核电厂围板螺栓超声检测技术研究

围板螺栓是核电厂堆内构件的关键连接部件,长期服役下可能产生辐照应力腐蚀裂纹（IASCC）等缺陷,有必要对其结构完整性进行无损检测。分析围板螺栓的结构特点和在役检查工况,开发针对外六角头结构螺栓的组合晶片超声检测方案,介绍探头设计选型原则和缺陷评定技术,确保良好的声场有效覆盖以及检测出螺栓不同部位的裂纹缺陷。通过对含缺陷试块的试验验证了超声检查工艺的可行性,结果表明该技术能够有效检测30%螺杆横截面当量的裂纹缺陷,信噪比可达12 dB以上,满足在役检查要求。      

Ultrasonic test of carbon composite/copper joints in the ITER divertor

The vertical targets of the ITER divertor consist of high flux units (HFU) actively cooled: CuCrZr tubes armoured by tungsten and carbon/carbon fibre composite (CFC). The armour is obtained with holed parallelepiped blocks, called monoblocks, previously prepared and welded onto the tubes by means diffusion bonding. The monoblock preparation consists in the casting of a layer of copper oxygen free (Cu OFHC) inside the monoblock hole.Each HFU is covered with more than 100 monoblocks that have to be joined simultaneously to the tube. Therefore, it is very important to individuate any defects present in the casting of Cu OFHC or at the interface with the CFC before the monoblocks are installed on the units.This paper discusses the application of non-destructive testing by ultrasound (US) method for the control of the joining interfaces between CFC monoblocks and Cu OFHC, before the brazing on the CrCrZr tube.In ENEA laboratory an ultrasonic technique (UT) suitable for the control of these joints with size and geometry according to the ITER specifications has been developed and widely tested. Real defects in this type of joints are, however, still hardly detected by UT. The CFC surface has to be machined to improve the mechanical strength of the joint. This results in a surface not perpendicular to the ultrasonic wave. Moreover, CFC is characterized by high acoustic attenuation of the ultrasonic wave and then it is not easy to get information regarding the Cu/CFC bonding. Nevertheless, the UT sharpness and simplicity pushes to perform some further study. With this purpose, a sample with artificial defects induced on the CFC/Cu interface during the Cu casting, has been manufactured and investigated, both by pulse-echo technique and by different techniques. The results obtained by the UT on this sample are reported and compared with X-ray method.     

Crack detection and sizing technique by ultrasonic and electromagnetic methods

Improvements in defect detection and sizing capabilities for non-destructive inspection techniques have been required in order to ensure the reliable operation and life extension of nuclear power plants. For the volumetric inspection, the phased array UT technique has superior capabilities for beam steering and focusing to objective regions, and real-time B-scan imaging without mechanical scanning. In contrast to the conventional UT method, high-speed inspection is realized by the unique feature of the phased array technique. A 256-channel array system has developed for the inspection of weldment of BWR internal components such as core shrouds. The TOFD crack sizing technique also can be applied using this system. For the surface inspection, potential drop techniques and eddy current techniques have been improved, which combined the theoretical analysis. These techniques have the crack sizing capability for surface breaking cracks to which UT method is difficult to apply. This paper provides the recent progress of these phased array and electromagnetic inspection techniques.     

Interpolation and Extrapolation Method to Analyze Irradiation-Induced Dimensional Change Data of Graphite for Design of Core Components in Very High Temperature Reactor (VHTR)

Graphite materials are used as core components in the High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor (HTGR) and Very High Temperature Reactor (VHTR). The authors prepared technical documents for design, material, products, in-service inspection and maintenance of the graphite components for the HTGR/VHTR, which were summarized as a draft of standard for the graphite components through discussion made in a “Special committee on research on preparation for codes for graphite components in HTGR” set up within AESJ. The draft of standard contains graphical expressions for the irradiated material properties of IG-110 graphite. It is possible to use the graphical expressions for the components design of VHTR. The graphs were obtained based on the interpolation and extrapolation of the irradiation data. The irradiation-induced dimensional change of IG-110 graphite was obtained through the interpolation and extrapolation of the irradiation data with a quadratic equation of fast neutron fluence. The irradiation data for H-451 and ATR-2E graphites were used for the evaluation of the interpolation and extrapolation of irradiation data for IG-110. It was shown in this study that the proposed interpolation and extrapolation method is reasonable for IG-110 with regard to the database available at present.     

