Primary Circuit Weld Inspection

Date: 2006-06-14

FORCE Technology has been engaged in inspection of nuclear components for many years. As the first company, FORCE Technology qualified procedures, personnel and an automated ultrasonic examination system for fast and reliable inspection of dissimilar weld metal in the primary circuit.

Operating experience has shown that Alloy 82/182/600 materials in connection with a pressurized water reactor (PWR) are susceptible to primary water stress corrosion cracking (PWSCC). Our automated ultrasonic examination system, P-scan system 4, can monitor and document any cracking during an ordinary shut down.

FORCE Technology has utilized our special automated manipulators, which are suitable for large diameter piping. The P-scan system has been utilised during several occasions since the initial qualifications. The manipulators are controlled from a remote control centre, which is placed in the reactor hall or close to the reactor hall to the benefit of the owners.

Primary Circuit Weld Inspection was discussed during the 5th International Conference on NDE in Relation to Structural Integrity for Nuclear and Pressurised Components, San Diego, 2006.

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