Identification of Organic Components and Commercial Grade Dedication Using Fourier Transform Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

Abstract

The over all quality assurance programs for the design, fabrication, and construction of nuclear power plants, both in Canada and USA have long been established. A need for an acceptance process to allow the use of commercial grade items to be utilized in safety related applications has been recognized. A guideline in the EPRI NP-5652 report and in the Appendix D of the CAN3- N286.2-86 standard is outlined for testing of commercial grade components. A new nondestructive and cost effective NIR identification technology is now available to meet the above requirements. The Fourier Transform near infrared spectroscopy (FT-NIR), in the past, has shown to have the capabilities to identify cable insulation non-destructively and in-situ. This paper presents data to show the diversity of the NIR technology in the identification of three different non-metallic materials (wire insulation, o-rings, and greases, all part of the operation of the safety related equipment) for the purposes of quality assurance, quality control, and the commercial grade dedication of components. The enhanced quality control and quality assurance will result in significant savings not only in testing but also in the continuous and reliable operations of power plants.