Westinghouse Hot Cell
Facility and Laboratories
The Westinghouse Churchill site is a Nuclear Science
User Facilities (NSUF) Partner Laboratory
Table of Contents
Capabilities Overview...............................................................................................................................................................................4
Failure Analysis Services..........................................................................................................................................................................5
Surveillance Capsule Fabrication and Testing..........................................................................................................................................6
Radioactive Materials Support..................................................................................................................................................................7
Specialty Welding Services......................................................................................................................................................................8
Custom Testing Facilities..........................................................................................................................................................................9
Hot Cells – High-Level and Low-Level Hot Cells......................................................................................................................................11
Hot Cells – Auxiliary Hot Cells and SEM Hot Cell....................................................................................................................................12
Corrosion Laboratory................................................................................................................................................................................13
Corrosion Testing of Irradiated Materials..................................................................................................................................................13
Analytical Chemistry Capabilities.............................................................................................................................................................14
Metallographic Specimen Preparation Laboratory...................................................................................................................................15
Mechanical Testing Capabilities...............................................................................................................................................................16
Scanning Electron Microscopy.................................................................................................................................................................17
Transmission Electron Microscopy...........................................................................................................................................................18
X-Ray Diffraction......................................................................................................................................................................................18
Supporting Laboratories...........................................................................................................................................................................19
3
Capabilities Overview
We support both rapid-turnaround projects as well as midto long-term research efforts. We routinely evaluate a wide
range of parts for our customers, from small metallic chips to
components weighing several thousand pounds.
The Westinghouse Hot Cell Facility and Laboratories are
located in Churchill, Pennsylvania (USA), approximately seven
miles east of Pittsburgh. Our facilities, which are a Nuclear
Science User Facilities (NSUF) Partner Laboratory, provide a
unique combination of experienced personnel and laboratory
capabilities.
Our overriding objective is to provide our customers with the
data they require in a flexible but safe working environment. Our
superior safety record has enabled us to operate continuously
for almost 40 years.
We specialize in materials and chemistry evaluations through
laboratory testing of both unirradiated and irradiated samples.
Our staff, which has more than 700 combined years of materials
and chemistry evaluation experience, supports a broad range of
worldwide customers including nuclear utilities, universities and
government entities.
Specific Areas of Expertise Include:
• Handling and evaluating activated and contaminated
materials
We offer one-stop service for our customers. We can arrange for
shipment of test materials to and from our laboratories and offer final
radiological waste disposal upon completion of the work. Further, we
can supply long-term secure storage of test materials upon request.
• Comprehensive capabilities for nuclear plant component
failure analysis
• Machining of test specimens from irradiated
components
The Churchill site underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation in
2014, including upgrading a majority of the laboratory capabilities.
The facility consists of two buildings containing laboratory and
office space, along with several additional auxiliary buildings.
• Mechanical testing, microstructural characterization
and analytical chemistry laboratories
• Inclusive cold and hot autoclave facilities for corrosion
evaluations
The facility is a restricted-access secure site, but both national and
international customers and researchers are welcome to observe,
oversee and actively participate in ongoing work.
• Surveillance capsule design, fabrication
and examination
The site includes: five hot cells, extensive autoclave facilities,
microstructural characterization laboratories, analytical chemistry
laboratories, machining capabilities and mechanical testing
laboratories. In addition, we have access to countless support
capabilities worldwide within Westinghouse and our affiliate and
subsidiary companies.
• Custom design and fabrication of irradiated materials
testing hardware
• Fuel crud and sludge analysis
• Radioactive material shipping and disposal
• Non-destructive evaluation
• Scaled and customizable test loops for assessing
component performance in light water reactor conditions
Westinghouse Churchill Site, Churchill, Pennsylvania (USA)
Westinghouse manages state-of-the-art laboratory facilities that provide empirical data to support our customers and business lines in the technical areas of chemistry and
materials
4
are not limited to:
acked pressurizer heater
Cracked reactor coolant pump shaft
Failure Analysis Services
surizer
heater is typically
Cracked reactor coolant pump shaft
ed
component
mination generally
documented
Welimited
provide ato:
broad range of failure analysis services for
e, but are not
phs. The examination
unirradiated and documents
irradiated components. Recent examinations
have
included:
not
limited
to:
ed component as well austenitic
as any stainless-steel welds, electrical
components, pressurizer heaters, pump seals, carbon steel
of surface
defects,isliner
containment
plates, baffle bolts, zirconium in-core
eceived
component
typically
instrumentation
components,
springs and control rod drive
tting,
wear,
cracking,
his
examination
generally
documented
omponent
is mechanism
typically
head penetrations.
etographs.
initial
surface
examinations
ation
generally
documented
The
examination
documents
Investigative
techniques include, but are not
tThe
sectioning
and
further
examination
documents
eceived
component
as well as any
limited to:
omponent
as well as
any
esence
of surface
defects,
Surface
Examinations
urface
defects,
on,
pitting,
wear,
cracking,
We
perform
a visual examination of the as-received component
g,
wear,
cracking,
andsurface
document,examinations
with high-resolution digital photographs, the
om the initial
Pitting from
overall
condition
of the component, as well as any unusual
tial
surface
examinations
ng dye sectioning
penetrantand
exams,
ponent
further
findings such as the presence of surface defects, discoloration,
microbial attack
ctioning
further
t testingand
can
be provided.
ns
oxidation, corrosion, pitting, wear, cracking and deformation.
We use the results from the initial surface examinations to
help define subsequent component sectioning and additional
examinations.
