Steam generator NDE performance demonstration assessment

This paper reports the methodology and results of an assessment of a steam generator nondestructive evaluation (NDE) performance demonstration program. The performance demonstration was designed for the qualification of personnel who analyze eddy current data for pressurized water reactor steam generator tubing. The purpose of the assessment were to assure that personnel could be qualified with a high level of confidence, and to refine the specific components of the process training, data sets, tests, and qualification criteria and procedures. A primary consideration was that the performance demonstrations in the assessment be conducted in essentially the same manner as that anticipated for their implementation. Thirty two eddy-current data analysts from nuclear utilities and in-service inspection vendors participated in the assessment. Measures of detection and sizing performance relative to indications attributable to different damage mechanisms were obtained from practical performance tests. Estimates of difficulty and discriminability were obtained for each item in the pool of written test items and for each grading unit in the data set of the practical test. Assessments of training and qualification procedures were obtained from observations and participant debriefings