This project will evaluate a software based advanced remote visual interface that will allow images and/or captured video of inaccessible areas of power plant to be displayed in a format that is easy to view and extract positional and defect sizing information from. Remote Visual Inspection (RVI) is routinely carried out as part of a plant inspection for pipework and boiler condition assessment, and offers a visual inspection of areas otherwise inaccessible for viewing either as images or captured video footage. Doosan Power Systems (DPS) provides this service within the UK and global nuclear markets and has found that the technologies main limitation in being used more extensively for condition assessment is the inability to accurately size and locate a defect. Nine of the ten current UK nuclear power stations are due to close within the next 20 years - more efficient and cost saving inspections could assist with their safe lifetime extension to ensure a continued reliable response to energy demand while new nuclear build moves forward. The ability to accurately size and locate a defect in accessible areas (e.g. smallbore pipework and headers) would therefore be of great benefit.
Doosan Power Systems is a boiler OEM providing manufacturing, testing and servicing/inspection expertise globally with an established relationship with the UK civil nuclear industry. DPS contract with BE/EDF Energy to provide engineering and technology services for the UK fleet (including RVI), along with their strong commercial links to Westinghouse (developers of AP1000 - Gen III system planned for deployment in next phase of nuclear new build) would allow a route to market for the technology – for existing plant and new build. NDT Consultants (NDTC) main area of expertise is in the Aerospace industry and provide services and consultancy to manufacturers including Rolls Royce, Boeing and Honeywell. In addition they carry out R&D projects and provided the software for the following European projects, Polypipe and Chain-test, in both projects automatic ultrasonic testing systems were developed