Focused ion beam / SEM-EDS result
oxide deposits on reactor coolant
seal package
ion-beam / SEM-EDS results
from oxide deposits
on reactor coolant
pump
Focused
ion beam
SEM-EDS
results f
from
performed
topenetrant
determine
material Pitting from Pitting Focused
ion beam
/ SEM-EDS
results/from
seal Focused
package
ncluding
dye
exams,
Examinations
ye penetrantNon-Destructive
exams,
oxide
deposits
onpump
reactor coolant pu
microbial attack
on
distribution,
oxide deposits on
reactor
coolant
microbial
attack
We offer
non-destructive
examinations
including dye
penetrant
urrent
canetc.
be Examinations
provided.
ting
cantesting
be provided.
seal package
exams, ultrasonic
and eddy current testing.
seal package
ections removed
from testing
the part
y cracks present
in the Examinations
Metallographic
ns
We
can
perform
metallographic examinations to determine
minations
are normally
conducted
ormed
to determine
material
an
be performed
determine
material
materialto
microstructure,
such
as grain size and inclusion
etched'
conditions
to
establish
distribution,
and
we
can
do
this
on selected cross sections
istribution,
etc.
Examinations
nclusion distribution, etc. Examinations
removed
fromcracking
the part, which
can be taken transversely to
of
degradation
and
and
ns removed
from
the part
ross
sections
from
part We normally conduct the
anyremoved
cracks present
in thethe
component.
ructure.
Information
regarding
acks
present
in
the
metallographic
to any cracks
presentexaminations
in the in the “as-polished” and “polished
and etched”
conditions
to establish the location, depth and
crack
initiation
location,
ions
are
normally
conducted
c examinations
are normallycrack
conducted
distribution of degradation and cracking and their relationship
hed'
conditions
to establish
ogy,
etc.
can
be
obtained.
to the
local microstructure.
We can also obtain information
d and
etched'
conditions
to establish
egradation and
cracking
andsurface attack phenomena, crack initiation
regarding
potential
ution of degradation
and
cracking and
location,
crack propagation direction and crack morphology.
ure. Information
regarding
icrostructure.
Information
regarding
k initiation
location,
crack
Fractographic
Examinations
ucted
on
open
crack
surfaces,
if
mena,
crack
initiation
location,
crack
We
can conduct
fractographic
examinations on open crack
etc.
can
be
obtained.
on site(s), propagation
Transgranular stress corrosion cracking in
austenitic stainless steel
Transgranular stress corrosion cracking in austenitic stainless steel
surfaces,
present,
to establish the crack initiation site(s),
orphology, etc.
can ifbe
obtained.
morphology.
The fractographic
propagation
direction(s) and the general cracking morphology.
Transgranular stress corrosion cracking in
Light
optical
and
scanning
electron
microscopy
techniques
canaustenitic
Transgranular
stress corrosion cracking in
ht optical and scanning electron
stainless steel
be used
to establish
d on open crack
surfaces,
if the presence of beach marks and fatigue
austenitic stainless steel
econducted
presencestriations
ofopen
beach
marks
or to
establish
if and
crackingifexhibits a transgranular or
on
crack
surfaces,
te(s),
propagation
intergranular
morphology.
cking
exhibits
an transgranular
or
phology.
The fractographic
nitiation
site(s),
propagation
sptical
are typically
documented
using
Chemical
Evaluations
and
scanning
electron
acking
morphology.
The
fractographic
We can provide chemical evaluations of the base material,
esence
beach
and
by lightofoptical
and
scanning
electron
surfacemarks
deposits,
crack deposits
and weld metals, using energydispersive
spectroscopy
(EDS) techniques, X-ray diffraction
glish
exhibits
an
transgranular
or
the presence
of beachanalysis
markstechniques.
and For detailed surface
and/or wet chemical
typically
documented
using
if cracking characterization,
exhibits an transgranular
or microscope (SEM)
we use a scanning electron
on the base
material,
surface
EDS systemdocumented
equipped with a focused
Fatigue striations in austenitic stainless steel
results are typically
usingion beam mill.
etc. Analyses can be performed
techniques, X-ray diffraction
the
material,
surface
ues.base
Detailed
surface
. Analyses
can beequipped
performed with a
Fatigue striations in
ing
a SEM-EDS
ovided
on
the
base
material,
surface
hniques, X-ray diffraction
austenitic stainless steel
metals,
etc.
Analyses
can
be
performed
Detailed surface
Fatigue striations in
scopy
techniques,
a SEM-EDS
equippedX-ray
with adiffraction
austenitic
stainless steel
echniques. Detailed surface
5
Surveillance
Capsule Fabrication and Testing
urveillance Capsule Fabrication
and Testing
abrication
Fabrication
Surveillance Capsule
Fabrication and Testing
Surveillance Capsule Fabrication
and Testing
Westinghouse has fabricated approximately 450
estinghouse has fabricated approximately 450
surveillance capsules for the world-wide
Fabrication
rveillance capsules for the world-wide
commercial nuclear fleet. Fabrication began in the
mmercial nuclear fleet. Fabrication began in the
1960s
at the previous
Westinghouse
has
fabricated
approximately
450 location of the Westinghouse
Westinghouse maintains
60s at the previousFabrication
location of the Westinghouse
Research
Laboratories
with the first capsule
an archive pressure vessel
surveillance
capsules
for
the
world-wide
search LaboratoriesWestinghouse
with the
first capsule
has fabricated approximately
450
fabricated at
thesurveillance
current MCOE Churchill site in
steel material inventory
commercial
fleet. Fabrication
in the
bricated at the current
MCOE
Churchill
sitenuclear
in
capsules
for the worldwide
commercial
nuclearbegan
fleet. The
reactor
1974.
consisting of approximately
74.
at the previous
location
of the
Westinghouse
vessel 1960s
of a commercial
nuclear
power
plant
contains
six toplant contains six to
350,000 pounds of material
A
commercial
nuclear
power
commercial nuclear power plant
contains
six to
Research
Laboratories
withsurveillance
the first capsule
eight surveillance
capsules.
