Results of a round robin test on NDT methods for austenitic pipe welds

摘要

A research programme sponsored by the German utilities (VGB PowerTech) was performed at MPA Stuttgart between 1993 and 1999. Objectives of the programme were to gain information on the feasibility of evaluation methods and of influential parameters on the results of non-destructive testing. Circumferential weld specimens of typical austenitic pipe or pipe-elbow connections which originate from replaced components of nuclear power plants were investigated in a round robin test. Teams of different NDT vendors and research institutes performed blind tests using ultrasonic testing, radiographic testing (conventional evaluation of films and evaluation of digitised films) or digital radiographic testing. The test pieces consisted of cut-out austenitic weld specimens containing service induced cracks.