• Journal of the Korean Society for Nondestructive Testing
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.330-337
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• 2010

In this paper, 3-dimensional electromagnetic numerical analysis is performed about the eddy current(EC) array probe characteristic which is the next generation probe for accurate diagnosis of steam generator(SG) in nuclear power plants(NPPs). ASME(American Society of Mechanical Engineers) Standard and X-probe combo calibration standard tube are selected for acquisition of eddy current testing(ECT) signals and this result of compared with the real test signals for reasonability of result. Based on the analysis result of calibration standard tube, ECT signals that are about the defects of pitting, stress corrosion cracking(SCC), multiple SCC and wear is obtained. Material of specimen was Inconel 600 which is usually used for SG tubes in NPPs. The operation frequency of 300 kHz were used. The signal characteristics could be observed according to the various defects. The results in this paper can be helpful when the ECT signals from EC array probe are evaluated and analyzed.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Nondestructive Testing
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.288-294
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• 2016

This paper aims to compare the ability to detect notch defects existing in the plate and welded area using a flexible ECA (eddy current array) probe with OmniScan MX and MS-5800E. The characteristics of signals with various frequencies and lift-offs were also compared. As a result, when signals of frequencies 500, 1000, and 1500 kHz were used, the amplitude of the signal increased, as the depth of the notch increased, but reduced linearly in accordance with the lift-off variation. In addition, the detection sensitivity of the weld defect was found to be closely related to the contact surface of the probe and specimen. In this paper, it was demonstrated that the detection sensitivity was excellent when the contact surface of the probe and the specimen was sufficient, but it was poor when the contact surface was insufficient.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Nondestructive Testing
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.64-70
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• 2012

Two kinds of eddy current probes are mainly used to perform the steam generator tube integrity assesment in NPPs. The first one is the bobbin probe using for inspection of volumetric defect like a fretting wear. The second one is the rotating probe using for inspection of non-volumetric defect like a crack. The eddy current probe is one of the essential components which consist of the whole eddy current examination system, and provides a decisive data for the tube integrity in accordance with acceptance criteria described in specific procedures. The design of ECT probe is especially important to improve examination results because the quality of acquired ECT data is depended on the probe design characteristics, such as coil geometry, electrical properties, operation frequency. In this study, it is analyzed that the coil winding number of differential bobbin probe affects the electrical properties of the probe. Eddy current bobbin probes for the steam generator tubes in NPPs are designed and fabricated according to the results. Experiment shows that the change in coil winding number has much effects on the optimum inspection frequency determined by the tube geometry and material. Therefore, the coil winding number in bobbin probe is very important in the probe design. In this study, a basis of the coil winding number for the eddy current bobbin probe design for steam generator tubes in NPPs is established.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Pressure Vessels and Piping
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.75-81
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• 2014

A simulation of eddy current testing has been utilized for predicting the signal characteristics to the various defects and developing the probes. Especially, CIVA which is a simulation tool dedicated to nondestructive testing has a good accuracy and speed, and provides a three-dimensional graphical user interface for improved visualization and familiar data displays consistent with NDE technique. Although internal validations have been performed by the CIVA software development specialists, an independent validation study is necessary for the accuracy assessment of the software prior to practical use. For this purpose, in this study, eddy current testing signals of ASME FBH calibration standard tube for bobbin probe were simulated using CIVA and the results were compared to the experimental inspected signals based on the relationship between each flaw signal in terms of amplitude and phase, and the shape of the Lissajous curve. And then we verified the accuracy of the simulated signals and the possible range for simulation. Overall, there is a good qualitative agreement between the CIVA simulated and experimental results in the absolute and differential modes at the two inspection frequencies.

• 한국정보통신설비학회:학술대회논문집
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• 2009.08a
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• pp.54-58
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• 2009

In this paper, the ECT(eddy current testing) signal analysis of eddy current array probe for inspection of SG(steam generator) tube in NPP(nuclear power plant) using electromagnetic FEM(finite element method) was performed. To obtain the electromagnetic characteristics of probes, the governing equation was derived from Maxwell's equation, and the problem was solved by using the 3-dimensional FEM. The types of defects were FBH(flat bottomed hole) and OD groove, Spiral groove, natural defects(pitting, SCC, multiple SCC, wear). The depth of FBH defects were 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100 of SG tube thickness, and it was assumed that the defects were located on the tube outside. And the operation frequency of 100kHz, 300kHz and 400kHz were used. Material of specimen was Inconel 600 which is usually used for SG tubes in NPP. The signal difference could be observed according to the variation of size and depth on FBH defects and operation frequencies. The results in this paper can be helpful when the ECT signals from EC array probe are evaluated and analyzed.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Nondestructive Testing
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.426-432
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• 1999