The
capsules
contain
eight
surveillance
capsules
located
inside
the
ht surveillance capsules located
inside the
fabricated
at the current MCOE
Churchill
mechanical
property
fromsite
theinsurveillance
identical capsules contain
reactor
vessel.
The
actor vessel. The surveillance
capsules
containspecimens machined
1974.
mechanical
property
specimens machined from the
heat
of
material
used
to
fabricate
the
reactor
pressure
vessel.
echanical property specimens machined from the
maintains an archive pressure
identical
heat of material
used
to fabricate theMachining ofWestinghouse
Westinghouse
maintains
an to
archive
pressure
Machining of
plant
contains
six
entical heat of material usedAtocommercial
fabricate the nuclear power
surveillance capsule
vessel
steel
material
inventory consisting of
Included
in
the
capsule
are
specimens
machined
from
plates,
reactor
pressure
vessel.
vessel
steel material
consisting of
test specim
actor pressure vessel.
test specimens from archive
eight surveillance capsules
located
inside inventory
the
approximately 350,000 lbs of material
approximately
350,000 and
lbs of material
welds
and
heat-affected
zone material,
mat
Specimens
plates, forgings, welds
material ingot
ecimens machined forgings,
from plates,
forgings,
welds
reactor
vessel.
The
surveillance
capsulesmachined
containfromalso
Charpy
V-notch,
tensile
and
fracture
mechanics
specimens.
and
heat
affected
zone
material
are
included
in
the
d heat affected zone material
are includedproperty
in the
mechanical
specimens machined from the
capsulefacility
and include
V-notch,
tensile and maintains an archive pressureFabrication and assembly
Westinghouse
that Charpy
contains
psule and include Charpy
V-notch, tensile
and a secure storage
Westinghouse
identicalmaintains
heat
of material usedfracture
to fabricate
thespecimens.
of surveillance
capsules
Machining
of surveillance c
mechanics
Westinghouse
cture mechanics specimens.
Westinghouse
approximately
350,000 pounds of archive pressure vessel steel vessel steel material inventory consisting of for Westinghouse’s newly
reactor
pressure
vessel.
test specimens from arc
maintains a secure storage facility containing
aintains a secure storage
facility
containing
material.
approximately 350,000 lbs of material constructed plants in Chinamaterial ingot
approximately
proximately 350,000 lbs of archive
pressure
Specimens
machined from plates,
forgings,350,000
welds lbs of archive pressure
ssel steel material. Dosimeters,
material.
including
iron, vessel
nickel,
copper,
and heat
affectedpure
zone material
aresteel
included
in niobium,
the
simeters, includingaluminum-cobalt
pure Fe,capsule
Ni, Cu, Nb,
Al-Co
Dosimeters,
including
(Al-Co)
(0.15
percent
Co) andtensile
cadmium-shielded
and
include
Charpy
V-notch,
and pure Fe, Ni, Cu, Nb, Al-Co
15 percent Co) andAl-Co
Cd shielded
Al-Co
wires,
(0.15
percent
Co) andare
Cd shielded
Al-Co wires,
wires,
along
with U-238
and Np-237
(or niobium),
also
fracture
mechanics
specimens.
Westinghouse
ong with U-238 and Np-237 (or Niobium), are also
along
with
U-238
and
Np-237
(or
Niobium),
are also
placed within thea surveillance
capsule
are subsequently
secure storage
facilityand
containing
aced within the surveillancemaintains
capsule and are
placed within the surveillance capsule and are
evaluated
post-irradiation
to determine
the pressure
measured fluence
approximately
350,000
lbs of subsequently
archive
bsequently evaluated
post-irradiation
to
evaluated post-irradiation to
at the
specific
capsule
location within the
vessel.
termine the measured
fluence
at the
specific
vessel
steel
material.
determine
at the specific
Fabricationthe
andmeasured
assembly fluence
of surveillance
capsules for Westinghouse’s
AP1000 and assembly of surveillance capsules for Westi
Fabrication
psule location within the vessel.
within
vessel.under construction in China
plants the
currently
Dosimeters, including pure Fe,capsule
Ni, Cu,location
Nb, Al-Co
plants currently under construction in Chin
(0.15 percent Co) and Cd shielded Al-Co wires,
Testing
along with U-238 and Np-237 (or Niobium), are also
adiated surveillance capsules
are removed
Testing
placed
within the surveillanceIrradiated
capsule surveillance
and are capsules are removed
m the reactor during normal refueling
from the reactor
subsequently
evaluated
post-irradiation
to during normal refueling
riods over the design life
of the plant.
The
Irradiated
surveillance
capsules are
removed
from
reactors
periods
over
the
design
life of the plant. The
determine
the measured fluence at the specific
hedule for removal is based
requirements
Fabrication and assembly of surveillance capsules for Westinghouse’s AP
duringonnormal
refueling periods over
the
design
life
the on requirements
schedule for removal isof
based
t forth in ASTM E 185-82. capsule location within the vessel.
plants currently under construction in China
esting
set forth
in ASTM
E 185-82. of
plant. The removal schedule is based
on the
requirements
e irradiated surveillance
capsules
are
ASTM
E185-82.
The irradiated surveillance capsules are
Testing
moved from the reactor vessel
and shipped
removed from the reactor vessel and shipped
the Westinghouse MCOE
hot
cell
facilities.
Our hot cell facilities perform post-irradiation
testing
and
to the
MCOE
hot
cell facilities.
Irradiated
Charpy V-notch specimen post-test fracture
Irradiated
surveillance capsules
areWestinghouse
removed
st-irradiation testing and evaluation
of the
Irradiated Charpy V-notch spe
evaluation of the surveillance capsule
specimens,
which
Post-irradiation testing and evaluation of the surface appearance
rveillance capsule specimens
monitor
the
from
the to
reactor
duringafter
normal
refueling
surface appe
are
shipped
Churchill
removal.