Inspection qualification programme for VVER reactors and review of round robin test results

Experience obtained, especially from in-service inspections of VVER 440-type reactor pressure vessels and from the Czech round test trials with international participation of ultrasonic teams, has highlighted the need for an in-service inspection qualification programme in the Czech Republic focused on NDT procedures, equipment and personnel. Recently, several national and international regional projects included in the PHARE programme (projects 4.1.2/93 and 1.02/94), briefly described, have been initiated. These projects are to cover step by step the programme of the in-service inspection qualification in view of technical justification as well as of practical assessment—performance demonstration—for all the main VVER-type primary circuit components.     

A model for predicting vessel failure probabilities including the effects of service inspection and flaw sizing errors

A numerical approach has been developed to predict the probability that a fabrication flaw in a reactor pressure vessel will extend by fatigue crack growth mechanisms and become a through-wall flaw. The fracture mechanics model treats the size of the flaw, the location of the flaw, and the parameters governing the fatigue crack growth rates as stochastic variables that are described by histograms that represent their statistical distributions. A latin hypercube approach forms the basis for efficient numerical calculations of vessel failure probabilities, in particular for those cases having very low probabilities that are not readily calculated by use of more conventional Monte Carlo simulations. A second aspect of the vessel failure model evaluates the benefits of in-service inspections at prescribed inspection time intervals and with prescribed nondestructive examination capabilities (probability of detection as a function of flaw size). A third aspect of the paper evaluates flaw sizing accuracy, and the impacts of flaw acceptance criteria. For representative values of flaw detection probability, flaw sizing errors, and flaw acceptance criteria, detection capability is the most limiting factor with regard to the ability of the in-service inspections to reduce leak probabilities. However, gross sizing errors or significant relaxations of current flaw acceptance standards could negate the benefits of outstanding probability of detection capabilities.     

Enhancements of eddy current testing techniques for quantitative nondestructive testing of key structural components of nuclear power plants

In this paper, studies on upgrade of eddy current testing (ECT) techniques for inspection of stress corrosion cracks (SCC) in key structural components of a nuclear power plant are reported. Access and scanning vehicle (robot), advanced probes for steam generator (SG) tube inspection, developments and evaluations of new ECT probes for welding joint, and ECT-based crack sizing technique are described, respectively. Based on these techniques, it is demonstrated that ECT can play as a supplement of ultrasonic testing (UT) for the quantitative inspection of welding zone. It is also proved in this work that new ECT sensors are efficient even for inspection of a stainless steel plate as thick as 15 mm.     

Development of an ultra sonic phased array system for nondestructive tests of nuclear power plant components

A phased array ultrasonic inspection (PAULI) system is being developed to obtain electronically scanned ultrasonic images of the inside of nuclear power plant components for nondestructive evaluation. The development strategy of PAULI system was the modification of a medical ultrasound imaging system that had 64 individual transceiver channels. Optimization of array transducers has been also pursued based on the systematic investigation of the radiation beam field simulated by the use of the boundary diffraction wave models. 7.5 MHz phased array transducers was, then, fabricated and tested with the carbon steel specimen having side-drilled holes. For the nondestructive tests on power plant component, a sample mockup of turbine blade root with EDM notches was fabricated and the detection capability was demonstrated. The developed system can provide electronically scanned ultrasonic images in real time fashion and greatly enhance the efficiency and reliability in the flaw detection and location in comparison with the classical ultrasonic testing (UT) using A-scan signals. For the flaw classification, the analysis of the electronically scanned ultrasonic images was not sufficient at this moment but analysis of features obtained from A-scan signals of flaws at the various steering angles showed the potential capability.     

