A probabilistic method for optimizing the inspection of a heat exchanger
that determines the maximum number of degraded tubes that can be permitted
to remain in service for a contemplated interval of time without exceeding
an allowable probability of a tube burst, based upon Extreme Value
Probability Distribution theory. The method also determines the minimum
number of tubes that need to be inspected to establish that no more than
the determined maximum number of degraded tubes will be permitted to
remain in service for the contemplated interval of time based upon
Bayesian Acceptance Sampling Theory.
