Metal Examination of Welded Joints of Main Circulation Pipeline in Nuclear Power Plants Using the Metal Magnetic Memory Method

This paper presents a study of the metal of welded joints of a main circulation pipeline in a nuclear power plant using the metal magnetic memory method (MMM method). The study is aimed at the influence of the operating conditions of the medium for the formation of zones with stress concentration in the metal. The MMM method was developed in order to conduct diagnosis of the condition of the metal of the technological equipment – zones with a concentration of stresses are detected, in which defects in the metal subsequently arise and develop. The method is new and has not yet been studied in depth. The results are given and verified. The aim of the article is to present the application of the MMM method in practical terms for performing technical diagnostics of the equipment in NPPs. The combined application of the MMM method together with traditional methods of non-destructive testing of metal will increase the reliability of the nuclear power plant.