Application of Acoustic Emission as an On-Line Monitoring System for Nuclear Reactors.

摘要

Permission was received from Baltimore Gas &Electric to monitor the reactor vessel of Calvert Cliffs Unit No. 2. Transducer layout was planned and a 30-sensor, 8-pulsee configuration was defined for covering the nozzle regions,barrel section and lower header. Practical details of equipment installation were resolved and materials were made ready for shipment. Laboratory tests to support the vessel monitoring program were planned and material samples procured. In parallel with this activity,transducers were installed on a by-pass line nozzle on Dresden III through the collaboration of Commonwealth Edison. Preparations for this installation included analysis to determine the optimum sensor positioning,taking dispersion and other factors into account. The Dresden system was calibrated,background noise levels were assessed and electronics for area-of-interest inspection was specified.