In-Situ NDE Syst. for Structural Integrity Inspection of Nuclear Graphite Comp.

The DOEs Office of Nuclear Energy is seeking to develop methods for real-time in-situ monitoring of the irradiation performance of graphitic components in the cores of Next Generation Nuclear Plants (NGNP). Such structural monitoring is necessary because radiation-induced damage to graphite can lead to mechanical degradation, dimensional change, and porosity, which can compromise the safety of the operation of the reactor. The information on the graphite degradation can be used by nuclear reactor operators to improve the reliability, sustain the safety, and extend the life of current and future reactors. Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop an In-Situ NDE System for Structural Integrity Inspection of Nuclear Graphite Components (SIGHT) based on the Compton imaging tomography (CIT) technology recently pioneered by POC. Using the SIGHT approach, the structure is scanned by a planar X-ray beam, and the 3D density profile of the material is reconstructed from the Compton- scattered X-ray images recorded at multiple positions of the beam. In contrast to existing approaches, the SIGHT technology permits much quicker and less expensive examination of nuclear graphite condition, without disrupting the integrity of nuclear components. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: In addition to the inspection of graphite components in the reactor cores, the SIGHT approach (with slight modifications) can be also used for evaluating the integrity of refractory, ceramic, and composite components in nuclear reactors. Due to its small size, the SIGHT system can also be used in oil and gas applications for borehole wall inspections and in refineries for pipeline maintenance and monitoring.