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Method for the Nondestructive Detection of Cracking in Cast Stainless Steel…

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Energy 		Branch:
N/A 		Award ID:
 Program Year/Program:
2011 / SBIR
Agency Tracking Number:
97602 		Solicitation Year:
2011 		Solicitation Topic Code:
58 a 		Solicitation Number:
DE-FOA-0000413
Small Business Information
Interwav, Inc.
714 College Street Bedford, VA 24523-1932
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 2011
Title: Method for the Nondestructive Detection of Cracking in Cast Stainless Steel Components
Agency: DOE
Contract: DE-FG02-11ER90020
Award Amount: $145,848.00
 

Abstract:

Cast austenitic stainless steel (CASS) can be found in every light water reactor primary coolant loop system in both boiling water and pressure water nuclear reactors. To date, no effective in-service volumetric nondestructive method exists for the inspection of this material even though some components fabricated from CASS are subject to inspection requirements described in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section XI, Rules for In-service Inspection of Nuclear Power. Conventional ultrasonic inspection techniques have proven to be unreliable on CASS materials. The objective of this investigation is to develop and demonstrate a unique ultrasonic approach for the detection and sizing of surface connected cracking. The proposed technique utilizes a state-of-the-art portable ultrasonic EMAT phased array system designed for the inspection CASS by: 1) eliminating the need to detect low level signals, 2) maximizing energy and spatial resolution at the flaw location through electronic beam focusing, 3) utilizing horizontally polarized shear waves shown to be effective in penetrating through columnar micro-structure and 4) using low frequency sound waves required for maximum material penetration. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: An immediate market will develop for this technique/hardware in the nuclear industry once demonstrated and passed through an ASME qualification process. This technology is also important for the safe and reliable implementation of future reactor designs by providing a method of inspection for components that are currently un-inspectable.

Principal Investigator:

Jonathan D. Buttram
Dr.
540-875-7424
jonathan_buttram@yahoo.com

Business Contact:

Jonathan D. Buttram
Dr.
540-875-7424
jonathan_buttram@yahoo.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

Interwav, Inc.
714 College Street Bedford, VA 24523-1932

EIN/Tax ID: 753043765
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No