Nuclear Power
Code-Compliant Ultrasonic Examination for Nuclear Safety Components
Nuclear power plants operate under the most stringent safety and regulatory requirements of any industrial sector, with ultrasonic testing serving as the primary volumetric inspection method for reactor pressure vessels, piping, steam generators, and containment structures. Both manufacturing examination and in-service inspection must comply with nuclear-specific codes such as ASME Section XI, RCC-M, and national nuclear safety regulations. CCNDT supplies high-performance ultrasonic instruments and phased array systems qualified for nuclear-grade component inspection, supporting both new construction and long-term operation programs.
Reactor Pressure Vessel & Primary Loop Inspection
The reactor pressure vessel and primary coolant loop components are subject to neutron embrittlement, thermal fatigue, and stress corrosion cracking over decades of operation. Ultrasonic examination per ASME Section XI Appendix VIII uses performance-demonstrated procedures to detect and size planar flaws in thick-section ferritic and austenitic welds. Phased array technology enhances coverage of complex geometries including nozzle-to-shell welds, safe-end joints, and core internals.
- ASME Section XI compliant in-service inspection of RPV beltline and nozzle welds
- Stress corrosion cracking detection in austenitic stainless steel piping
- Cladding disbond and under-clad crack detection in low-alloy steel vessels
- Performance demonstration per Appendix VIII for examination qualification
Piping System & Steam Generator Examination
Nuclear piping systems span hundreds of kilometers across multiple safety classes, requiring systematic ultrasonic examination for fabrication welds and in-service degradation. Steam generator tubes and tube-to-tubesheet joints are inspected for wall thinning, pitting, and wastage using specialized ultrasonic techniques. CCNDT's phased array systems support encoded scanning with full data recording for regulatory audit trails.
- Girth weld and branch connection inspection across safety-class piping
- Steam generator tube wall thinning and support plate wear assessment
- Feedwater nozzle and thermal sleeve crack detection
- Encoded PAUT data recording for regulatory compliance and trend analysis
New Build & Life Extension Support
New nuclear construction projects require comprehensive ultrasonic examination of forged components, castings, and weldments per RCC-M or equivalent manufacturing codes. For aging plants pursuing license renewal, ultrasonic baseline inspections establish reference data for monitoring degradation mechanisms over extended operation periods. CCNDT supports both scenarios with code-compliant instrumentation and customizable inspection procedures.
- Manufacturing UT of nuclear-grade forgings, castings, and weldments per RCC-M
- Baseline inspection programs for license renewal and life extension
- Calibration blocks and reference standards traceable to nuclear specifications
- Technical support for procedure development and personnel qualification
Talk to Our NDT Engineers
Tell us about your inspection target and we will recommend the right ultrasonic solution.