Publication: Publication Date: 1 June 2022Testing Method:
Ultrasonic Testing in Nuclear Plants
The approach for nondestructive testing inspections in nuclear power plants differs significantly from nonnuclear industries. In most industries, inspections are planned and specified by owners or insurance companies. Nuclear plant inspections are, however, regulated and must follow certain processes, regulatory requirements, and required codes. Codes classify components and specify inspection methods, coverage, and inspection intervals. With regard to ultrasonic testing (UT), there is a broad range of applications for nuclear plant components. Applications vary from simple corrosion/erosion scanning to more complex techniques that require UT of difficult-to-inspect materials. These include dissimilar metal welds of materials such as stainless steel, nickel alloy, and cast stainless steels. In addition, UT inspection can include tests of complex geometries such as nozzles and turbines. Furthermore, due to the nature of the nuclear plant operation, the inspection processes must be demonstrated to validate reliability and qualify equipment and personnel. Finally, this article highlights the importance of using notches as calibration reflectors when using refracted longitudinal waves and large aperture phased array probes to improve resolution.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.32548/2022.me-04269
References
Achenbach, J.D., 1999, Wave Propagation in Elastic Solids, eighth impression, Elsevier, Amsterdam, Netherlands
ASME, 2019a, Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section V, Nondestructive Examination, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, New York, NY
ASME, 2019b, Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section XI, Rules for Inservice Inspection of Nuclear Power Plant Components, Division 1, Rules for Inspection and Testing of Components of Light-Water Cooled Plants, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, New York, NY
Birring, A., 2016, “Selection of Calibration Reflectors for Corrosion Resistant Alloy Piping,” Materials Evaluation, Vol. 74, No. 3, pp. 360–366
Birring, A., 2021, “Optimizing Probe Active Aperture for Phased Array Weld Inspections,” Materials Evaluation, Vol. 79, No. 8, pp. 797–804, https://doi.org/10.32548/2021.me-04220
Birring, A.S., E. Peterson, E.A. Franke, and A.E. Crouch, 1990, “Robotic Devices for NDE of Component Interiors,” Proceedings from the Tenth Annual EPRI NDE Information Meeting, Palo Alto, CA
Blanshan, B., and E. Ginzel, 2008, “The Truth behind Creeping Waves,” Materials Evaluation, Vol. 66, No. 5, pp. 465–470
IAEA, 2003, IAEA-TECDOC-1361: Assessment and Management of Ageing of Major Nuclear Power Plant Components Important to Safety, Primary Piping in PWRs, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria
IAEA, 2005, IAEA-TECDOC-1470: Assessment and Management of Ageing of Major Nuclear Power Plant Components Important to Safety: BWR Pressure Vessels, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria
NRC, 2000, NUREG-1719: Pipe Cracking in U.S. BWRs: A Regulatory History, US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC
NRC, 2006a, 10 CFR, Part 50 – Domestic Licensing of Production and Utilization Facilities, US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC
NRC, 2006b, 10 CFR, § 50.55a, Codes and Standards, US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC
NRC, 2014, NUREG/CR-7187: Managing PWSCC in Butt Welds by Mitigation and Inspection, US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC
NRC, 2020, “Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) Systems,” Reactor Concepts Manual, USNRC Technical Training Center for Educators, US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC, last updated 25 November 2020
NRC, 2021, 10 CFR, Part 54 – Requirements for Renewal of Operating License for Nuclear Plants, US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC
NRC, 2022, “Power Reactors,” US NRC website (nrc.gov/reactors/power.html), US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC, last updated 31 March 2022, accessed April 2022
Shah, V.N., and Y.Y. Liu, 2002, “Generic Aging Management Programs for License Renewal of BWR Reactor Coolant System Components,” 10th International Conference on Nuclear Engineering (ICONE 10), Arlington, VA
STUK, 2000, YVL 2.1: Nuclear Power Plant Systems, Structures and Components and their Safety Classification, Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, Helsinki, Finland
Viswanathan, R., 1989, Damage Mechanisms and Life Assessment of High Temperature Components, ASM International, Materials Park, OH
Metrics
| Usage | Shares |
|---|---|
Total Views 293 Page Views |
Total Shares 0 Tweets |
293 0 PDF Downloads |
0 0 Facebook Shares |
| Total Usage | |
| 293 |