Development of Magnetic Phase Detection Sensor for the Steam Generator Tube in Nuclear Power Plants

A new eddy current testing probe was developed to separate the eddy current signal distortion caused by permeability variation clusters and ordinary defects created in steam generator tubes. Signal processing circuits were inserted into the probe to increase the signal-to-noise ratio and allow digital signal transmission. The new probe could measure and separate the magnetic phases created in the steam generator tubes in the operating environment of a nuclear power plant. Furthermore, the new eddy current testing probe can measure the defects in steam generator tubes as rapidly as a bobbin probe with enhanced testing speed and reliability of defect detection.