Standard Guide for Use of Melt Wire Temperature Monitors for Reactor Vessel Surveillance
Standard Guide for Use of Melt Wire Temperature Monitors for Reactor Vessel Surveillance
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 3.1 Temperature monitors are used in surveillance capsules in accordance with Practice E2215 to estimate the maximum value of the surveillance specimen irradiation temperature. Temperature monitors are needed to give evidence of overheating of surveillance specimens beyond the expected temperature. Because overheating causes a reduction in the amount of neutron radiation damage to the surveillance specimens, this overheating could result in a change in the measured properties of the surveillance specimens that would lead to an unconservative prediction of damage to the reactor vessel material. 3.2 The magnitude of the reduction of radiation damage with overheating depends on the composition of the material and time at temperature. Guide E900 provides an accepted method for quantifying the temperature effect. Because the evidence from melt wire monitors gives no indication of the duration of overheating above the expected temperature as indicated by melting of the monitor, the significance of overheating events cannot be quantified on the basis of temperature monitors alone. Indication of overheating does serve to alert the user of the data to further evaluate the irradiation temperature exposure history of the surveillance capsule. 3.3 This guide is included in Master Matrix E706 that relates several standards used for irradiation surveillance of light-water reactor vessel materials. It is intended primarily to amplify the requirements of Practice E185 in the design of temperature monitors for the surveillance program. It may also be used in conjunction with Practice E2215 to evaluate the post-irradiation test measurements. SCOPE 1.1 This guide describes the application of melt wire temperature monitors and their use for reactor vessel surveillance of light-water power reactors as called for in Practices E185 and E2215. 1.2 The purpose of this guide is to recommend the selection and use of the common melt wire technique where the correspondence between melting temperature and composition of different alloys is used as a passive temperature monitor. Guidelines are provided for the selection and calibration of monitor materials; design, fabrication, and assembly of monitor and container; post-irradiation examinations; interpretation of the results; and estimation of uncertainties. 1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. (See Note 1.) 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM E1214-11(2023), titled Standard Guide for Use of Melt Wire Temperature Monitors for Reactor Vessel Surveillance, provides comprehensive guidelines for applying melt wire temperature monitors during the surveillance of light-water power reactor vessels. Developed by ASTM International, this standard is vital for monitoring and interpreting the irradiation temperatures experienced by surveillance specimens within nuclear reactor vessels. Accurate temperature monitoring is critical for evaluating material properties and ensuring the integrity and safety of reactor pressure vessels throughout their operational life.
Purpose and Significance The standard outlines the use of melt wire temperature monitors to estimate the maximum irradiation temperature of surveillance specimens. Proper temperature monitoring is crucial because specimen overheating can decrease neutron radiation damage, which may result in unconservative assessments of reactor vessel material performance.
Selection and Calibration of Monitor Materials
Design, Fabrication, and Assembly
Post-Irradiation Examination and Interpretation
Estimation of Uncertainties
Другие стандарты ASTM
ASTM E1214-11(2023) is primarily applied within nuclear power plant reactor surveillance programs, supporting the long-term safety and reliability of light-water reactor vessels. Practical applications include:
The following standards are referenced or provide complementary guidelines when implementing ASTM E1214-11(2023):
Collectively, these standards establish a comprehensive framework for evaluating the material integrity of nuclear reactor vessels under operational conditions, supporting industry best practices and compliance with international nuclear safety requirements.
Keywords: ASTM E1214, melt wire temperature monitor, reactor vessel surveillance, nuclear power plant, irradiation temperature, surveillance capsule, light-water reactor, material testing, temperature monitoring standard