97-13: PGDP Enhances Plant RCW Reliability

The recirculating cooling water (RCW) system has served the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PGDP) since 1951. Over the years, there have been changes to the system: cooling tower additions, cooling tower replacements, pump upgrades and the installation of a cathodic protection system. However, the basic system of headers and piping remains the same as the original construction. This paper will illustrate the problems experienced in a 40+-year-old piping system and the methods used to transform failing expansion joints, valves and piping ranging from 12 and 60 inch diameter into a reliable operating facility.