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Electrochemical monitoring of vessel penetrations

  • US 5,323,429 A
  • Filed: 01/15/1993
  • Issued: 06/21/1994
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/15/1993
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method for assessing deterioration of penetrations traversing a vessel wall of a nuclear reactor pressure vessel defining an enclosure for an electrolyte, comprising the steps of:

  • instrumenting at least one of the penetrations by installing a probe, the probe having a plurality of electrodes disposed in an array and positioned adjacent and electrically insulated from metal defining a penetration wall, the probe including conductors coupled individually to respective ones of the electrodes and a conductor coupled to the metal defining the penetration wall such that the penetration wall functions as a working electrode at distinct positions adjacent the respective electrodes;

    exposing both the electrode and the penetration wall to the electrolyte in the enclosure;

    monitoring electrical activity between the electrode and the penetration wall to develop a signal representing at least one of electrochemical potential, electrochemical impedance, and current passing through the electrolyte between the electrodes and the penetration wall, said electrical activity varying with corrosion of the penetration wall at said distinct positions; and

    ,assessing deterioration of the penetration wall as a function of the electrical activity.

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