Pipe wall thinning inspection using EMAR

摘要

In piping systems of nuclear power plants, pipe wall thinning is caused by ageing-related flow-accelerated corrosion (FAC) and liquid droplet impingement (LDI) erosion. Piping maintenance is based on residual lifetimes estimated by periodic measurements of thickness. High accuracy and reliability of these measurements are mandatory in the nuclear power industry. Currently, ultrasonic (UT) thickness gauges are used to inspect pipe wall thinning [1], Although UT thickness gauges provide measurements with high accuracy of about 0.1 mm, these are sensitive to surface rusts and paint, and require highly skilled workers to operate.