Evaluation of methods for leak detection in reactor primary systems

Abstract

No currently available, single leak-detection method combines optimal leakage detection sensitivity, leak-locating ability, and leakage measurement accuracy. Technology is available to improve leak detection capability at specific sites by use of acoustic monitoring. However, current acoustic monitoring techniques provide no source discrimination (e.g., to distinguish between leaks from pipe cracks and valves) and no leak-rate information (a small leak may saturate the system). Seven cracks, including three field-induced IGSCC specimens and two thermal-fatique cracks, have been installed in a laboratory acoustic leak detection facility. The IGSCC specimens produce stronger acoustic signals than the thermal-fatigue cracks at equivalent leak rates. Despite significant differences in crack geometry, the acoustic signals from the three IGSCC specimens, tested at the same leak rate, are virtually identical in the frequency range from 300 to 400 kHz. Thus, the quantitative correlations between the acoustic signals and leak rate in the 300–400 kHz band are very similar for the IGSCC specimens. Also, acoustic background data have been acquired during a hot functional test at the Watts Bar PWR. With these data, it is now possible to estimate the sensitivity of acoustic leak detection techniques.