The purpose of the facility is to determine performance characteristics of BWR recirculation flow control valves under simulated flow conditions. It consists of two test stands, each capable of handling an actual, full-size flow control valve and its associated hydraulics and control system. Auxiliary equipment, to allow operation at BWR pressure, temperature and chemistry conditions, is included. A device which hydraulically loads the valve ball simulates forces on the ball which exist under full-flow considtions. The valveis continually operated during tests to simulate ball motion during normal plant operation.
Valve response is fed into the computer to evaluate overall valve flow characteristics.
Results Tests have verified their ability to respond within performance specifications during 7000-hour tests. Tests showed no significant degradation that would adversely affect performance. Some operating plants have experienced difficulty in meeting these specifications and have had to implement additional maintenance requirements during plant outages. The facility is used to determine the cause of leadage and identify possible corrective actions which can extend maintenance intervals and shorten maintenance. It consists of a test stand which duplicates the valve's position and configuration in the drywell.