| Abstract |
These generic guidelines were developed under the EPRI project for fossil-fuel power plant life extension - RP2596. In addition to compiling the findings of four utility life extension projects, the guidelines incorporate worldwide experience in the residual life assessment and life extension of fossil-fuel power plant components. The guidelines are aimed at assisting those utilities without formal life extension programs to formulate initial life extension planning studies and to provide guidance in the subsequent implementation of a life extension strategy. For utilities with existing programs, the guidelines provide technical life assessment guidance and also serve as a checklist for the periodic review and updating of the programs.^The guidelines review life extension on three organization levels - (1) corporate and system planning issues, (2) life assesment (plant) planning issues and (3) life extension implementation.^They provide a logical, stepwise procedure for establishing or revising a life extension program. The guidelines, particularly the section on life extension implementation, are structured in a three-level approach in which increasingly costly and accurate residual life assessments are performed only as needed. A phased approach to life extension is introduced as a potentially cost- and resource-effective way of implementing life extension activities. Each step of the life extension process is illustrated with examples of the manner in which the implementation may typically occur. However, given the variety of circumstances facing each individual utility, the emphasis is on those steps that are typically performed and not upon recommending the details of a particular life extention program.^51 refs., 68 figs., 26 tabs. |
