Detection of Thermal Fatigue Cracks in Stainless Steel Pipe: Application to the Inspection of RHRS line of Type N4/PWR

摘要

Further to a leakage in the Residual Heat Removal System (RHRS) of the PWR at Civaux Unit 1, EDF, Framatome and Intercontrole initiated a program of thorough expert evaluations. For which purpose? Improve the design of the elements of 10" and 4' line pipes to reduce the thermal fatigue cracking mechanisms. The development, and the implementation of a dedicated ultrasonic examinations to the detection of the thermal fatigue cracks have had an essential role in this evaluation program.