BWX Technologies, Inc. (BWXT) understands the degradation of steam generator and heat exchanger tubing - both mechanical and corrosion modes - which has necessitated extensive repairs and replacements around the world. The variety of degradation modes challenges the integrity of tubing and, therefore, a station’s reliability. Inspections and monitoring aimed at the timely detection and characterization of degradations are key to ensuring tube integrity.
Probe Technology
BWXT uses a variety of probes for the detection, characterization, and sizing of indications found in steam generator and heat exchanger tubing. We incorporate the bobbin probe, primarily for volumetric indications such as pitting and fretting, and the X-probe, which is a transmit / receive array probe, used for the detection of axial or circumferential indications as well as volumetric indications. There are three types of X-probes typically deployed for characterization and detection; one of these is a highly-specialized tight-radius X-probe that is used to traverse low row tubes with tight bends.
Analysis
BWXT uses the latest technology available to locate, evaluate and size indications in steam generator and heat exchanger tubing. We employ highly-skilled primary and secondary production and resolution analysts. Our analysis software uses multiple options for display modes, process channels and multi-frequency mixes to determine parameters such as amplitude, phase, location, type of indication and more.