PTC INQ. #04-05 TECHNICAL INQUIRY PTC 4 Subject: PTC 4 1998 versus PTC 4.

1-1964 (Reaffirmed 1991)

Preface to Response below - It is assumed from the questions that the inquirer is considering conducting a test in accordance with the losses listed in the former PTC 4.1 Abbreviated Efficiency Test form and Unmeasured Losses either specified or by mutual agreement (which was normal industry practice for PTC 4.1). This response also addresses the PTC 4.1 losses and credits for a full PTC 4.1 test. It is noted that if the inquirer desires the highest degree of accuracy (see question 2), then efficiency must be determined by the energy balance method per PTC 4. Question 1: Is PTC 4.1 1964 (reaffirmed 1991) still a current document? obtain a copy from the ASME? How does one

Answer 1 : No. PTC 4.1 has been withdrawn and has been replaced by PTC 4-1998 as the American National Standard. Copies of PTC 4.1 are not available from ASME.

Question 2: What typical relative test uncertainties can be expected between a PTC 4 1996 test and a PTC 4.1-1964 (1991) test of the same conventional pulverized coal-fired steam generator for a subcritical reheat steam unit? There is no sulfur sorbent injection. Our intent is to have the lowest reasonably achievable test uncertainty. Answer 2 : Typical test uncertainty values for efficiency are listed in Table 1.3-1 of PTC 4. While an uncertainty analysis is not a part of PTC 4.1, it is conceivable that instrumentation and data sampling procedures could be selected to yield a test result of equal uncertainty with regard to instrumentation as if PTC 4 was used. The level of uncertainty is mainly driven by the particular choices to be made regarding economical instrumentation and data sampling procedures. Section 4 of PTC 4 provides background and guidance in these matters. The calculation method and whether the PTC 4.1 Abbreviated Test Form with assigned Unmeasured Losses is used also impact uncertainty. There are some specific differences in the calculation of certain losses (such as the Surface Radiation and Convection Loss) that in PTC 4 are intended to produce more accurate loss results and reduce the uncertainty. Also, the level of uncertainty associated with unmeasured or unaccountable loss estimates commonly included with tests following PTC 4.1 Abbreviated Test Form would normally be greater than that associated with the individually estimated losses as part of PTC 4 (or a full PTC 4.1 evaluation).