Application of acoustic emission as a monitoring system during hydrostatic tests of nuclear reactor components

The paper presents the state of art for the surveillance of nuclear reactor components by acoustic emission during hydrostatic tests as obtained during several inspections made by KWU and Battelle-Frankfurt/Main. The following four points are relevant: a) Measures designed to suppress background noise, b) adapted pressure increase rate, c) extensive and practically oriented calibration measurements, d) suitable measuring technique. These necessary preconditions are discussed and results on the wave propagation, location accuracy, attenuation of AE-signals due to geometrical configurations (nozzles) and on the correlation between AE-sources and defects as detected by other NDE-methods presented. Two selected examples of AE-tests on reactor components will demonstrate the results which can be obtained at the present time. These investigations have shown till now that: 1) AE is a sensitive NDE-method, able to detect even very small flaws. The AE-sources lie for the most part in areas of seam welds, welded-on attachments, nozzles, closure studs, or other prominent areas (see rolling track). 2) Indications which were found by AE need not necessarily be detectable by other NDE-methods, e.g. ultrasound. 3) Small leaks can be identified in a short time and can be located within certain limits. An essential point however is that leaks with higher noise level must be sealed off. (orig.)