DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION | NDE & NDT In contrast, PT is an NDE method that requires minimal


training. It is used widely for inspecting nuclear power plant piping and components. PT inspections check components for material flaws visible at the surface by flowing a very thin liquid known as a penetrant into any potential discontinuities and then drawing the liquid out with a chalk-like developer to reveal if an actual flaw exists. Because most of the components in nuclear reactors contain non-ferromagnetic materials PT can easily and quickly reveal surface breaking flaws.


NDE in the digital age As the concept of a fourth industrial revolution takes hold in the energy industry, NDE technology leaders are going beyond traditional tools and procedures by integrating automation and artificial intelligence (AI) into inspection techniques. The goal of these efforts is to leverage new technological advancements to improve inspection efficiency and detection probabilities. Adopting new, advanced technologies and tools has


become necessary for NDE inspectors as they support plant engineers in meeting the needs of the nuclear energy industry. As technology such as automation and AI evolves and grows in adjacent sectors, that technology can be adapted to bring enhancements to NDE methodologies as well. NDE experts in the power generation industry are working to tap into this potential. In the nuclear energy field, integrating advanced


technology and adequately training inspectors in advanced inspection procedures can improve the reliability and efficiency of inspections. Evolving toward a monitoring approach rather than traditional inspection may offer real benefits to utilities as well, since inspection personnel can spend less time in high-temperature, high-pressure, and potentially dangerous conditions. For emerging reactor designs such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and non- light water reactors, monitoring of components at high temperatures could be paramount. When any flaw is detected, the examiner must look


at various aspects, such as thermal shock and fatigue. Conventional ultrasonic sensory technology is built to survive a maximum temperature of about 200°C (392°F). As nuclear plants install advanced reactor vessels with much higher temperatures, sensors also will need to advance to survive. Extensive thermal testing trials are currently


underway with sensor prototypes to demonstrate leading- edge sensor prototypes, and to find adhesive alternatives to clamps that can secure permanent sensory technology in place to monitor hot reactor components. In the modern age of digitalization, emerging


technologies in machine learning and AI are improving workplace efficiency and making automated industry capabilities possible. From the introduction of UT and PT to the emergence of PAUT, digitalisation of NDE has been steering advances in automation. Organisations such as EPRI – the Electric Power Research Institute – are leading the way in exploring and testing emerging technology. EPRI’s team of researchers is currently examining how advancing automation technology such as AI, drones and sensors can benefit the nuclear and NDE industries. Additionally, other leading-edge technology being evaluated supports the implementation of permanent sensors in the nuclear industry that can monitor and alert personnel if maintenance is needed on structures or components.


AI and sensors: The key to NDE automation Artificial intelligence is a powerful new tool that can help expedite and improve the data and image collection process of NDE by taking on monotonous, tedious and repetitive tasks now handled by examiners. It will not replace the work of an NDE inspector but will allow them to efficiently analyse the most pertinent data collected by new technologies. Another potentially important use for AI is to analyse new types of flaws that may arise from new reactor designs and manufacturing techniques. Everything the industry knows about fabrication flaws is based on what examiners have seen for decades and which is then used to form a general expectation of what each kind of fabrication looks like. With new SMR and non-light water reactor designs as well as new manufacturing techniques, it can be more difficult for engineers to know what to expect. Implementing new manufacturing techniques can lead


to new types of flaws unfamiliar even to experienced inspectors. For example, fabrication techniques like electron beam welds are not expected to produce the kinds of flaws typical of conventional welding methods. Any new kinds of flaws will have to be addressed by the industry as they are encountered using enhanced inspection methods and comprehensive training courses.


Left: Magnetic Particle testing is another technique commonly deployed in nuclear NDE


www.neimagazine.com | March 2024 | 29


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