The Evolution of Pressure Tube Sampling Tools for Life Assessment

Abstract

This paper describes the development of special-purpose tooling to obtain small samples of material from the inside diameter of pressure tubes in CANDU reactors without detrimentally affecting the integrity of the tube. This material is then analyzed for deuterium (D2) content to assist in assessing the condition of the pressure tube. The evolution of the sampling technology is outlined from the original concept (1986) to the present.