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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Eddy-current inspection for steam generator tubing program: Annual progress report for period ending December 31, 1988

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6798205

Reflection probes have demonstrated an improved capability to detect and size defects in degraded steam generators. We have been optimizing the reflection probes and the instrument operating parameters for steam generator inspections. We have developed programs that accurately calculate the changes in the eddy-current sheets, tube supports, copper deposits, magnetite deposits, denting, and defects. Other programs compute the accuracy and sensitivity of eddy-current measurements of defects in the presence of these property variations. These programs have been run to optimize reflection, pancake and circumferential coils. A comparison between the optimum of each type showed that the reflection coils are best, the pancake coils next and the circumferential coils are worst. We have designed both single reflection coil probes and an array of 16 reflection coils. We have also studied the accuracy of the defect theory for reflection, pancake and circumferential coils and experimentally verified the theory. The newest inversion technique shows good potential for a direct and accurate determination of defect size and depth. 8 figs.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
OSTI ID:
6798205
Report Number(s):
CONF-8810155-34; ON: DE89005340
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English