We
monitor
the
surveillance
capsule
specimens
monitor
the
ects of neutron irradiation on
the reactor
periods
over the design life ofeffects
thereactor
plant.
The irradiation
of neutron
neutron irradiation on the
vessel
beltlineon the reactor
ssel beltline materialseffects
exposed of
to actual
schedule for removal is basedvessel
on requirements
beltline materials
exposed to actual
erating conditions. materials exposed to actual operating
conditions
and perform
set forth in ASTM E 185-82. operating conditions.
testing remotely
in our hot cells. Westinghouse analyzes
COE performs the post-irradiation
testing and
MCOE
performs
the post-irradiation
testing and
aluation of the reactorthe
vessel
material
The
irradiated
surveillance
capsules
are capsule
dosimeters
contained
in the
surveillance
and
evaluation
of thehave
reactor
vessel material
ecimens and thermal monitors;
testing
isneutron
removed
the reactor
and shipped
calculates
thefrom
fluencevessel
exposure.
We
tested
specimens and thermal monitors; testing is
rformed remotely in the MCOE
hotWestinghouse
cells.
to the
MCOE hot
cell facilities.
approximately
185 surveillance
capsules
for commercial
performed remotely in the MCOE hot cells.
estinghouse’s Radiation and Analysis group
Irradiated Charpy V-notch specimen post-t
Post-irradiation
testing
and
evaluation
of
the
plants
worldwide,
which
equates
to
hot
cell
testing
of more
Westinghouse’s
Radiation
and Analysis group
alyzes the dosimeters contained in the
surface appearance
surveillance
capsule
specimens
monitor
10,000
Charpy
specimens
and
approximately
analyzes
the the
dosimeters
contained in the
rveillance capsule andthan
calculates
the irradiated
neutron
of neutron
irradiation surveillance
on the reactor
ence exposure.
capsule and calculates the neutron
2,000effects
irradiated
tensile specimens.
fluence
vessel
to exposure.
actual
COE has tested approximately
185 beltline materials exposed
operating
conditions.
rveillance capsules for commercial
plants
MCOE has tested approximately 185
orld wide. This equates to hot cell testing of
surveillance capsules for commercial plants
MCOE performs the post-irradiation
testingtest
and
impact energy as a function of
In-cell Charpy
V-notch
er approximately 10,000 irradiated Charpy
world wide.
This equates to hot cellCharpy
testingV-notch
of
V-notch
test machine
evaluation
of
the
reactor
vessel
material
testCharpy
temperature In-cell
for sixCharpy
irradiated
surveillance
machine
ecimens and approximately 2,000 irradiated
In-cell
Charpy
V-notch test
over approximately 10,000 irradiated
capsules
and
corresponding
unirradiated
material
specimens and thermal monitors;
testing
is
nsile specimens.
machine
specimens and approximately 2,000 irradiated
performed remotely in the MCOE
cells.
tensilehot
specimens.
14
Westinghouse’s Radiation and Analysis group
analyzes the dosimeters contained in the
surveillance capsule and calculates the neutron
fluence exposure.
MCOE has tested approximately 185
surveillance capsules for commercial plants
world wide. This equates to hot cell testing of
over approximately 10,000 irradiated Charpy
specimens and approximately 2,000 irradiated
tensile specimens.
In-cell Charpy V-notch test
machine
6
Charpy V-notch impact e
test temperature for six i
capsules and correspondin
Charpy V-notch impact energy as a fun
test temperature for six irradiated sur
capsules and corresponding unirradiate
Radioactive Materials Support
Storage
Westinghouse provides a variety of radioactive specimen and
component storage options for our customers, for both the
short-term and the long-term. The majority of specimens and
smaller-sized components are securely stored in the Churchill
site's underground storage facility.
The storage facility consists of 100 underground tubes, each
approximately 10 feet tall. These tubes have been used to
store radioactive specimens and small-sized components for
more than 35 years and currently contain approximately 20,000
individual irradiated pieces.
Shipping
Westinghouse personnel maintain current certifications for air
and ground shipping of radioactive materials, nonradioactive
hazardous materials and hazardous waste. We maintain
a variety of Type A and industrial packages and also have
experience with various Type B shipping containers.
Surveillance capsule cask with integrated stand for shipping
and receiving long capsules
Disposal
Westinghouse supports the radioactive waste disposal needs
of our customers. Specifically, we provide characterization,
segregation, packaging and transport of waste shipments,
including disposal of Class A, Class B and Class C waste.
Shipments can be transported to a variety of disposal facilities
within the United States.
(Top) Westinghouse shipping containers warehoused for radiological material transport
/ (Bottom) Westinghouse shipping casks for transporting highly activated material
specimens
7
Specialty Welding Services
Welding Capabilities
Resistance Welding – Charpy Impact Specimen
Reconstitution
Our hot cells have a long history of irradiated materials
welding, with some of the earliest in-cell welds performed on
highly irradiated stainless steels approximately 30 years ago
in support of vessel repair efforts at Savannah River. We have
the expertise to design and fabricate remote welding fixtures
for various types of welds on highly radioactive materials. We
provide the following specialty welding services:
We pioneered work in the area of irradiated Charpy specimen
reconstitution and have successfully developed a robust
approach that is now being implemented in the commercial
nuclear industry. Irradiated Charpy specimen reconstitution
gives new life to previously irradiated and tested Charpy
specimen halves, providing important data quantifying the
effects of radiation-induced aging on reactor vessel materials
under operating conditions.
• Resistance welding
• Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW)
In this approach, the fracture faces of the broken irradiated
Charpy specimen are removed, creating a specimen insert.
