Dissimilar Metal Weld Inspections
Dissimilar metal (DM) welds have become a major concern since PWSCC (Primary Water Stress Corrosion Cracking) was found in nozzle-to-pipe welds in PWR-type nuclear plants worldwide. Nuclear regulatory bodies, including the NRC in the United States, have mandated the use of qualified procedures for in-service inspections (ISI) of welds susceptible to PWSCC. Back in 2005, Zetec accepted the challenge and developped what is now the most widely used phased array inspection technique for DM welds under ASME requirements.
Using lessons learned from field experience, Zetec has now qualified an improved solution for encoded phased array UT examination of DM piping welds using its latest PA UT portable system, the ZIRCON™ and the DYNARAY® product line. All controlled with UltraVision 3.
Zetec’s inspection solution covers detection, length sizing and through-wall sizing ofcircumferential and axial cracks in dissimilar metal piping welds from the outside surface, for diameters 1.5″ NPS and up, and for wall thicknesses from 0.210″ to 6.50″ (5.3 to 165.1 mm) according to ASME Code Section XI, Appendix VIII, Supplement 10.
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