Challenges related to NDT in nuclear power plants
Nuclear power plant inspection teams and non-destructive testing (NDT) companies working in nuclear facilities play an exceptionally important role in identifying and preventing malfunctions and accidents that could have repercussions for workers and surrounding communities. In addition, comprehensive assessments are necessary for outage management in nuclear power plants, and to ensure cost-effective system optimization.
Evaluating complex components
Assessing the structural integrity of nuclear power plant equipment components and assemblies can be challenging due to their size, geometry and reflective surfaces. In order to carry out accurate inspections, teams often need more time to ensure they capture all the data they need to make informed decisions.
Archiving inspection data
More and more nuclear power plants are looking for better archiving of inspection data, to minimize the frequency of inspections and enable experts to better monitor the health of parts without having to visit the site. Inspection archiving also enables nuclear power plants to prove compliance to regulatory bodies during audits, and to validate/correct schematic drawings.
Solution: Wearable 3D scanning technologies change the game for non-destructive testing
More and more NDT teams and in-house inspectors are opting for portable, easy-to-use 3D scanners for a wide range of applications in nuclear power plants.
3D scanners laptops and lightweight design make the acquisition of measurement data from parts very efficient and ergonomic, wherever they are located in the plant.
3D scanning fast of parts and pipes, combined with the right NDT software, can speed up data acquisition and reduce processing times to shorten schedules and limit worker exposure in the field.
3D scanning technologies simple can help alleviate labor shortages for inspection projects that require highly experienced, well-trained experts; users of different skill levels can get 3D measurements right first time, allowing more specialized professionals to focus on essential tasks.
3D data collection precise from scanners, despite difficult working conditions, gives inspection teams the assurance of basing their assessments on reliable, reproducible results. Non-destructive evaluations (NDT) can be carried out in real time, so that management teams or NDT customers have a better idea of the integrity and performance of their equipment, enabling better planning and execution of maintenance.
Benefits: Precise, fast and safe testing in nuclear power plants
Nuclear power plants and service providers who have used metrology solutions, such as the HandySCAN 3D scanner and the Pipecheck software from Creaform, get an impressive return on investment in a very short time.
- Safer nuclear power plant inspections: With minimal set-up time and rapid data acquisition, HandySCAN 3D can speed up inspection workflows, reducing time spent in the field and exposure to radiation.
- Easy inspection assessments : Technicians can use the HandySCAN 3D in hard-to-reach areas, while guaranteeing the consistency of the data collected. What's more, Pipecheck's intuitive interface enables inspectors to quickly identify potential problems, so that corrective action can be taken proactively.
- Access to highly accurate data: Unlike manual measurements, the use of a 3D scanner generates the extremely high levels of accuracy, reliability and repeatability that nuclear power plant operators are looking for in order to make more informed decisions.
- Increased inspection capacity: Thanks to modern metrology technologies, in-house inspection teams and external non-destructive testing teams can carry out more assessments with fewer employees, which can give nuclear power plants an edge in controlling operating costs.
Nucleom is a leading Canadian provider of comprehensive NDT services to nuclear facilities, helping them to meet their inspection challenges efficiently and on a large scale.
To facilitate inspection workflows with customers, the team acquired HandySCAN 3D scanners and Pipecheck software. The team was exceptionally pleased with the level of detail these solutions provided to characterize possible defects and failures on various pipes and reactor parts.
" We tested many different technologies and found Creaform's solutions and support to be the best. "
Adam Pinard, NDT engineer and 3D scanning manager at Nucleom.