Integrating NDT Qualification with Design and Manufacture of Submarine Reactor Vessels
S. Taylor, A. Pink, A. Walker, Rolls Royce, UK; J. Thomson, G. Scruton, B. Dikstra, Mitsui Babcock, UK
ABSTRACT
Qualification of NDT in accordance with the ENIQ Methodology is a requirement for several key inspections applied during and on completion of manufacture of the reactor vessels being supplied for Astude-Class submarines for the Royal Navy. On the basis of previous experience of similar qualifications, the parties involved have developed an innovative approach to the qualification programme, which is designed to minimise the risks to cost and programme which qualification entails. Key aspects of the approach were as follows:
early discussion of the defect detection and sizing requirements between the vessel designer and the inspection designer so as to eliminate ambiguities and to establish performance criteria which are achievable in practice while meeting the designer's requirements;
early definition of the inspection techniques in sufficient detail to allow assessment of any remaining risks with further refinement of performance requirements as necessary;
early definition of the qualification programme in particular, as regards the extent to which practical trials were required;
acceptance of the principle that the qualification process would provide information on inspection performance which could be fed back to modify the performance requirement, subject to meeting design requirements.
The paper shows how this approach has allowed a substantial inspection programme to be qualified with minimal impact on the overall manufacturing programme.
Publication Source: 3nd International Conference on NDE in Relation to Structural Integrity for Nuclear and Pressurized Components, November 14-16, 2001, Seville Spain. Publisher: Tecnatom s.a. - [Homepage]
