Ultrasonic testing (UT) is based on the propagation of sound waves in a tested sample. Mechanized ultrasonic tests can detect surface defects in underground, interior and, in some cases, different materials.
EUROLABoffers customers a variety of mechanized ultrasonic testing solutions, using the latest subsea, rover and manipulator technologies to reach the most hazardous areas in facilities. By using robots, the risk to inspectors is significantly reduced and human errors can be reduced or even eliminated.
EUROLAB, PWR Ship developed an innovative fleet of submarines and manipulators to reduce inspection time. Our advanced underwater robots for UT, ECT and VT inspection comply with a wide range of global code demands. EUROLAB's systems are field-proven innovative manipulators designed for minimum ship occupation time. We have the longest history and experience working with multiple reactor vessel configurations with record inspection times.
About Advanced Ultrasonic Testing
Time is the keyword for the inspection of pressurized water reactor (PWR) operators around the world. Using three parallel manipulators, EUROLAB successfully met customer demand with a complete inspection of all ship welds, nozzles and sub-nozzles in a world record five-day period. The new manipulator concept has been used four times with superior performance in the Ringhals 2, 3 and 4 and Beznau reactors. EUROLAB's goal was to minimize the time in reactor containment and offer the possibility of preparing the equipment for a full shipboard test in just one day.
In addition, the manipulators float neutrally in water and operate in parallel with ROV functions that are completely independent of each other and with minimal support from the crane and service bridge. No pre-installation is required in the container. All control systems are the same and hence will increase the redundancy. The NDE technique is qualified according to ENIQ and Swedish rules. The data collected will be sufficient for detection, characterization and sizing.
The following objects can be inspected using mechanized ET, UT and VT:
To accomplish all these tasks in the shortest possible time, our three innovative equipment and one replication tool have been designed with a focus on allowing a parallel inspection on the boat without hindering or delaying other ongoing inspections.
EUROLAB's ultrasonic testing is done in three ways: automatic, semi-automatic and manual. Test objects for mechanized NDT include:
For inspection of RVP shell welds with installed core cover EUROLAB He developed the Ringhorne manipulator. This magnetic adhesive and belt drive manipulator operates on ferritic pressure vessels with coated internal surfaces and coating up to 10 mm thick is possible. The manipulator is designed to operate in tight spaces and can be maneuvered to any position on a cylindrical surface. With its unique design, an accurate position can be established with the “built-in” laser reference beam that gives very precise horizontal and vertical positioning in relation to known internal objects. Precise location is provided by the inclinometer, immersion UT transducers and resolvers.
The manipulator Ringhorne can be configured for vertical sweep pulses with steps in the circumferential direction, or for peripheral scan pulses and vertical steps. This enables optimized scans for longitudinal or transverse defects for both circumferential and vertical welds. EUROLABmeets the needs of all our customers for the development of manipulators and NDT as well as probe design. The control system has been successfully tested and qualified to ENIQ requirements at our test facility prior to its first outage performance, resulting in an excellent customer response.
As well as a mechanized NDT solution for scheduled ship inspection EUROLABalso supports customers with its remote-controlled water vehicle (VT Dolphin) during water outages. This system is generally for visual inspection and FOSAR activities, but can also perform ultrasonic testing of bulkhead bolts.
The inspection range that can be done by VT Dolphin:
EUROLAB's ultrasonic testing experts are certified according to ISO 9712 and Nordtest, and our advanced ultrasonic tests meet the latest testing standards. We also offer our customers specialized data evaluation software packages for the evaluation of ultrasonic test data (ultrasonic test signal and coordinates).
EUROLAB, with its highly expert team and internationally accredited laboratories, Ultrasonic Test and Eddy Current Test in Nuclear It performs all test, analysis, measurement, evaluation and report generation services completely and reliably.
To get an appointment, to get more detailed information or to request an evaluation, you can ask us to fill in our form and reach you.
