The Pressure Parts Area
The rapid pace of transformation across the energy sector demands high performance from new and existing assets. Improving operation and reliability at the power plant level involves examining opportunities across numerous components. Consider all the components within a boiler, Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG), or piping system. If not properly maintained, these components may pose a risk to reliability, availability, and in severe cases, personnel. The Pressure Part Area (PPA) relies on EPRI's Integrated Life Management (ILM) strategy to enhance safety, reduce risk, improve resilience, and maintain availability for pressure part components. EPRI's ILM strategy utilizes the institute's decades of research towards the development of a well-engineered, rigorous approach to life management.
EPRI's ILM Strategy
EPRI's ILM strategy can be summarized into the seven parts:
Fully embracing EPRI's ILM strategy will help enable the efficient allocation of future resources for the operation and maintenance of power plant piping systems and components.
Combined Area Value
Membership in at least one of the PPA programs grants access to:
Briefs
Webcasts
BHPIG Meetings
Program Specific Content
Unique Program Value
- Boiler library & toolbox
- Risk reduction in life extension and glidepath
- Natural gas conversions
- Replacement part specifications
- Unique boiler designs (e.g., CFBs, WTE, cyclones, etc.)
- Fuel and combustion effects
- Code participation in Sec. I and NFPA 85
- Tube failure manual and reduction program
Staff Credentials
PPA staff are uniquely qualified to lead projects, execute research and collaborate across the institute to assist the needs and interests across more than a dozen programs. The full-time staff include:
- Four engineers, including three with Professional Engineering (PE) licenses and two with advanced degrees
- One full-time developer responsible for innovative content delivery
In addition to the direct employees, PPA staff are supported by two Technical Executives who ensure technical rigor is embedded in the research outcomes each year. Altogether, there exists >125 years of power generation experience among the staff.
Staff Information
For general queries, reach us at ppa@epri.com. Click a staff member for direct access.
Leveraging Membership
Stakeholders in the energy industry are encouraged to 'think EPRI first' when seeking to develop cost-effective solutions that reduce uncertainty in maintaining their assets. The PPA has a proven track record that leverages its expertise, databases, and technical foundation to assist members in applying relevant research to their most complex engineering challenges or training requirements.
Applied Research
Recent applied research examples include the:
- Evaluation and optimization of a dissimilar metal weld design for a modern heat recovery steam generator
- Audit of a high energy piping program, with a specific emphasis on seam-welded piping
- Optimization of inspection and replacement scope for reheater pendants
- Development of an action plan to correct deleterious operation, following a detailed review of operational data
Further, dozens of success stories are available through this landing page, which contain similar accounts of applied research and their resulting impact.
Case Study Database
The case study database maintained by the PPA is enhanced each year as additional evaluations are performed. Each case study is typically the result of a supplemental project or evaluation performed in a PPA program. The case study database allows all PPA members to learn about failures/damage/etc. that otherwise would be limited to a single entity.
Tools/Calculators
A suite of tools/calculators are available and in a state of continuous enhancement within the PPA’s engineering calculator toolbox which can be accessed here.
Training
Customized materials are routinely developed to train, inform, clarify, and address issues affecting stakeholders across the energy industry. Such efforts may include, but not be limited to, fundamental boiler/piping/HRSG topics, needs to clarify EPRI research efforts, question and answer session(s), service experience and emerging issues or failures, and/or training materials specifically developed for focused topic(s).
Your Role as an Advisor
The content on this page will eventually be expanded to include short videos, summary files, testimony and other relevant content to help instruct and guide new or existing advisors. Until this information is made available, a link to standard EPRI material is provided below for reference. Should you have any questions or comments please reach out to the Pressure Parts Area Manager, Thomas Sambor or 704-595-2456.
Currently, the EPRI Advisor Resource Center (opens in a new tab) is a good resource for program advisors.