AP1000核电厂主泵法兰螺栓在役检查系统开发

AP1000核电厂反应堆主泵法兰螺栓是在役检查重要监督项目之一,目前国内尚无针对该部件的在役检查系统及应用案例。本文结合AP1000主泵法兰螺栓结构特点、现场高剂量环境及复杂检查条件分析,设计开发了一套从螺栓中心孔内壁实施超声检测、适用于在役检查要求的主泵法兰螺栓在役超声检查系统。主泵模拟体上的调试试验结果表明,该系统可实现周向运行、垂直方向避障、专用超声探头与螺栓孔精确对中调节等功能,进而实现对主泵法兰螺栓的超声扫查。工程应用结果证明本系统满足AP1000核电厂主泵法兰螺栓在役检查现场要求,具有较高的可靠性和良好的适用性。      

Inspection procedure assessment using modelling capabilities

Before carrying out inspections on technical components, criteria have to be met to qualify the inspection procedure. The inspection qualification can be performed by technical justification or performance demonstration. The qualification of non-destructive testing methods can be checked on full scale mock-ups where real or realistic defects are implemented. To minimize costs it will become mandatory to model the inspection procedure. In the case of ultrasonic testing, the modelling includes the ultrasonic probe, the pulse-defect interaction and the probe geometry. The applied modelling code is the elastodynamic finite integration technique (EFIT) which includes mode conversion effects. The results of the code are either wave fields, A-scans at different probe positions or complete r.f. data fields. Examples demonstrate the efficiency in modelling angle beam probes which transmit both pressure, shear and subsurface longitudinal waves. These waves are scattered by horizontal or surface breaking cracks. The modelled r.f. data fields are used within the synthetic aperture focusing approach to predict the ultrasonic image which would be obtained in performing the experiment. In addition it will be shown that the EFIT wave fronts for anisotropic homogeneous media are explicitly related to the group velocity in these media.     

On-line monitoring system development for single-phase flow accelerated corrosion

Aged nuclear piping has been reported to undergo corrosion-induced accelerated failures, often without giving signatures to current inspection campaigns. Therefore, we need diverse sensors which can cover a wide area in an on-line application. We suggest an integrated approach to monitor the flow accelerated corrosion (FAC) susceptible piping. Since FAC is a combined phenomenon, we need to monitor as many parameters as possible and that cover wide area, since we do not know where the FAC occurs. For this purpose, we introduce the wearing rate model which focuses on the electrochemical parameters. Using this model, we can predict the wearing rate and then compare testing results. Through analysis we identified feasibility and then developed electrochemical sensors for high temperature application; we also introduced a mechanical monitoring system which is still under development. To support the validation of the monitored results, we adopted high temperature ultrasonic transducer (UT), which shows good resolution in the testing environment. As such, all the monitored results can be compared in terms of thickness. Our validation tests demonstrated the feasibility of sensors. To support direct thickness measurement for a wide-area, the direct current potential drop (DCPD) method will be researched to integrate into the developed framework.     

Screening method for piping wall loss by flow accelerated corrosion

Flow accelerated corrosion (FAC) phenomenon has persisted its impact on plant reliability and personnel safety. Unless we change the operation condition drastically, most parameters affecting FAC will not be effectively controlled. In order to help expand piping inspection coverage, we have developed a screening approach to monitor the wall thinning by direct current potential drop (DCPD) technique. To improve the applicability to the complex piping network such as the secondary cooling water system in PWR's, we devised the equipotential control method that can eliminate undesired leakage currents outside a measurement section. In this paper, we present Wide Range Monitoring (WiRM) and Narrow Range Monitoring (NaRM) with Equipotential Switching Direct Current Potential Drop (ES-DCPD) method to rapidly monitor the thinning of piping. Based on the WiRM results, susceptible locations can be identified for further inspection by ultrasound technique (UT). On-line monitoring of a thinned location can be made by NaRM. Finite element analysis results and a closed-form resistance model are developed for the comparison with measured wall thinning by the developed DCPD technique. Verification experiments were conducted using UT as the reference. The result shows that model predictions and the experimental results agree well to confirm that both WiRM and NaRM based on ES-DCPD can be applicable to FAC management efforts.     