Unirradiated end tabs are welded to the specimen insert
using resistance welding. Welding temperature is monitored
and carefully controlled, ensuring that the radiation damage
accumulated in the specimen insert is not affected during
attachment of the end tabs. The welded specimen is then
machined in-cell to the final ASTM E23 Charpy impact specimen
dimensions. The reconstituted Charpy impact specimen can
then be tested or reinserted into a surveillance capsule for
further irradiation.
• Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW)
• Gas metal arc welding (GMAW)
• Laser welding
Various stages in the Charpy impact specimen reconstitution process
Neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser welding head with video
feedback system, air knife and multi-axis positioning
8
tom Testing Facilities
nghouse Advanced Loop Tester
Custom Testing Facilities
tinghouse Advanced Loop Tester, or more generally
to as the WALT Loop, was custom designed and fabricated
estinghouse laboratories. This facility deposits
ntative crud on a single fuel rod allowing for the study of
d thermal hydraulics.
Westinghouse Advanced Loop Tester
st loop, crud withWe
characteristics
similar and
to that
formed in
custom designed
fabricated
the Westinghouse
g pressurized water
reactors
(PWRs)
is deposited
on ain our laboratories.
Advanced
Loop
Tester,
or WALT Loop,
od surface. Crud thermal parameter variations as a
the loop tester, crud with characteristics similar to that
of crud thicknessIn, crud
morphology, and fluid conditions
formed in operating pressurized water reactors (PWRs) is
irectly measured and systematically evaluated using this
deposited on a heated rod surface, allowing for the study of fuel
acilities
acility.
crud thermal hydraulics. Crud thermal parameter variations,
facility
utilized
in several
studies,
including,
but
a function
of crud
thickness,
crud morphology
and fluid
op
Tester has been as
conditions,
can
be
directly
measured
and
systematically
ed
to:
ter, or more generally
tom designed and fabricated
evaluated.
ut
anddeposits
hot spot tests in support of the industry goal of zero
s facility
d allowing for the study of
ailures
We have used this test facility in several
including,
not limited to:
similar
to that formed
instudies,
gicsto
evaluate
unexpected
changes
in corebut
power
PWRs) is deposited on a
butions
in operating
reactorsand
known
as crud
power
meter variations
as a
• Dry-out
hot spot
testsinduced
in support
of the industry goal
hology,
and offset
fluid conditions
or
axial
anomalies
of zero fuel failures
tically evaluated using this
rt of an Electric Power
Research
Institute
program to
• Testing
to evaluate
unexpected
changes in core power
veral studies, including, but
the impact of zinc addition
to
PWR
reactor
coolant known as crud-induced
distributions in operating reactors
t of the industry goal of zero
power shifts or axial offset anomalies
Westinghouse Advanced Loop Tester
Westinghouse Advanced Loop Tester
Visual examination of fuel rod simulant
Visual
examination
after
exposure
in the WALT Loopof fuel
after WALT exposure
rod
nges in core power
•
nown as crud induced power
f Coolant
Support of an industry research program to assess the impact
Accident
Test Facility
of zinc Debris
addition to Blockage
PWR reactor coolant
ch
Institute
program to
om
designed
and
PWR reactor coolant
fabricated test facility is used to perform
testing to evaluate the in-vessel
Visual examination of fuel rod
after WALT
f particulate, fibrous, and chemical debris that pass through
theexposure
sump strainer following a
Westinghouse Advanced Loop Tester
oolant-accidentLoss-of-coolant
(LOCA).
Accident Debris Blockage
Thermal Hydraulics Testing High Bay
bris Blockage Test Facility
eestperformed
onTest
representative
Facility 1/3 height scale fuel assemblies using various fiber,
facility is used to perform testing to evaluate the in-vessel
mical and
debris chemical
that pass through
the
sump strainer
following
a
This
custom
designed
and
ate,
precipitate
debris
loads
to examine the pressure drop across We
theoffer
fuel a versatile high
fabricated
test facility
is fuel inlet nozzle designs on debris capture
bay facility
y. Tests also examine
the effect
of various
and for thermal
e 1/3 height scale fuel assemblies using various fiber,
available
to evaluate
the
hydraulic
testing. The
ckage.
objective
of this
testing
is toin-identify the maximum sump strainer debris
bypass
ebris loadsThe
to examine
the pressure
drop
across
the fuel
ct of various
fuel inlet
nozzle
designs
onLOCA
debris
andwhich do not result in unacceptable pressure
vessel
effects
of capture
particulate,
ceiling
height of 43 feet
hich
can
be
tolerated
in
a
event
drops
sting is to identify the maximum sump strainer debris bypass
fibrous
and chemical debris
allows for the design and
he
mock-up
fuel
assembly.
A event
which do not
result
in unacceptable pressure drops
that pass through the sump
fabrication of large test
loop
is tank
composed
a 250-gallon
mixing
and and
a mixing
lon mixing
system strainer
with of
temperature
controlaand
a mixing tank system with temperature control
following
loss-ofloops
the testing of
column
and a computer
monitoring
system.
recirculation
system,
the
test
column
and
a
computer
monitoring
system.
coolant accident (LOCA).
large components.
High Bay
TestsTesting
are performed
mal Hydraulics
High here
Bay
We have two test loops
for measuri ng the
potential for core inlet
blockage, a four-inch
intermediate loop and
a chemical effects loop.
on representative one-thirdheight
scale fuel assemblies
le high bay facility
is available
using
various
fiber, particulate
edicated
to thermal hydraulic
e
and
chemical
The ceiling height of 43 feet precipitate
t
debris loads to examine the
he
let design and fabrication of
drop
d
arge
test loops pressure
and hence,
theacross the
fuel assembly. Other tests
f large components.
examine the effect of various
y,
loops are currently
beingnozzle
built designs
fuel inlet
her
suring
the potential
for core
inletand flow
on debris
capture
e; the 4" Intermediate
Loop
blockage.
