Flaw Assessment Method of Pressure Tube in CANDU Reactor

In CANDU reactor, each pressure tubes contain twelve fuel bundles and provide the inlet and outlet for the primary coolant. If a leak develops in the pressure tube, it is detected by Annulus Gas System which contains circulating dry $CO_2$ gas. Since the leaks caused by the flaws are resulted in pressure tube break, establishment of flaw assessment method is very significant in view of the fracture mechanics. In this paper, various criteria for assessing the flaws are presented to prevent the tube rupture and ensure the integrity of reactor operating.