South Korean AI startup DeepEye has completed automated nondestructive testing (NDT) inspections at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in the United Arab Emirates, marking the first time a South Korean company has exported AI-driven maintenance services to an overseas nuclear facility.
DeepEye used its in-house artificial intelligence technology to inspect thousands of heat exchanger tubes across all four Barakah units, focusing on condensers and high-pressure feedwater heaters.
AI-driven NDT targets heat exchanger tube flaws
The inspection involved eddy current testing, in which eddy currents are sent through the heat exchanger tubes and the resulting signals are analysed to identify flaws.
DeepEye conducted the inspections using DeepAgent, its AI-based NDT solution. The system analyses signals collected by inspection equipment and automatically identifies segments showing abnormal readings.
The technology is designed to automate the detection of microscopic surface flaws, cracks and other anomalies in nuclear pipelines and structures.
Following the automated analysis, workers review the identified flaw candidates along with the reasoning presented by the AI before making the final determination on whether equipment is defective.
DeepEye wins nuclear maintenance contract
DeepEye secured the maintenance contract after competing against established European companies and other technical firms. Previous contracts had been awarded to Croatian and French companies.
According to the provided information, Nawah Energy, the operator of the Barakah plant, was satisfied with the inspection results delivered by DeepEye.
The completion of the contract represents the company's first overseas nuclear facility service using its AI-driven maintenance technology.
Further testing planned at Barakah
DeepEye was founded in 2022 and developed DeepAgent as an in-house solution for automated NDT analysis.
Having completed its first service contract at Barakah, the company is scheduled to return to the UAE in the fourth quarter of this year for further testing.
Reference: https://www.neimagazine.com/news/korean-ai-completes-barakah-inspections/?cf-view&cf-closed
