Pulsed Eddy Current for Rapid Scanning of Insulated Steel in CANDU® Reactors

该项目将重点开发脉冲涡流（PEC）检测技术，并开发针对PEC和涡流（EC）检测数据的可变多参数条件的分析工具。 开发的目标将是快速检测绝缘钢管，这些钢管构成了CANDU®核反应堆和厚壁钢结构内工厂管道的很大一部分，包括排管和屏蔽罐组件（CSTA），高压给水热交换器和储罐。脉冲涡流（PEC）已经证明了在大的提离下对导电铁磁材料进行检测的能力。PEC技术的发展将朝着快速检测能力的方向发展，用于评估钢管壁的全厚度全面腐蚀，而无需昂贵的绝缘材料拆除和更换。该项目还将研究多参数涡流信号分析，解释PEC应用中渗透率变化和电阻率对壁厚评估的影响，以及EC蒸汽发生器（SG）检查中的多变量参数。 通过保温对管道状况的检查和监控可以与预防性维护计划相结合，从而增强管道系统管理流程。 对PEC和EC信号分析中的多参数变化进行补偿将增强检测和缺陷尺寸确定能力，提高检测可靠性。

This project will focus on development of pulsed eddy current (PEC) inspection technology and development of analysis tools for variable multi-parameter conditions for both PEC and eddy current (EC) inspection data. Development will target rapid inspection of insulated steel pipe that makes up a large portion of balance of plant piping within CANDU® nuclear reactors and thick walled steel structures, including the calandria and shield tank assembly (CSTA), high pressure feed water heat exchanger and storage tanks. Pulsed eddy current (PEC) has demonstrated a capability to perform inspection of conducting ferromagnetic materials at large lift-offs. Development of PEC technology will be toward a rapid inspection capability for assessment of through-thickness general corrosion in steel pipe wall, without costly removal and replacement of insulation. This project will also investigate multi-parameter eddy current signal analysis, accounting for effects of permeability variations and resistivity on wall thickness assessment in PEC applications and for multi-variable parameters in EC steam generator (SG) inspection. Inspection and monitoring of pipe condition through insulation can be integrated with preventive maintenance programs, thereby enhancing pipe system management processes. Compensation for multi-parameter variations in PEC and EC signal analysis will enhance detection and flaw sizing capability, improving inspection reliability.