Evaluation of the performance of ultrasonic and eddy current testing of austenitic claddings of reactor pressure vessels

In the scope of this project, non-destructive testing methods were carried out on specimens with defects intentionally manufactured in the region of the cladding. The aim of these trials is an evaluation of the performance of ultrasonic and eddy current examinations of austenitic claddings of reactor pressure vessels. A review of the non-destructive testing of claddings showed that the majority of the investigations have been carried out on specimens with artificial defects (notches, holes). Therefore, for the realisation of this project MPA Stuttgart produced specimens with natural defects in the cladding. In detail these are specimens with intergranular stress-corrosion cracking, hot cracks and welding defects in the cladding as well as specimens with underclad cracks. The thickness of the specimens is about 150 mm (BWR-RPV), so that in addition to the testing from the ID (PWR, ultrasonic, eddy current) also the testing from the OD (BWR, ultrasonic) could be examined. The measurements show that most of the cladding defects can be detected with the standard ultrasonic test methods, however, in some cases generate only low echo amplitudes. Favourable results were obtained from the ID testing by means of a phased array probe, in particular in connection with the eddy current technique. Investigations on specimens containing defects not known to the inspection teams (blind tests), which will allow a further evaluation of the performance of non-destructive testing methods under realistic conditions, will be carried out in Phase II of the project. (orig.)