Nondestructive evaluation of the oxidation and strength of the Fort Saint Vrain HTGR support block
Non-destructive detection of changes in the strength of graphite support structures in a HTGR appears to be feasible using sonic velocity measurements where access for through transmission is possible. Therefore, future HTGR designs should consider providing such access. Where access is not available, strength changes can be correlated with oxidation profiles in the support member. These oxidation profiles can be determined non-destructively by a combination of eddy current measurements to detect near surface oxidation and sonic backscattering measurements designed to determine oxidation in depth. The Fort Saint Vrain reactor provides an operating reactor to test the applicability of the eddy current and sonic backscattering techniques for determination of oxidation in a support block. Furthermore, such tests in Fort Saint Vrain will supply base line data which will be useful in assuring an adequate strength of the support structure for the lifetime of the reactor. Equipment is, therefore, being developed for tests to be conducted during the next major refueling of the reactor.
- Research Organization:
- Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC06-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 5425001
- Report Number(s):
- PNL-4203; ON: DE82013733; TRN: 82-013262
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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GRAPHITE
COMPRESSION STRENGTH
NONDESTRUCTIVE ANALYSIS
OXIDATION
HTGR TYPE REACTORS
REACTOR CORES
SUPPORTS
BACKSCATTERING
EDDY CURRENT TESTING
ULTRASONIC TESTING
ACOUSTIC TESTING
CARBON
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
ELECTROMAGNETIC TESTING
ELEMENTAL MINERALS
ELEMENTS
GAS COOLED REACTORS
GRAPHITE MODERATED REACTORS
MATERIALS TESTING
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES
MINERALS
NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTING
NONMETALS
REACTOR COMPONENTS
REACTORS
SCATTERING
TESTING
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Nonbreeding
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360603 - Materials- Properties