Theand
objective is to
Blockage
Test Facility
LOCA LOCA
debrisDebris
blockage
test facility
and Fabrication of
Design
and Fabrication
of Design
mical
Effects
Loop.
identify
the
maximum
sump
the 4” Intermediate Loop the Chemical Effects Loop
strainer
debris
bypass loads that can be tolerated in a LOCA event12
e also in place for
building
two
and
that
do
not
result in unacceptable pressure drops across the
al test facilities in this high bay,
mock-up
fuel
assembly.
measure condensation flow on
We also have two
additional test facilities
in this high bay, one to
measure condensation
flow on Westinghouse
Condensate return testing tank and measurement
AP1000®
plant
equipment
containment domes and
another to evaluate moisture separator performance.
containment domes,
and
another
The test
loop
consists of a 250-gallon mixing tank system with
ate moisture separator
temperature control and a mixing pump, a recirculation system,
ance.
the test column and a computer monitoring system.
Design and Fabrication of Design and Fabrication of
the 4” Intermediate Loop the Chemical Effects Loop
LOCA Debris Blockage Test Facility
12
9
Zinc Effects Test Loop
Wear Test Rig
This custom designed and fabricated test rig simulates w
Multi-year crack initiation testing is being performed is this unique test
well-controlled sliding of specimen material combination
loop to demonstrate that zinc additions to the primary system of
identical wear conditions of load, stroke, cycles, environ
operating pressurized water reactors (PWRs) increases the primary water
Custom
Testing
Facilities
(continued)
Testing can be performed on numerous wear couples to
stress
corrosion
cracking
(PWSCC)
resistance
in
Alloy
600
and
associated
Effects
Test
Loop
Wear
ZincZinc
Effects
Test
Loop
WearTest
TestRig
Rig evaluation of wear performance under represen
relative
Alloy
82/182
weld
metals.
This
custom
designed
and fabricated
test rig simulates
wear through
Multi-year
crack
initiation
testing
is being performed is this unique test
Zinc
Effects
Test
Loop
Wear
Test
Rig
pressurized
water reactor
operating
Specimens
machined
fromiscontrol
rod driveismechanism
nozzles andThis custom designed
and fabricated
test rig
simulatesconditions.
wear through
Multi-year
crack initiation
testing
being performed
this unique test
well-controlled
sliding
of
specimen
material
combinations
under
loop to demonstrate
that
zinc
additions
to
the
primary
system
of
Zinc Effects
Test
Loop
Wear
Test Rigsliding of specimen material combinations
well-controlled
under
loop reactor
to demonstrate
thatinitiation
zinc
additions
tobeing
the
primary
system
of
vessel
outlet
nozzles
from
three
PWRs
are
currently
in
test.
Zinc
This
custom
designed
and
fabricated
test
rig
simulates
wear
through
Multi-year
crack
testing
is
performed
is
this
unique
test
identical
wear conditions
ofand
load,fabricated
stroke, cycles,
etc.
operating We
pressurized
water
reactors (PWRs)
increasestesting
the primary
water
performed
multi-year
crack increases
initiation
in this
test
This
custom
designed
test environment,
rigenvironment,
simulates
identical
wearsliding
conditions
of load,
stroke,
cycles,
etc.
operating
pressurized
water that
reactors
(PWRs)
thesystem
primary
water
well-controlled
of
specimen
material
combinations
under
loop
to
demonstrate
zinc
additions
to
the
primary
of
injection
was
performed
for
over
10
years
in
one
of
the
PWRs
prior
to
Testingthrough
can be performed
on numerous
wear
couples to material
provide a
stress corrosion
cracking
(PWSCC)
resistance
in Alloyto600
and
associated
loop
to
demonstrate
that
zinc
additions
the
primary
system
wear
well-controlled
sliding
of
specimen
Testing
can
be
performed
on
numerous
wear
couples
to
provide
a
stress corrosion
cracking
(PWSCC)
resistance
in
Alloy
600
and
associated
identical wear conditions of load, stroke, cycles, environment, etc.
operating pressurized water reactors (PWRs) increases the primary water
relative evaluation
of identical
wear performance
under representative
Alloy
82/182
weld
metals.
removal
the
nozzle
material
while
theinother
twoand
PWRs
did not inject
ofof
operating
PWRs
increase
the primary
water
corrosion
combinations
wear conditions,
load,
relative
evaluation
of wear
performance
underincluding
representative
Alloy 82/182
weld
metals.
Testing can
be under
performed
on numerous
wear couples
to provide
a
stress
corrosion
cracking
(PWSCC)
resistance
Alloy
600stress
associated
pressurized
water
operating
conditions.
zinc.Alloycracking
resistance
in Alloy
600 mechanism
and associated
Alloy
stroke,
andreactor
Testing
canrepresentative
be performed on
Specimens
machined
from
control
rod drive
nozzles
and82/182
relativecycles
evaluation
ofenvironment.
wear performance
under
82/182
weld
metals.
pressurized
water
reactor
operating
conditions.
CustomTesting
TestingFacilities
Facilities
Custom
Custom Testing Facilities
Specimens machined from control rod drive mechanism nozzles and
reactor
vessel
outlet
nozzles
from
three
PWRs
are
currentlymachined
in test.intentional
Zinc
weld
metals.
Westinghouse
tested
specimens
from
numerous
provideconditions.
a relative evaluation of wear
pressurizedwear
watercouples
reactor to
operating
Specimens
from
control
rod
drive
Surface
films
were
removed
from
some
specimens
zinc
reactor
vessel
outletmachined
nozzles
from
three
PWRs
aremechanism
currently nozzles
inand
test.and
Zinc
injection
was
performed
for
over
10
years
in
one
of
the
PWRs
prior
to
control
rod
drive
mechanism
nozzles
and
reactor
vessel
outlet
performance
under
representative
plant
operating conditions.
reactor
vessel
outlet
three
PWRsofare
currently
in test.
injection
was
performed
for nozzles
over
10from
years
in one
the
PWRs prior
toZinc initiation
exposures
were
given
to other
specimens.
