Core Shroud Weld Inspection

Date: 2006-06-14

FORCE Technology owns an automated system for qualified inspection of the core shroud welds by means of visual, eddy current, ultrasonic and moulding inspection.

We have qualified procedures, personnel and automated inspection systems for fast and reliable inspection of circumferential and longitudinal welds in the core shroud. The qualified procedures cover thickness between 25 mm and 50 mm, and include characterisation, detection and sizing of all relevant defects.

The inspection utilizes both Time-of-Flight Diffraction (TOFD), pulse-echo, coupling monitoring, eddy current etc.

FORCE Technology has utilized the special automated manipulator, called the ‘Giraffen’ on several occasions since the qualifications. All equipment is 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.

Core shroud weld inspection was discussed during the 5th International Conference on NDE in Relation to Structural Integrity for Nuclear and Pressurised Components, San Diego, 2006.