Nondestructive testing of pipes for nuclear power plants

A brief summary is given of regulations valid for nondestructive testing of pipes for nuclear installations. The importance is emphasised of personnel qualification and general requirements are summed up placed on ultrasonic testing equipment. The significance of the choice of the correct probe and calibration is emphasised for obtaining quantitative information on the distribution of the acoustic field and on the acoustic pressure of the probe. The questions are discussed of the reproducibility of measurements, the characteristics of the electronics, the accuracy of the ultrasonic testing method. A new testing equipment is discussed for detecting pipe failures by eddy currents which has been developed in cooperation with the pipe manufacturer. (B.S.)