Inspection of the Core Support Vessel of the Phénix Reactor
C. Poidevin, Ph. Benoist, CEA Saclay, Gif sur Yvette, France; A. Viard, CEA/CEREM; J. Gros, CEA/Phénix, D. François, Framatome, France
ABSTRACT Phénix is an experimental FBR reactor conjointly operated by the French utility (EDF) and the French Atomic Commission Energy (CEA). In order to fulfil the Safety Authorities requirements conditioning its life extension clearance, its core support integrity has to be proved. Consequently it has been decided to perform an In Service Inspection involving the opening of the safety vessel in several places. An extensive and challenging programme have been launched so that to allow the ultrasonic examination of the four welds involved in the Phénix's core support.This article describes each stage of the programme, which has to be performed at high temperatures (about 180°C).
Publication Source: First International Conference on NDE in Relation to Structural Integrity for Nuclear and Pressurised Components , 20 - 22 October 1998, Amsterdam, Netherlands. Held by the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission.
Publisher: Woodhead Publishing Limited
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