The new non-destructive testing (NDT) method of quality assurance of nuclear reactors, which makes it possible to identify potential weaknesses in the concrete structures of these devices, was designed at the National Research Nuclear University (MEPhI) in Moscow and has now ben successfully tested on the IBR-2 pulse reactor at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna, a small city near Moscow, MEPhI told RIA Novosti.

The new electroanalytical NDT method – the so-called scanning contact potentiometry – was developed at MEPhI’s ElphysLAB. This method provides for effective diagnostics of nuclear reactors in conditions close to real working conditions of nuclear material.

MEPhI notes that one of the main advantages of the scanning contact potentiometry method is that the sensors of its measuring system are very small (about 1-2 mm), so they can be placed almost anywhere, including places that are difficult to access, such as butt-welded joints. In addition, with the new technology, it is possible to receive information about cracks as they are beginning to form, as well as other weaknesses in the construction materials the reactor is made of.

Read the full article at Sputnik News.