Session: 11-01: Nuclear Power NDE

Paper Number: 147071

147071 - Full Matrix Capture / Total Focusing Method Applied to Piping and Reactor Pressure Vessel Welds 

Abstract: 

Terrill Massey¹, Mark Dennis¹, George Connolly¹, James Neale¹

 

¹EPRI, Charlotte, NC, USA

 

E-mail address (corresponding author): tmassey@epri.com, jneale@epri.com

 

Full Matrix Capture (FMC) is a data acquisition process in ultrasonics which represents a relatively novel and emerging technology for industrial applications. The Total Focusing Method (TFM) is one data reconstruction method that can be used to process and image FMC data. Theory has indicated that FMC/TFM has the highest possible resolution for ultrasonic testing (UT) imaging. Based on the potential benefits of FMC/TFM, along with industry interest in the technology there is a need to further investigate its usage as well as to outline a pathway forward for procedure development and regulatory acceptance to support field implementation.

 

In this research, laboratory case studies were performed on piping and reactor pressure vessel component mockups to compare existing Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) techniques against the emerging FMC/TFM techniques. Also, within this research, a high-level roadmap is presented that can be used to help guide further progression and implementation of this technology in the nuclear Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) industry. At the conclusion of this research, a summary and next steps for future research are presented and discussed.

  

 

Keywords: Full Matrix Capture (FMC), Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE), Piping, Total Focusing Method (TFM), Ultrasonic Testing (UT)

Presenting Author: James Neale Electric Power Research Institute

Presenting Author Biography: James Neale earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He has six years of ultrasonic research experience as a resource for the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) with a specialization in sensors and robotics. He has conducted both manual and automated ultrasonic testing of austenitic piping, dissimilar metal welds, baffle former bolts, and concrete materials to support the development of in-service inspection techniques. He has also designed and tested virtual components for EPRI’s ultrasonic simulator system to enable more training and practice opportunities for ultrasonic examiners.

His expertise encompasses advanced ultrasonics, including Full Matrix Capture, Beam Compression, Phase Coherence Imaging, Plane Wave Imaging, Beam Mapping using Schlieren Imaging, Total Focusing Method, and the Adaptive Total Focusing Method. Additionally, he has demonstrated proficiency in Design Engineering, developing electromechanical systems, human interface devices, and ultrasonic component designs.

Authors:

Terrill Massey Electric Power Research Institute
George Connolly Electric Power Research Institute
Mark Dennis Electric Power Research Institute
James Neale Electric Power Research Institute