SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1989
STP18856S

Evaluation of Zircaloy-2 Pressure Tubes from NPD

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The pressure tubes of Canadian Deuterium Uranium (CANDU) reactors are monitored to evaluate their health. The main factors that affect their service life are changes in dimensions, shape, mechanical properties, and flaw tolerance. We have developed equip-ment and techniques to measure these properties and assess the health of the tubes. In this paper we describe the examination of the Zircaloy-2 pressure tubes of the Nuclear Power Demonstration (NPD) reactor. Their dimensional changes posed no problems. However, the combined effect of irradiation and the presence of radial hydrides caused the fracture toughness to decrease to such an extent that it would be difficult to assure leak-before-break in the future. Thus the reactor was closed down after 25 years of operation.

Author Information

Coleman, CE
Atomic Energy of Canada Limited Research Company, Chalk River Nuclear Laboratories, Chalk River, Ontario, Canada
Cheadle, BA
Atomic Energy of Canada Limited Research Company, Chalk River Nuclear Laboratories, Chalk River, Ontario, Canada
Causey, AR
Atomic Energy of Canada Limited Research Company, Chalk River Nuclear Laboratories, Chalk River, Ontario, Canada
Chow, PCK
Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, Research Company, Whiteshell Nuclear Research Establish-ment, Pinawa, Manitoba, Canada
Davies, PH
Atomic Energy of Canada Limited Research Company, Chalk River Nuclear Laboratories, Chalk River, Ontario, Canada
McManus, MD
Atomic Energy of Canada Limited Research Company, Chalk River Nuclear Laboratories, Chalk River, Ontario, Canada
Rodgers, DK
Atomic Energy of Canada Limited Research Company, Chalk River Nuclear Laboratories, Chalk River, Ontario, Canada
Sagat, S
Atomic Energy of Canada Limited Research Company, Chalk River Nuclear Laboratories, Chalk River, Ontario, Canada
van Drunen, G
Atomic Energy of Canada Limited Research Company, Chalk River Nuclear Laboratories, Chalk River, Ontario, Canada
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Details
Developed by Committee: B10
Pages: 35–49
DOI: 10.1520/STP18856S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-5084-3
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-1199-8