Comparison
crack
removal
of
the
nozzle
material
while
the
other
two
PWRs
did
not
inject
nozzles
from
three
PWRs.
Zinc
injection
was
performed
for
injection
was performed
for over
10other
years two
in one
of thedid
PWRs
to
removal
the nozzle
material
while
the
PWRs
notprior
inject
testofremoval
results
show
a significant
benefit
in crack
initiation
for
zinc.
moreof
than
10
years
in one
of the other
PWRs
prior
to removal
of the
the nozzle
material
while
two
PWRs
did nottime
inject
zinc.
specimens
with
zinc inwhile
the
films
dueand
to
improved
oxide
zinc.
nozzle
material,
the
other
two PWRs
did
not inject zinc
zinc.
Surface
films
were
removed
fromsurface
some
specimens
intentional
Surface
films were removed
from
someare
specimens
and intentional
zinc690 and the
characteristics.
Similar
trends
being
observed
for
Alloy
exposures
were
given
other specimens.
Comparison
crack
initiation
Surface
films
weretoremoved
from some specimens
and
intentional
zinc
exposures were
to other
specimens.
Comparison
crack initiation
Wegiven
removed
surface
films from
some specimens
and gave
exposures
were
given to other
specimens.
Comparison
crack
test
results
show
a significant
benefit
in crack initiation
time
forinitiation
associated
Alloy
52M/152
welds.
test results
show
a significant
benefit in crack
initiation
time
forfor
intentional
exposures
toinother
specimens.
test results
showinzinc
athe
significant
crack
initiation
timeComparison
specimens
with zinc
surfacebenefit
films due
to improved
oxide
specimensspecimens
with
zincinitiation
in
the
surface
films
due
to
improved
oxide
crack
test
results
showed
a
significant
benefit
crack
with zinctrends
in the are
surface
films
due to improved
oxideandinthe
characteristics. Similar
being
observed
for Alloy 690
characteristics.
Similartime
trends
are
being
observed
for
Alloy
690690
and
the
initiation
for
specimens
with
zinc
in
the
surface
films
due
characteristics.
Similar
trends
are
being
observed
for
Alloy
and
the
associated Alloy 52M/152 welds.
associatedassociated
Alloy
52M/152
welds.
Alloy 52M/152
welds.
to improved
oxide
characteristics.
Similar trends were observed
for Alloy 690 and the associated Alloy 52M/152 welds.
(Top-left) Solid model of the sliding wear test fixture with specimens
(Bottom-left) Photograph of the sliding wear test fixture, and
(Right) Wear test fixture shown in mechanical test frame ready for testing
High
Temperature
Steam
Oxidation
High
Temperature
Steam
Oxidation
Unit Unit
High
Temperature
Steam
Oxidation
Unit
High
Temperature
Steam
Oxidation
Unit
Reactor
Pump
Seal Testing Labor
Reactor Coolant
PumpCoolant
Seal
Testing
Laboratory
Reactor
Seal
Testing
Laboratory
ReactorCoolant
CoolantPump
Pump
Seal
Testing
Laboratory
Reactor Coolant Pump Seal Testing Laboratory
This
test
unit
provides
temperature
steam
exposures
numerous
This laboratory
laboratoryThis
specializes
inintesting
and
qualifying
safetyThistest
test
unit
provides
high
temperature
steam
exposures
of numerous
laboratory
specializes
in commercial,
testing
and
qualifying
comm
This
unit
provides
highhigh
temperature
steam
exposures
ofof
numerous
This
specializes
testing
and
qualifying
commercial,
safetyThis test unit
provides
high temperature
steam effects
exposures
of numerous
This
laboratory
specializes
in testing
and
qualifying
commercial,
safetyThis
laboratory
specializes
in testing
and under
qualifying
of
specimens
simultaneously
toto
evaluate
of
oxidation
onthe
the
related
components
which
are
to
operate
extreme
specimens
simultaneously
evaluate
the
of
oxidation
on
the
related
components
which
are
required
to
operate
unde
specimens
simultaneously
to evaluate
thethe
effects
ofeffects
oxidation
on
related
components
which
arerequired
required
to
operate
under
extreme
specimensbehavior
simultaneously
to evaluate
the effects
of oxidation
on the
related
components
whichcomponents
are required that
to operate
under extreme
of fuel cladding
alloys under
simulated
loss of coolant
accident
conditions.
commercial,
safety-related
are required
to
behavior
of
fuel
cladding
alloys
under
simulated
loss
of
coolant
accident
conditions.
behavior
fuel
cladding
alloys
under
simulated
loss of
conditions.
behavior
of
fuelof
cladding
alloys
under
simulated
loss
of coolant
accident
conditions.
conditions.
Multiple
specimens
are
exposed
to flowing
steam
forcoolant accident
under
extreme
conditions.
The primary
test
equipment
used in the laboratory is a static test loop
conditions.
Multiple
specimens are exposed
to flowing
steam
for steam for operate
conditions.
Multiple
areup
exposed
to
flowing
The
primary
test
equipment
used
inequipment
the laboratory
is a in
static
test
loop
predetermined
timesspecimens
at temperatures
to
1200°C
(2192°F).
A water
conditions.
Multiple
specimens
are
exposed
to
flowing
steam
for
designed
for
high
temperature,
high
pressure
testing
of reactor
coolant
The
primary
used
laboratory
The primary test equipmenttest
used
in the laboratory
is athe
static
test loop is a s
Custom-built
testatrigtemperatures
for evaluating impacts
of zinc
addition(2192°F).
to light water
reactor
predetermined
times
up
to
1200°C
A
water
The
primary
test
equipment
we
use
in
this
laboratory
is
a
static
quench
of
the
specimens
is
typically
performed
immediately
after
steam
designed
for
high
temperature,
high
pressure
testing
of
reactor
coolant
predetermined
times
at
temperatures
up
to
1200°C
(2192°F).
