Containment Liner Plate Void Defect Detection Technique Using Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing and Acoustic Resonance Method

Materials (Basel). 2022 Feb 11;15(4):1330. doi: 10.3390/ma15041330.

Abstract

The CLP (containment liner plate) of a nuclear power plant protects the internal system from the external environment and sudden changes in internal pressure or temperature, and it is a structure that blocks and protects radioactive materials leaking inside and outside in the event of a nuclear accident and is composed of a liner plate, reinforcing bars, tendons, and concrete. Recently, corrosion on the rear side of the liner plate and concrete voids has emerged as a severe defect in nuclear power plants across South Korea. Therefore, in this study, we proposed a new inspection method that a line-type inspection method applied phased array ultrasonic testing and the area inspection method applied acoustic resonance method using developed moveable tapper. The acoustic signals were signal-processed and reproduced to a mapping image following the inspection area, and with the image, it was possible to determine the type of defect. Furthermore, an automated inspection system for within the CLP was proposed.

Keywords: ARM; PAUT; containment liner plate; signal mapping; void defect.