The structural integrity management of a deaerator feed water vessel approaching the end-of-life condition

Remnant life values were reduced from only 25% of the normal guideline period of two years to re-inspect repaired weld cracks to around 12% or only three months within a 30-month service period. Also at each inspection a large amount of cracks, which numbered over one hundred, were found. From this it was clear that the vessel was approaching an end of life condition and the final assessment deemed that the vessel should be removed from service and all the problematic weld runs be replaced with new welds.