Journal Published Online: 22 July 2008
Volume 5, Issue 7

Application of Subsize Specimens for Re-Irradiation Embrittlement Monitoring of the First Generation of VVER-440 RPV Steels

CODEN: JAIOAD

Abstract

The first generation of VVER-440 Units were not supplied with RPV steel surveillance programs. Therefore, cutting out of samples (templetes) from the inner side of RPV wall is the only possibility for re-irradiation embrittlement monitoring of the first generation of VVER-440 RPV steels. Calculations showed that it is possible to cut out a sample of 7×60×95 mm (with consequent repair) from a RPV core weld. Thus, it is impossible to machine the standard 10×10×55 mm Charpy V-notch specimens to determine RPV steel radiation embrittlement. Therefore it is necessary to use subsize specimens (5×5×27.5 mm and 3×4×27 mm) for ductile-to-brittle transition temperature evaluation of templet material. The small samples were cut out from the inner surface of the all old Russian VVER-440 RPVs to assess the actual condition of the RPV material before and after post-irradiation annealing and after re-irradiation. Special monitoring programs of periodic sampling of RPVs and re-irradiation of the templet material in surveillance channels of VVER-440/213 RPVs were developed. The state of the art of application of subsize specimens for re-irradiation embrittlement monitoring of the first generation of VVER-440 RPV steels is discussed.

Author Information

Shtrombakh, Ya.
Russian Research Center “Kurchatov Institute,” IRMT, Moscow, Russia
Nikolaev, Yu.
Russian Research Center “Kurchatov Institute,” IRMT, Moscow, Russia
Nikolaeva, A.
Russian Research Center “Kurchatov Institute,” IRMT, Moscow, Russia
Pages: 6
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JAI101000
ISSN: 1546-962X
DOI: 10.1520/JAI101000