NDTnet 1998 Aug, Vol.3 No.8

Abstract

RBMK-1000 nuclear reactors contain about 1700 fuel channels. Each of the channels is under the coolant pressure of the reactor core. That is why serious attention should be given to the non-destructive examination technique of the fuel channels state. By now about seven main objects of the fuel channels parameters diagnostics have been defined. They are: zirconium pipe metal integrity, steel-zirconium transition joint integrity, the values of the channel inner diameter, wall thickness, curvature and tilt, the length of the telescopic junction, the fuel channel length.

In order to achieve above mentioned goals some diagnostics systems based on ultrasonic and whirling current sensors have been developed and used (1). However the examination completeness by the existing systems is essentially reduced because of the necessity to use them by turns under the general examination time limitation. To overcome the above mentioned difficulties a set of researches dealing with the compatibility of various examination techniques in one cycle of measurements was performed. Some positioning techniques in a diagnostic probe fuel channel are developed. The probe being supplied by three or more sensors operating with various modes. Autonomous positioning drive for a diagnostic probe based on ROTEC series servo-motors by SIEMENS is under development.

References:
1. A.I. Trofimov, S.A. Vinogradov, V. V.Stasenko, Comprehensive diagnostics of process channels of nuclear power reactors in Russia and abroad, J. of Nuclear Power Engineering (Russia), Sol 6, 1994, p. 44-54.

Abstract Source:
Book of Abstracts, 7th European Conference on Non-Destructive Testing, 26-29 May 1998, ISBN: 87-986898-0-00

Full-Text Source:
Proceedings of the 7th European Conference on Non-Destructive Testing, 26-29 May 1998, ISBN:

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