Sensitivity study of eddy current testing in titanium tubes evaluation

Evaluation of structural discontinuities in tubes of heat exchangers is necessary in many industrial areas, mainly in nuclear industry, in components such us steam generators and steam condensers. Due to inservice conditions, these tubes must be periodically examined to verify their integrity, in order to assure their operation in safety conditions. Eddy current is the nondestructive test method used for this purpose. It allows detecting, evaluating and monitoring discontinuities presents in the tube wall. This paper presents a study about the sensitivity of this test method to detect and evaluate discontinuities of different sizes and shapes in titanium tubes such as those used in the vapour condensers of Angra 2 NPP. The probe used was developed at the NDT Laboratory of CDTN. (author)