• Journal of the Korean Society for Nondestructive Testing
• /
• v.24 no.1
• /
• pp.8-14
• /
• 2004

Model-based inversion tools for eddy current signals have been developed by combining neural networks and finite element modeling, for quantitative flaw characterization in steam generator tubes. In the present work, interpretation of experimental eddy current signals was carried out in order to validate the developed inversion tools. A database was constructed using the synthetic flaw signals generated by the finite element model. The hybrid neural networks composed of a PNN classifier and BPNN size estimators were trained using the synthetic signals. Experimental eddy current signals were obtained from axisymmetric artificial flaws. Interpretation of flaw signals was conducted by feeding the experimental signals into the neural networks. The interpretation was excellent, which shows that the developed inversion tools would be applicable to the Interpretation of real eddy current signals.

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

• Proceedings of the KIEE Conference
• /
• 1996.07a
• /
• pp.83-85
• /
• 1996

Major cause of defects in steam generator tubes at nuclear power plant is the accumulation of magnetite and other byproducts of corrosion in the crevice gap between support plates and tubes. Since damaged tubes result in contamination of the secondary coolant by the radioactive primary coolant, they represent a safety hazard. Early detection of magnetite buildup is, therefore, imperative in order to take remedial measures such as chemical flushing. Although the eddy current testing is being used for the inspection of steam generator tubes, the interpretation of resulting signals is generally a difficult task. This paper uses the phase of sensor coil emf as the test signal to find a way of easier signal interpretation. Numerical study using FEM shows that the shape of resulting signal is good for identifying the relative position of the probe to the support plate, and for discreminating the different shapes and degrees of magnetite buildup in the crevice gap region.

• Journal of the Korean Magnetics Society
• /
• v.14 no.6
• /
• pp.207-212
• /
• 2004

Eddy current (EC) testing methods are widely used in a variety of applications including the inspection of steam generator tubes in nuclear power plants, aircraft parts and airframes. A key factor that affects the EC signal is lift-off which means the physical distance between a sensor and a specimen in the testing. In practice, it is difficult to keep track of the actual value of the lift -off during a specific experiment, simulation or testing in the field, which is essential for accurate interpretation of the signal to be used in the following steps. Hence it is necessary to have a scheme to render the EC signal invariant to the effects of lift-off in spite of the changes in the real world. This paper describes a new method for compensating EC signals for variations in lift-off by acquiring an invariance feature using a homomorphic operator and neural network techniques. The signals from various lift-offs are transformed to obtain a zero lift-off equivalent signal that can be subsequently used for defect characterization in the next step.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Nondestructive Testing
• /
• v.24 no.4
• /
• pp.315-324
• /
• 2004

In eddy current testing(ECT), differential probes have been frequently used since they .an reduce the number of parameters that influence ECT signals. However, differential signal is actually the difference of the two coils' impedance so that signal prediction and interpretation are not easy, On the other hand, absolute coil signal is rather straightforward to predict and analyze. Therefore, combined use of the two types of signals would increase the test reliability. In this paper, absolute coil signals from Inconel plate and tubes are predicted by the finite element analysis and efforts of lift-off, fill-factor, conductivity, operating frequency, test specimen thickness, inner diameter defects, and outer diameter defects are investigated. As a result, various impedance plane diagrams are drawn and analyzed. Significant practical knowldege about absolute signals is accumulated and similar characteristics of the two types of signal could be understood. Finally, slope angle versus defect depth calibration corves are prepared for three different frequencies.

• Journal of Institute of Control, Robotics and Systems
• /
• v.2 no.3
• /
• pp.236-241
• /
• 1996

This paper presents a new eddy current testing system for inspecting tubes of steam generator in nuclear power plant. The proposed system adopted embedded expert system concept to automate tasks of the inspection such as inspection planning and flaw signal interpretation, and integrated all the tasks into a client/server type computing architecture using database management system. Therefore, human factor errors occurred during inspection could be minimized and the inspection data could be transferred in real-time. As a result, we can increase the level of inspection confidence and the productivity of a personal inspector. A prototype of the proposed system has been developed for 5 years and the test operation has been performed in domestic nuclear power plants.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Nondestructive Testing
• /
• v.32 no.1
• /
• pp.56-63
• /
• 2012

In this study, a field applicability of reboiler tube was evaluated by comparing ECT signal with IRIS signal about wall loss rate and remaining wall thickness using worked austenite STS 316L ASME standard calibration tube. In the case of wall-loss rate, as a result, tolerance about $20%{\times}4$ flat bottom hole and 10% O D groove(ECT), 80% defect and 10% O D groove(IRIS) occurred up to ${\pm}15%$. In the case of remaining wall thickness, ECT was satisfied with the both tolerance, but tolerance about 80% defect occurred up to ${\pm}15%$ in IRIS. Therefore, if the IRIS is performed for interpretation of non-relevant indication and measurement of wall-loss rate after ECT, reliability is supposed to be improved.