this paper, recent developments have allowed the strain measurement accuracy to be improved to 64 micro-strain with an error of <10%. Also, recently, high temperature trials of the combined ARCMAC/DIC have commenced and early findings are reported.

Completed

Pressure Vessels and Piping Division