Phoenix Inspection Systems has supplied three automated scanners to one of China’s leading state power operators, the China Guangdong Nuclear Power Group (CGNPG).
Two of the systems are based on Phoenix’s popular Sage scanner and will be used to test pipework welds in the secondary circuit of reactors – one on the feedwater line into the steam generator, and the other for the main steam line. The third scanner was specifically designed for use on the housing of the control rod drive mechanism (CRDM).
Established in 1994, CGNPG owns the Guangdong Daya Bay Nuclear Power Station and Ling Ao Nuclear Power Station (LPNS) Phase I which between them have nearly 4000 MWe of installed generating capacity. LNPS Phase II and three other plants currently under construction will represent additional capacity of over 10,000 MWe. The group has developed its own reactor models based on the European Pressurised Reactor.
Sage is a two-axis motorized pipe weld manipulator designed for the automated inspection of the steam generator inlet nozzle and pipework inspection, including elbow to elbow welds.
Bryan Forth, project manager with Phoenix, said: “The Sage range of scanners have a proven track record in the industry and are in use in nuclear plants around the world. Sage can be set up by two operators in less than ten minutes and has minimum footprint. The fact that it has been selected by one of China’s leading nuclear operators further highlights the ease of use and benefits it can offer.”