Life-assessment technique for nuclear power plant cables

• Published in: Radiation physics and chemistry (1993) 1998-06, Vol.52 (1), p.639-642
• Main Authors: BARTONICEK, B, HNAT, V, PLACEK, V
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; combined thermal/radiation sequential effects; Composition based on EVA, EPR, XPE, PE and PD; dose rate effects; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Exact sciences and technology; Fission nuclear power plants; Installations for energy generation and conversion: thermal and electrical energy; lifetime assessment; oxidation induction time
• ISSN: 0969-806X; 1879-0895
• DOI: 10.1016/S0969-806X(98)00172-8

The condition of polymer-based cable material can be best characterized by measuring elongation at break of its insulating materials. However, it is not often possible to take sufficiently large samples for measurement with the tensile testing machine. The problem has been conveniently solved by utilizing differential scanning calorimetry technique. From the tested cable, several microsamples are taken and the oxidation induction time (OIT) is determined. For each cable which is subject to the assessment of the lifetime, the correlation of OIT with elongation at break and the correlation of elongation at break with the cable service time has to be performed. A reliable assessment of the cable lifetime depends on accuracy of these correlations. Consequently, synergistic effects well known at this time - dose rate effects and effects resulting from the different sequence of applying radiation and elevated temperature must be taken into account.