Title: Nondestructive examination of fuel channels in PHWR nuclear power plants

Authors: A. Savin, L. Udpa, R. Steigmann, R. Grimberg, S. Udpa

Addresses: Nondestructive Testing Department, National Institute of Research and Development for Technical Physics, 47 D. Mangeron Blvd, 700050, Iasi, Romania. ' Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Michigan State University, 2120, Engineering Building, East Lansing, MI 48824-1226, USA. ' Nondestructive Testing Department, National Institute of Research and Development for Technical Physics, 47 D. Mangeron Blvd, 700050, Iasi, Romania. ' Nondestructive Testing Department, National Institute of Research and Development for Technical Physics, 47 D. Mangeron Blvd, 700050, Iasi, Romania. ' Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Michigan State University, 2120, Engineering Building, East Lansing, MI 48824-1226, USA

Abstract: This paper proposes the use of a new type of eddy current transducer – the inner eddy current transducer with rotating magnetic field. This transducer has the capability to detect the discontinuities of pressure tubes and also the presence and concentration of Zirconium hydrides. This method is very promising for the determination and characterisation of blisters and delayed hydride cracking. By inversion of data, it is possible to estimate the depth and equivalent diameter of blisters.

Keywords: eddy current examination; nuclear power plants; oxide; tube inspection; zirconium hydrides; fuel channels; PHWR; pressurised heavy water reactors; non-destructive testing; NDT; eddy current transducers; nuclear energy; blisters; delayed hydride cracking.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.2006.011270

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 2006 Vol.27 No.3/4, pp.198 - 209

Published online: 10 Nov 2006 *

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