Inspections of pressure vessel head penetrations

The problem of cracks in CRDM vessel head penetrations calls for specific inspection techniques to detect potential defects in such nozzles without dismantling the CRDMs and the thermal sleeve. Using specific, thin eddy current coils, defects have been detected with a depth of less than 1 mm. Thin u...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Nuclear engineering and design 1995-11, Vol.159 (2), p.177-182
Main Authors: D'Annucci, F., Bäro, G., Assice, A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Energy
Energy. Thermal use of fuels
Exact sciences and technology
Fission nuclear power plants
Installations for energy generation and conversion: thermal and electrical energy
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Description
Summary:The problem of cracks in CRDM vessel head penetrations calls for specific inspection techniques to detect potential defects in such nozzles without dismantling the CRDMs and the thermal sleeve. Using specific, thin eddy current coils, defects have been detected with a depth of less than 1 mm. Thin ultrasonic probes determined and verified crack sizes. A gap scanner is used to manoeuvre probes into the gap between nozzle and thermal sleeve. The optimised adjustment of the inspection probe by the manipulation system provides the required resolution and sensitivity. A remote inspection with the described manipulators and probes saves time and radiation dose.
ISSN:0029-5493
1872-759X
DOI:10.1016/0029-5493(95)01078-V