New moulding tools for nuclear inspection

Date: 2006-05-15

Reactor pressure vessels and internals are often inspected with remote controlled NDE techniques such as automated ultrasonic, automated eddy current and visual inspection techniques. Scratches, tool marks and other geometrical indications cause severe problems for traditional surface techniques and may even cause unnecessary repair work.

Copy or imprint of surface

FORCE Technology has developed new remote tools for application of the moulding inspection technology above water as well as under water. The specialized remote tools can be utilized for fast inspection of simple and complex geometries, which are impossible to inspect with other inspection techniques e.g. weld surfaces in restricted areas under water. The specialized remote inspection tools can make a copy or imprint of the surface, which lets you see surface structures, cracks or similar with a resolution of 1 µm.

Fast mobilisation and insertion with moulding tools

The tools are typically designed and fabricated for special areas or components but once tested and approved they allow for fast mobilisation and insertion. As the resolution reference is build into the tools the lead-in time is kept low.

Successful use of new remote inspection tools

Recently, the remote inspection tools have been utilized in a water-filled nuclear reactor pressure vessel. OKG Aktiebolag in Sweden was in urgent need for an alternative non-destructive testing of level measuring nozzles, which are located under water in the reactor pressure vessel. “We are pleased, that FORCE Technology managed to mobilise technicians and an engineer within 24 hours from Denmark”, said Lars Johansson, OKG Aktiebolag, who further pointed out that the whole inspection was carried out within 24 hours to everyone’s satisfaction.

More detailed information

Please read the entire paper:
"Reactor Pressure Vessel and Internals Become Visible by Means of Remote Moulding Inspection, AVT" (opens in new window).