SAIMC


SAIMC: Secunda Branch

April 2024 SAIMC

The SAIMC Secunda branch held its monthly Technology Evening on 6 March 2024 at the Proconics, Secunda office. Sagadevan Kanniappen from WIKA presented on Thermowell stress calculations as per ASME PTC 19.3. His focus was mainly on wake frequency calculations and the requirements for debottlenecking projects. He also discussed the data needed for thermowell design and presented a case study on the decommissioning of the Japanese Monju nuclear power plant. The plant was shut down after only three months of operation due to thermowell failure.

In his presentation, he gave a short overview of the ASME PTC 19.3 standard. The standard was initially established in 1974 and was reaffirmed in 1986. In 1995, the Monju nuclear power plant experienced a thermowell failure. After conducting a root-cause analysis, it was discovered that the failure might have been caused by inline resonance, which was not considered in the standard at the time. Subsequently, the standard was revised to account for this potential cause of failure. It was revised again in 2010 and 2016.

Sagadevan explained the concept of wake frequency calculations. To prevent any damage to the thermowell caused by mechanical loads during operation, it is recommended to perform a wake frequency calculation as per ASME PTC 19.3 TW-2016 for critical process conditions. These calculations require basic process conditions like the process medium, density of the medium, maximum working temperature and maximum working pressure. Wake frequency calculations can be done manually or through online tools offered by the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Sagadevan emphasised the importance of performing manual calculations to comprehend the software’s working, despite the convenience offered by online tools.

Thermowells can be impacted by debottlenecking projects. When a wake frequency calculation is performed, it is based on specific process data, and the results determine whether it passes or fails. If there are changes to the process data, such as during debottlenecking projects, the wake frequency calculation must be redone. The failure to adhere to PTC 19.3 can have catastrophic consequences for both human life and the environment.

The Secunda SAIMC committee would like to thank Sagadevan Kanniappen for his time and presentation, and Proconics for hosting the monthly technology evenings.

Any companies interested in presenting at the Secunda Branch monthly technical talks can complete this form: https://forms.office.com/r/f5QXNLcDDt or contact the branch general manager, Lezahn Meiring at [email protected]


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

From the office of the CEO: Be warned, you are doing engineering work if …
SAIMC SAIMC
This is not a new law. The only thing that is new is that ‘engineering work’ is now defined. You need to study the definition for yourself.

Read more...
SAIMC: Johannesburg branch
SAIMC SAIMC
At the meeting of the Johannesburg branch of the SAIMC held on 10 April 2024, Sagadevan Kanniappen, sales application specialist for WIKA South Africa, delivered a presentation on the ASME Performance Test Code 19.3.

Read more...
SAIMC: Durban branch
SAIMC SAIMC
The topic of integrating an IoT-enabled sensoring system and cloud technology for predictive maintenance of a buried steel pipeline drew record attendance at the April technology meeting of the Durban branch of the SAIMC.

Read more...
SAIMC: Secunda branch
SAIMC SAIMC
The SAIMC Secunda branch held its monthly Technology Evening on 10 April 2024 at the Proconics office in Secunda.

Read more...
From the office of the CEO
SAIMC SAIMC
When South Africa clinched victory in the Rugby World Cup for the fourth time, the nation collectively rejoiced. However, amidst this optimism lies a pertinent question: is South Africa truly a land of hope, or is it merely a fool’s paradise?

Read more...
SAIMC: Johannesburg branch
SAIMC SAIMC
The local Johannesburg Branch of the SAIMC hosted a technology evening at the Bryanston Sports Club on 13 March 2024. It was sponsored by Phoenix Contact and the technical presentation covered the full gambit of industrial wireless technology in the automation field.

Read more...
SAIMC: Durban Branch
SAIMC SAIMC
The SAIMC Durban technology meeting in March drew a record attendance, with an old friend of the SAIMC, Gary Friend presenting on the very topical subject of ‘Risks, rewards, advantages and disadvantages of new technologies and the impact of legislation’.

Read more...
SAIMC: From the office of the CEO
SAIMC SAIMC
The manufacturing industry is facing some challenges due to automation and outsourcing, but there are still opportunities in advanced manufacturing, such as 3D printing and robotics. It’s essential to stay updated on the latest trends and technologies in the industry to remain competitive.

Read more...
SAIMC:Johannesburg branch
SAIMC SAIMC
The annual general meeting of the SAIMC Johannesburg branch was held on 7 February 2024 at the Northcliff Country Club.

Read more...
SAIMC: Durban branch
SAIMC SAIMC
The Durban branch of the SAIMC held its annual general meeting at the Premier Splendid Inn in Pinetown on 24 January 2024

Read more...