Advances in instrumentation for non-destructive testing and prognostics

Abstract

There is growing interest in longer-term operation of the current US nuclear power plant fleet. This paper will discuss technologies needed to ensure safe and effective operation of the existing fleet. There will be an increased need for condition-based maintenance applied to active components. It is increasingly recognized that new and advanced sensors and systems will be needed to enable the move from current NDE, with periodic inspections and a find-and-fix approach, to prognostics: using online monitoring to enable operators to proactively manage systems with prediction of remaining useful life.