PISC 3 results on action 3 -nozzles and dissimilar welds-

Action 3 was initiated in 1986, in the framework of the PISC III programme (Programme for the Inspection of Steel Components), to evaluate the actual NDE capability for the structural integrity assessment of safe-ends in power plants. Applying the methodology developed in PISC I and PISC II, Round-Robin Trials (RRT) were organized on the basis of test assemblies representative of BWR and PWR designs, with the objective of identifying effective examination methods, particularly for in-service inspection, and of informing subsequently Codes and Standards organizations of the outcomes. The features of the assemblies allow to evaluate the inspection performances on reactor pressure vessel safe-end welds, as well as on PWR steam generator and surge line dissimilar metal welds. The attention of the reader is drawn however on the fact that, when conclusions on the NDT capability in industrial conditions are drawn from this exercise, the validity of the comparison must be carefully verified. The paper reviews briefly the organization and integrates the main outcomes of PISC Action 3. Further details can be found in the dedicated PISC reports