Wave propagation visualization in an experimental model for a control rod drive mechanism assembly

Nondestructive inspection techniques such as ultrasonic testing, eddy current testing, and visual testing are being developed to detect primary water stress corrosion cracks in control rod drive mechanism (CRDM) assemblies of nuclear power plants. A unit CRDM assembly consists of a reactor upper head including cladding, a penetration nozzle, and J-groove dissimilar metal welds with buttering. In this study, we fabricated a full-scale CRDM assembly mock-up. An ultrasonic propagation imaging (UPI) method using a scanning laser ultrasonic generator is proposed to visualize and simulate ultrasonic wave propagation around the thick and complex CRDM assembly. First, the proposed laser UPI system was validated for a simple aluminium plate by comparing the ultrasonic wave propagation movie (UWPM) obtained using the system with numerical simulation results reported in the literature. Lamb wave mode identification and damage detectability, depending on the ultrasonic frequency, were also included in the UWPM analysis. A CRDM assembly mock-up was fabricated in full-size and its vertical cross section was scanned using the laser UPI system to investigate the propagation characteristics of the longitudinal and Rayleigh waves in the complex structure. The ultrasonic source location and frequency were easily simulated by changing the sensor location and the band pass filtering zone, respectively. The ultrasonic propagation patterns before and after cracks in the weld and nozzle of the CRDM assembly were also analyzed. Since this visualization method is not limited in the flat cross section, it will be useful in developing ultrasound-based structural health monitoring technologies, advanced nondestructive methods, and numerical models. In addition, the proposed laser UPI system could be a useful tool in optimizing the receiver and transmitter locations, the ultrasonic path, and the ultrasonic frequency.     

不锈钢端头环焊缝的超声波探伤

本文介绍了采用高频(20MHz)、高阻尼、水浸聚焦探头及窄脉冲技术对奥氏体不锈钢端头环焊缝进行的探伤。文章指出:窄脉冲技术可以克服晶界的干扰,提高信噪比;脉冲回波法能避免端头边界的干扰,用于圆周轴向和周向的探防。金相结果表明本法能比较满意地探测到小焊缝中的夹渣、气孔等缺陷。该方法也同样适用于其它材料的小焊缝探伤。     

核电厂一回路管座焊缝超声波检测仿真研究

小尺寸支管接头（BOSS）焊缝作为核电厂一回路压力边界的薄弱环节,对其有效监控是核电厂日常和在役大修的重点和难点。采用仿真技术、工艺试验和现场应用验证等方法,设计并验证了BOSS焊缝的超声波相控阵检测工艺,解决了核电厂日常和在役大修中BOSS焊缝的监督难点。并得到类似超声波相控阵检测工艺的设计和验证方法。      

压水堆核电厂核岛机械设备在役检查规则研究

压水堆核电厂核岛机械设备在役检查规则研究是修订和编制我国相关核电在役检查标准的基础和前提。本文简介了在役检查规则研究目标、方法、主要内容和结果以及在役检查规则制定依据,简述了规则研究相关主要问题的处理方法和结果,对比分析了依据研究结果编制的NB/T 20312标准与EJ/T 1041标准在役检查规则的主要不同点,给出了准确理解和正确应用NB/T 20312标准有关在役检查规则的提示和说明,为有效应用该标准在役检查规则提供重要参考。     

Online monitoring method using Equipotential Switching Direct Current potential drop for piping wall loss by flow accelerated corrosion

