Instrumented Steam Generator Anti-Vibration Bar

Abstract

A steam generator anti-vibration bar (AVB) that extends across multiple rows of tubes and contains a string of sensors is disclosed and claimed. The instrumented anti-vibration bar includes a housing and cover that cooperate to enclose the sensors. The sensors capture data resulting from the fluid flow passing through the steam generator during plant operation. Exemplary sensors that may include: strain gauges to measure loads imposed on the AVBs by the tubes; temperature sensors to sample thermal-hydraulic conditions within the tube bundle; pressure and flow detectors to sample hydraulic conditions within the tube bundle; inductive coils to measure in-plane and out-of-plane motion; and accelerometers to measure AVB motions imposed by surrounding tubes. The captured data is transmitted out of the steam generator in known fashion.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.