Background
For to ensure the integrity of pressurized equipment of reactor power plants periodical in-service inspections have to implemented. Threaded holes of the reactor pressure vessel main flange, steam generator headers and main coolant pumps flange are part of the inspection items to be inspected regularly. When performing the inspection manually the inspection personnel are exposed to radiation. Performing such an inspection with automatic remote controlled equipment, the residence time of personnel in the radioactive area will be reduced and the inspection results will be stored and are repeatable for further evaluation in the office area.
Objectives
The subject of this supply contract was to provide Khmelnitsky NPP with Eddy current (ET) inspection equipment to carry out in-service inspections of the threaded holes of reactor pressure vessel main flange, steam generator headers and main coolant pumps flange. The ET System allows the automatic inspection of threaded holes. It provides and stores inspection data and results and keeps track of the evolution of the condition of such threaded holes surface. The supplies included the delivery of: Mechanical equipment (manipulators) for ET-probe positioning equipment, Control system for ET Inspection manipulators, Eddy current equipment, PC with software for data acquisition and analysis, ET probes, calibration and test specimens and device for cleaning of threaded holes. The supply also included the supply of the technical and operational documents of the equipment, provided training to the End user personnel in the use of the supplied equipment and inspection procedures for the performing of these in-service inspections.
Project Results
The technical specification for supply was developed under the OSA service contract 98-0291 and approved in 2001. The equipment and services were provided in accordance with the contract requirements in 2006. The Provisional and Final Acceptance Certificates have been signed according to the contract amendment on June 30, 2006. The completion report (do. Kh1D034 rev. 01) has been issued on March 14, 2007 and approved by the End user at June 4, 2007.
The supply of the automated eddy current inspection equipment allowed the plant to implement an inspection program predicting the integrity of the inspected component. The remote controlled equipment reduces the residence time of the inspection personnel in the radioactive area and reduces the radiological exposure to the personnel