Goud, B. K.; Shinde, D. D.; Kamath, M. P.; Sampath Kumar, R.; Raju, S. D. V. S. J.; Kundan Kumar; Rao, K. D.; Sinha, S. K.; Udupa, D. V. (A&MPD;RED)
Source
Annals of Nuclear Energy, 2023. Vol. 189: Article no. 109837
ABSTRACT
This paper describes a 3D profiling system for surface profiling of replicas obtained from pressure tube (PT) of PHWR/CANDU type reactors. This system is based on Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) technique. Fiber based Fourier domain OCT configuration was used to design and develop the system considering the potential application of imaging radioactive PT replica samples. The sample scanning assembly of the system has been custom designed considering the cylindrical nature of PT replicas. Replica of inner surface of pressure tube was obtained on a replica plate using a custom built replica tool. Three PT replicas of non-radioactive pressure tubes with various flaws were obtained in different conditions. These replicas were imaged in 3D for identification and quantification of the flaws. This 3D profiling system termed as ‘PT replica imaging system’ is a promising tool which can be useful in periodic inspection of pressure tubes for safe operation of nuclear reactor.