• Journal of the Korean Society for Nondestructive Testing
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.254-259
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• 2014

A pressurized heavy water reactor (PHWR) core has 380 fuel channels contained and supported by a horizontal cylindrical vessel known as the calandria, whereas a pressurized water reactor (PWR) has only a single reactor vessel. The pressure tube, which is a pressure-retaining component, has a 103.4 mm inside diameter ${\times}$ 4.19 mm wall thickness, and is 6.36 m long, made of a zirconium alloy (Zr-2.5 wt% Nb). This provides support for the fuel while transporting the $D_2O$ heat-transfer fluid. The simple tubular geometry invites highly automated inspection, and good approach for all inspection. Similar to all nuclear heat-transfer pressure boundaries, the PHWR pressure tube requires a rigorous, periodic inspection to assess the reactor integrity in accordance with the Korea Nuclear Safety Committee law. Volumetric-based nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques utilizing ultrasonic and eddy current testing have been adopted for use in the periodic inspection of the fuel channel. The eddy current testing, as a supplemental NDE method to ultrasonic testing, is used to confirm the flaws primarily detected through ultrasonic testing, however, eddy current testing offers a significant advantage in that its ability to detect surface flaws is superior to that of ultrasonic testing. In this paper, effectiveness of flaw detection and the depth sizing capability by eddy current testing for the inside surface of a pressure tube, will be introduced. As a result of this examination, the ET technique is found to be useful only as a detection technique for defects because it can detect fine defects on the surface with high resolution. However, the ET technique is not recommended for use as a depth sizing method because it has a large degree of error for depth sizing.

• Proceedings of the Korean Radioactive Waste Society Conference
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• 2003.11a
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• pp.83-89
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• 2003

A temperature- and pressure-reducing process is utilized to handle the spent fuel assembly in the post-irradiation examination facility. This process includes three separated unit processes. First one is the decontamination process to clean the spent fuel assembly casks. The second process is the temperature-reducing process to reduce the temperature elevated by decay process in the spent fuel assembly. The third process is the filtration process to remove insoluble particles existed in the casks using filters. Up-to-date technologies as well as practical theories related to the temperature- and pressure-reducing process is reviewed in this report. The test-operation process for various tests and the test results of the temperature- and pressure-reducing process for J-44 and K-23 spent fuel assemblies are also described in detail. This report must be effectively used for the normal operation of the facility with the awareness of unprecedented problems which could occur by continuing operation of the PIE facility.