The flow accelerated corrosion (FAC) phenomenon persistently impacts plant reliability and personnel safety. We have shown that Equipotential Switching Direct Current Potential Drop (ES-DCPD) can be employed to detect piping wall loss induced by FAC. It has been demonstrated to have sufficient sensitivity to cover both long and short lengths of piping. Based on this, new FAC screening and inspection approaches have been developed. For example, resolution of ES-DCPD can be adjusted according to its monitoring purpose. The developed method shows good integrity during long test periods. It also shows good reproducibility. The Seoul National University FAC Accelerated Simulation Loop (SFASL) has been constructed for ES-DCPD demonstration purposes. During one demonstration, the piping wall was thinned by 23.7% through FAC for a 13,000 min test period. In addition to the ES-DCPD method, ultrasonic technique (UT) has been applied to SFASL for verification while water chemistry was continually monitored and controlled using electrochemical sensors. Developed electrochemical sensors showed accurate and stable water conditions in the SFASL during the test period. The ES-DCPD results were also theoretically predicted by the Sanchez-Caldera's model. The UT, however, failed to detect thinning because of its localized characteristics. Online UT that covers only local areas cannot assure the detection of wall loss.     

Analysis of As-Machined Nuclear Graphite Parts Using Conventional and Laser Ultrasonic Techniques

The feasibility of remote, in-service monitoring of as-machined nuclear graphite parts using noncontacting laser ultrasonics was investigated. The anisotropy sensitivities of laser ultrasonics and several other conventional techniques were compared for three significantly different nuclear- grade graphites. Laser ultrasonics using a Fabry-Perot interferometer proved sufficiently sensitive to detect the anisotropy in a bulk graphite having moderate grain size. In contrast, a coarsegrained graphite was difficult or impossible to investigate using any of the techniques. Laser ultrasonic monitoring of some graphites may be useful in future nuclear operations, particularly for in-service applications where contacting and destructive analyses are unsuitable.     

Products of research and development in NDT

The Nondestructive Ultrasonic Testing and Evaluation is directed to describe flaws microstructure, structure residual stress, reliability or quality insurance. An overview is given on the scientific background, interpretation capability based upon mathematic-numerical models, new design of equipments and demonstrated at components containing relevant flaws. Emphasis is laid upon SNR-improvement in the UT of austenitic weldings. Examples are shown using the backscattering technique with linear polarized shear waves. Stress measurements are performed with electromagnetic ultrasonic probes (EMAT). The surface inspection with magnetic imaging of the eddy current field or the multi-frequency eddy current methods are described. The possibilities of detection, classification and reconstruction of flaws are demonstrated in the time- and frequency domain with the satellite pulse echo technique, focal probes and the synthetic aperture methods like ALOK, Phased Array, Holography and SAFT.     

Techniques for processing remote field eddy current signals from bend regions of steam generator tubes of prototype fast breeder reactor

Steam generator (SG) is one of the most critical components of sodium cooled fast breeder reactor. Remote field eddy current (RFEC) technique has been chosen for in-service inspection (ISI) of these ferromagnetic SG tubes made of modified 9Cr–1Mo steel (Grade 91). Expansion bends are provided in the SGs to accommodate differential thermal expansion. During ISI using RFEC technique, in expansion bend regions, exciter–receiver coil misalignment, bending stresses, probe wobble and magnetic permeability variations produce disturbing noise hindering detection of defects. Fourier filtering, cross-correlation and wavelet transform techniques have been studied for noise reduction as well as enhancement of RFEC signals of defects in bend regions, having machined grooves and localized defects. Performance of these three techniques has been compared using signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Fourier filtering technique has shown better performance for noise reduction while cross-correlation technique has resulted in significant enhancement of signals. Wavelet transform technique has shown the combined capability of noise reduction and signal enhancement and resulted in unambiguous detection of 10% of wall loss grooves and localized defects in the bend regions with SNR better than 7 dB.