Analysis,  Zirconium Metallurgy and Component Testing

Tools for Informed Decision Making

Kinectrics offers unrivalled in-plant project experience—nuclear, fossil and hydraulic power plants as well as extensive general industrial equipment expertise.

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A complex problem

Resolving complex problems associated with structural integrity assessment of critical components in CANDU reactors requires a balance between detailed experimental projects and development of advanced analytical solutions to the problem.

Kinectrics is a recognized industry leader in the development of Fitness For Service Guidelines, which are based on the close link between experimental and analytical methods.

Expert measurement and monitoring of structural behavior can uncover contributing or critical causes of component failure or degradation.

Kinectrics has developed a full suite of advanced, effective techniques to measure and monitor many structural parameters (e.g. strain, stress, force, pressure, vibration, temperature, etc.) in a wide range of operational conditions, from cryogenic to main steam line temperatures.

These measurements can be used in analytical predictions or design calculations and utilized to extend plant operation. Accurate measurements can eliminate guesswork and remove excessive conservatism from design life considerations.

State-of-the-art facilities and expertise

Kinectrics offers state-of-the art laboratories for testing zirconium alloys under a variety of conditions. Electron optics are used to analyze the micro-structural details of zirconium alloys. In-depth knowledge of analytical fracture mechanics enables development of unique fracture models to accurately render the disposition of in-service flaws in critical components.

Kinectrics has large-scale test facilities, such as our Burst Test Facility, in which large pressurized components can be tested.  A wide range of operational conditions can be simulated in our labs, to safely confirm design calculations through rigorous testing.

Kinectrics has developed advanced residual stress measurement (e.g. 'in-situ' or 'locked-in' stress) expertise. We can effectively apply a variety of techniques, including center hole drilling, over-coring and sectioning. Many of these innovative techniques can be used on plant equipment in-situ.

Comprehensive services

Kinectrics provides comprehensive interdisciplinary testing, measurement, monitoring, and analytical services that can be used effectively for structural integrity assurance regarding plant equipment requirements. Kinectrics’ services are detailed as follows:

Structural Integrity Analysis/Fracture Mechanics Assessment

• Flaw disposition in CANDU pressure tubes and steam generators
• Fitness-for-service guidelines for Zr Nb pressure tubes and steam generator tubes
• Fracture mechanics evaluations for blunt notches
• Component integrity analysis in support of nuclear and fossil plant operation

Inspection and Monitoring

• In-situ measurements of stress, strain, pressure, temperature and other physical variables of high-energy components in hostile environments
• Advanced residual stress measurement/analysis techniques (ultra high-speed hole drilling)

Piping Burst/Pressure Testing

• Large-scale, high-energy piping Burst Test Facilities
• Burst/leak rate tests of nuclear heat exchanger (steam generator) tubing to support fitness-for-service guidelines
• Hydrostatic proof testing of nuclear components for regulatory registration
• Advanced Ice Plugging Technology services

CANDU Pressure Tube Programs

• Zr metallurgy, corrosion and hydrogen ingress, delayed hydride cracking, fatigue, fracture
• Testing, analysis, characterization, modeling, and Zr alloy materials behaviour and performance enhancement

Proven project success:

• Laboratory testing and analysis to better understand the mechanisms that degrade the performance of key components in operating plants.
• Development of analytical models to demonstrate that key components can remain safely in operation in a regulatory environment
• Laboratory studies to better define margins to failure of degraded nuclear steam generator tubes – demonstrating to regulators a safe, conservative approach, while maximizing time between inspections/actions.

For more information, contact:

Andy Wallace, 416.207.6000 x 6998, andy.wallace@kinectrics.com