Eddy-current steam generator data analysis performance

This study assessed the accuracy of eddy current, bobbin coil data analysis of steam generator tubes conducted under the structure of the PWR Steam Generator Examination Guidelines, Individual and team performance measures were obtained from independent analyses of data from 1619 locations in a sample of 199 steam generator tubes. The 92 reportable indications contained in the tube sample, including 64 repairable indications, were attributable to: wear at anti-vibration bars, intergranular attack/stress-corrosion cracking (IGA/SCC) within tube sheet crevice regions, primary-water stress-corrosion cracking (PWSCC) at tube roll transitions, or thinning at cold-leg tube supports. Analyses were conducted by 20 analysts, four each from five vendors of eddy current steam generator examination services. In accordance with the guidelines, site orientation was provided with plant-specific guidelines; preanalysis practice was completed on plant-specific data; analysts were qualified by performance testing; and independent primary-secondary analyses were conducted with resolution of discrepancies (team analyses). Measures of analysis performance included percentages of indications correctly reported, percentages of false reports, and relative operating characteristic (ROC) curves. ROC curves presented comprehensive pictures of analysis accuracy generalizable beyond the specific conditions of this study. They also provided single-value measures of analysis accuracy. Conclusions and recommendations were provided relative to analysis accuracy, effect of primary-secondary analyses, analyses of tube sheet crevice regions, establishment of reporting criteria, improvement of examination guidelines, and needed research