Multi-frequencies ECT algorithms for ISI of ferromagnetic SG tubes of FBR using FEM simulations

Issue title: Selected Papers from the 15th International Symposium on Applied Electromagnetics and Mechanics (ISEM 2011)

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Mihalache, Ovidiu^{a; *} | Yamaguchi, Toshihiko^a | Ueda, Masashi^a

Affiliations: [a] Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Fast Breeder Reactor Plant Engineering Research Center, Fukui-ken, Japan

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Ovidiu Mihalache, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Fast Breeder Reactor Plant Engineering Research Center, 1 Shiraki, Tsuruga-shi, Fukui-ken, 919-1279, Japan. Tel.: +81 770 39 1031; Fax: +81 770 39 9228; E-mail: mihalache. ovidiu@jaea.go.jp

Abstract: The paper presents analyses and numerical validations of eddy current testing (ECT) algorithms used during In-Service Inspection (ISI) of ferromagnetic steam generator (SG) tubes of Fast Breeder Reactors (FBR). The purpose of such algorithms is to remove from ECT signal the electromagnetic noise resulting from sodium accumulated outside of SG tubes after SG vessel draining. Finite element method (FEM) simulations are used to analyse different sodium build-up scenarios observed experimentally, and to determine optimal multi-frequency ECT algorithms to suppress the most efficiently sodium noise. A novel "window multi-frequency" algorithm is applied and validated using 3-dimensional FEM simulations of SP and sodium forms.

Keywords: Steam generator, fast-breeder reactor, remote field eddy current, sodium, multi-frequency

DOI: 10.3233/JAE-2012-1481

Journal: International Journal of Applied Electromagnetics and Mechanics, vol. 39, no. 1-4, pp. 347-353, 2012