Remote metallurgical investigations on pressure tubes removed from CANDU power reactors

Journal Article · Fri Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1994 · Materials Characterization; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/1044-5803(94)90058-2· OSTI ID:7076015

Schankula, M H; Slade, J P; Chenier, R J ^[1]; Durand, M A ^[2]

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1. AECL Research, Chalk River, Ontario (Canada). Chalk River Labs.
2. Central Production Services, Toronto, Ontario (Canada)

As part of the periodic in-service inspection program for CANDU reactors, pressure tubes are periodically removed for destructive examination. The procedures, equipment, and facilities used to perform metallurgical examinations on these highly irradiated components are described. The initial examinations of the tubes from the generating station are performed underwater in inspection bays. Detailed visual examination and metallography are subsequently performed in shielded hot-cell facilities; a description of the remote metallographic equipment and preparation techniques used is given. Examinations of two recently removed Zr-2.5%Nb pressure tubes containing fretting-wear flaws and a lamination flaw are used to highlight the techniques employed.

• OSTI ID: 7076015
• Journal Information: Materials Characterization; (United States), Journal Name: Materials Characterization; (United States) Vol. 33:1; ISSN 1044-5803; ISSN MACHEX
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
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ALLOYS
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CORROSION PRODUCTS
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DESTRUCTIVE TESTING
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