Rod Cluster Control Assembly (RCCA) Inspection System

Fretting wear caused by vibration of the rodlets inside the guide cards during normal plant operation is a common concern in a pressurized water reactor design plant. Periodic inspection of the control rods is necessary to ensure structural integrity and maintain proper plant component functionality.

Inspection Challenges

Each cluster consists of 24 rodlets, which are stored deep in a pool of borated water. The rodlets must stay in this environment during inspection due to high radioactivity and personnel exposure concerns. The harsh environment presents many challenges including: designing system components specifically for operation in a high radiation, underwater environment, insertion and alignment of the rodlets and probes, plus maintaining concentricity of the rodlet relative to the probe.

Recommended Solution

The Zetec RCCA Inspection System solution offers a fast and simple inspection process that examines an entire 24 rodlet cluster in just two passes. The system uses specially designed encircling probes that combine a pair of bobbin coils with 16 pancake coils to immediately identify and characterize indications. Zetec RevospECT automated data analysis tool is used to provide speed and consistency to the inspection results. It identifies and classifies reportable indications. The system is equipped with HD video surveillance to ensure proper installation and utilization.

Fast operation, real time results

• Operators can quickly locate, characterize, and report control rod flaws
• HD underwater video surveillance provides real time observation

Built to last

• Heavy duty robust fixture designed for use in demanding environments with radiation hardened and corrosive resistant materials

Reduce inspection time

The implementation of RevospECT automated data analysis reduces inspection time while delivering consistent results

Zetec Products

MIZ-200A Eddy Current Instrument

Inspection Confidence in Demanding Environments

• Data from up to 6 probes can be collected in a single scan
• Industry leading data Signal to Noise Ratio for superior Probability of Detection
• Rugged, cast aluminum case designed to IP-65 spec for withstanding harsh environments

Eddy Current Encircling Probe

Detect and Characterize Fretting Wear on Control Rods

• Centering modules above & below probe keep rodlets centered inside the probe
• Combines a pair of bobbin coils with 16 profilometry pancake coils to immediately identify and characterize indications
• Probe cassettes are designed to provide free floating compliance

RevospECT Pro Automated Eddy Current Data Analysis Tool

Faster, more comprehensive and consistent analysis results in less time

• Provides processing power and control to perform comprehensive automated analysis of eddy current data with a large quantity of RCCA array data channels
• Processes and analyzes the data at an extremely fast rate utilizing its robust distributed processing architecture
• Delivers consistent results using a prepared and validated analysis configuration

The Zetec Advantage

Zetec is a global leader in nondestructive testing (NDT) solutions for the critical inspection needs of industries the world counts on every day—including power generation, oil and gas, transportation, heavy industry and manufacturing. By integrating design and engineering with our own manufacturing, Zetec delivers solutions that optimize productivity, safety and total cost of ownership.

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