A plus-point eddy current test(ECT) probe was developed to examine the defects on the welds of pumps, valves, and pipings which are the major components of the electric power plants, non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques for detecting and sizing the flaws were studied adapting this probe. Differential plus-point ECT probe is consists of two "I"-type coils crossed each other and has an advantage having a small influence on the sensitivity by lift-off variation to the conventional types of probe. The specimens with crack-like electro discharge machining(EDM) notches on the weld of type 304 stainless-steel were fabricated in order to evaluate the plus-point ECT probe response to the flaws. NDE techniques to detect and size the flaws and estimate the flaw type were established with this specimens.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Nondestructive Testing
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.519-523
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• 2013

A steam generator (SG) tube is an important component of a nuclear power plant (NPP). It works as a pressure boundary between the primary and secondary systems. The integrity of a SG tube can be assessed by an eddy current test every outage. The eddy current technique(adopting a bobbin probe) is currently the main technique used to assess the integrity of the tubing of a steam generator. An eddy current signal analyst for steam generator tubes continuously analyzes data over a given period of time. However, there are possibilities that the analyst conducting the test may get tired and cause mistakes, such as: missing indications or not being able to separate a true defect signal from one that is more complicated. This error could lead to confusion and an improper interpretation of the signal analysis. In order to avoid these possibilities, many countries of opted for automated analyses. Axial ODSCC (outside diameter stress corrosion cracking) defects on the tubes of OPR1000 steam generators have been found on the tube that are in contract with tube support plates. In this study, automated analysis software called CDS (computer data screening) made by Zetec was used. This paper will discuss the results of introducing an automated analysis system for an axial ODSCC on the tubes of an OPR1000 steam generator.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Nondestructive Testing
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.505-510
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• 2013

An encircling send-receive type pulsed eddy current (PEC) probe is designed for use in aluminum tube inspection. When bare receive coils located away from the exciter were used, the peak time of the signal did not change although the distance from the exciter increased. This is because the magnetic flux from the exciter coil directly affects the receive coil signal. Therefore, in this work, both the exciter and the sensor coils were shielded in order to reduce the influence of direct flux from the exciter coil. Numerical simulation with the designed shielded encircling PEC probe showed the corresponding increase of the peak time as the sensor distance increased. Ferrite and carbon steel shields were compared and results of the ferrite shielding showed a slightly stronger peak value and a quicker peak time than those of the carbon steel shielding. Simulation results showed that the peak value increased as the defect size (such as depth and length) increased regardless of the sensor location. To decide a proper sensor location, the sensitivity of the peak value to defect size variation was investigated and found that the normalized peak value was more sensitive to defect size variation when the sensor was located closer to the exciter.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Nondestructive Testing
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.403-410
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• 2006

Eddy current testing (ECT) signals produced by a differential bobbin coil probe vary according to probe design parameters such as the number of turns, geometry and coil gap size. In the present study, the characteristics of a differential bobbin coil probe signals are investigated by numerical simulation in order to determine the optimum coil gap. For verification of numerical simulation accuracy, a specially designed bobbin probe of which the coil gap can be adjusted is fabricated and a series of experiments to acquire signals from two kinds of standard tubes with the variation in coil gap is performed. Then, the experimental signals are compared to the simulation results. Based on this investigation, a decision on the optimum range of coil gap is made. The theoretically predicted signals agree very well to the experimental signals. In fact, this excellent agreement demonstrates a high potential of the simulation as a design optimization tool for ECT bobbin probes.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Nondestructive Testing
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.563-569
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• 2009

In this paper, four different types of pulsed eddy current(PEC) probe are designed and their performance of detecting wall thickness reduction is compared. By using the backward difference method in time and the finite element method in space, PEC signals from various thickness and materials are numerically calculated and three features of the signal are selected. Since PEC signals and features are obtained by various types and sizes of probe, the comparison is made through the normalized features which reflect the sensitivity of the feature to thickness reduction. The normalized features indicate that the shielded reflection probe provides the best sensitivity to wall thickness reduction for all three signal features. Results show that the best sensitivity to thickness reduction can be achieved by the peak value, but also suggest that the time to peak can be a good candidate because of its linear relationship with the thickness variation.