Reactor-component inspection with computerized tomography. Final report

Technical Report · Thu Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1976

OSTI ID:7119351

Falconer, D G; Gates, D C

Computerized tomography is a revolutionary method of x-ray imaging that uses a digital computer to produce cross-sectional images of x-rayed bodies. The contract work reported examined the technical feasibility of inspecting reactor components (especially pipe welds and fuel rods) with this imaging technique. Laboratory experiments, computer simulations, and engineering analyses were used to determine the technical, logistic, and economic attractiveness of the inspection procedure. The research effort suggests that computerized tomography can locate, size, and analyze small (1%) flaws in reactor piping and fuel rods with great reliability. Because the tomographic technique produces television-type images of the reactor component, both visual and automatic flaw detections are possible. A permanent and objective record of the inspection effort is obtained by magnetically recording the tomographic imagery. Such records also allow detection of progressive change in pipe condition. The logistics (e.g., radiation hazards) and economics (e.g. inspection costs) of the technique also appear sound. (GRA)

• Research Organization: Stanford Univ., CA (USA)
• OSTI ID: 7119351
• Report Number(s): PB-257564
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
220200* -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Components & Accessories
42 ENGINEERING
420500 -- Engineering-- Materials Testing
DEFECTS
ECONOMICS
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
FUEL ELEMENTS
FUEL RODS
INDUSTRIAL RADIOGRAPHY
JOINTS
MATERIALS TESTING
NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTING
PIPES
REACTOR COMPONENTS
RELIABILITY
TESTING
TOMOGRAPHY
WELDED JOINTS
X-RAY RADIOGRAPHY