A
water
predetermined
times
at
temperatures
up
to
1200°C
(2192°F).
A
water
pump
mechanical
seals.
The
loop
is
designed
to
simulate
severe
coolant
on
stress
corrosion
crack
resistance
designed
for
high
temperature,
high
pressure
testing
of
reactor
designed
fortemperature,
highis temperature,
high testing
pressure coolant
testing of
quench
of the specimens
is typically
performed
immediately
after steam
Testing is
is being
performed
to evaluate
the behavior
new
test
loop
designed
for
high
high
pressure
pump
mechanical
seals.
The
loop
designed
to
simulate
severe
quench
ofexposure.
theof
specimens
typically
performed
immediately
afterofsteam
operating
conditions
such
as
those
expected,
for
example,
after
a severe
quench
the
specimens
is
typically
performed
immediately
after
steam
pump
mechanical
seals.
The
loop
is
designed
to
simulate
exposure.
Testing is
being
performed
to evaluate
the behavior
oftonew
pump
mechanical
seals.
The
loop
is
designed
to
simulat
fuel
cladding
alloys
under
development
by
Westinghouse
and
support
of
reactor
coolantThe
pump
seals.
The
loopcontinued
simulates
operating
conditions
suchmechanical
as those only
expected,
forbasic
example,
after a
exposure.
TestingTesting
is beingisperformed
to evaluate
behavior
ofbehavior
new
station
blackout.
laboratory
tests for
operating
conditions
such as not
those expected,
for example,
after a
exposure.
performed
to the
evaluate
theto
fuel
cladding
alloys
underbeing
development
by Westinghouse
and
support of new
new
regulator
guidelines.
High
Temperature
Steam
Oxidation
Unit
conditions
such
those
expected,
for exampl
station
blackout.
The
laboratory
not as
only
testsas
for
basic continued
severe
operating
conditions
such
those
expected
after a
fuel cladding alloys under development by Westinghouse and to support
functionality
ofoperating
the
components
under
extreme
environments,
station
blackout.
The
laboratory
not
only tests
for basic continued
new
guidelines.
fuelregulator
cladding
alloys
under
development
by Westinghouse
andofto support
test
unit can
provide
high-temperature
steam exposures
functionality
ofstation
the
under
extreme
station
blackout.
Thecomponents
laboratory
not
onlyin
tests
for environments,
basicnot
continued
precision
measurements
of axial growth
components
due
to
thermal
new regulatorThis
guidelines.
blackout.
The
laboratory
only
tests
functionality of the components under extreme environments, for basic c
new regulator
guidelines.
numerous
specimens simultaneously to evaluate the effects of
precision
of axial
in components
due to
thermal environ
expansionmeasurements
canofalso
obtained.
functionality
thebecomponents
under
extreme
environments,
functionality
of growth
the
components
under
extreme
precision measurements
of axial
growth
in components
due
to thermal
oxidation on the behavior of fuel cladding alloys under simulated
expansion
can
also
be
obtained.
but
we
can
also
obtain
precision
measurements
of
axial
growth
The
facility
has
been
developed
and
improved
over
the
last
five
years
expansion canprecision
also be obtained.
measurements of axial growth in components
LOCA conditions. Multiple specimens are exposed to flowing
in
components
duehundreds
todeveloped
thermal
expansion.
and
has supported
of mechanical
seal tests.
The
facility
hasexpansion
been
and improved
over the last five years
can
also
beimproved
obtained.
The facility has
been developed
and
over the last five years
steam for predetermined times at temperatures up to 1,200
and has supported hundreds of mechanical seal tests.
We
supported hundreds
here.
andhave
has supported
hundredsofofmechanical
mechanicalseal
sealtests
tests.
degrees C (2,192 degrees F). A water quench of the specimens
The facility has been developed and improved over the l
and has supported hundreds of mechanical seal tests.
is typically performed immediately after steam exposure.
13
High-temperature steam oxidation equipment used for evaluating LOCA effects on fuel
cladding materials
Reactor coolant pump seal static test rig
10
13
13
Hot Cells – High-Level and Low-Level Hot Cells
Our hot cell facility includes five individual hot cells. These
hot cells consist of 10 remote handling stations with shielded
viewing windows and manipulators.
is available in the high-level cell.
Hot
HotCells
Cells––Auxiliary
AuxiliaryHot
HotCells
Cellsand
andSEM
SEM
Hot
HotCell
Cell
The high-level cell is
AAand
andMMAuxiliary
AuxiliaryHot
HotCells
Cells
Four of the hot cells are multifunctional in that the equipment
The
TheAinside
Aand
andMMauxiliary
auxiliary
cells
cellsare
bothfabricated
fabricated
from
frommultiple
multiple
steel
plates
platesto
these
cells
isareboth
routinely
reconfigured,
assteel
needed,
approximately
approximately
10”
10”thick.
thick.
These
Thesetwo
twocells
cells
have
havedimensions
dimensions
ofofcontaminated
6’6’L xL 6’
x 6’D Dx x
meet customer
requirements.
When
not
in use,
11.5’
11.5’H.H.The
TheA Aand
andMMcells
cellsare
are‘stand
‘standalone’
isolation
isolationcells
cellsand
andare
arenot
not
equipment
is stored
on-site
in alone’
our radiological
storage
building.
connected
connectedtotoeach
eachother
otherorortotothe
thehigh
highlevel
leveland
andlow
lowlevel
levelcells.
cells.
The fifth hot cell is solely dedicated to SEM examinations
Similarly
Similarly
totothe
the
high
highand
andlow
low
level
levelcells,
cells,the
theA Aand
andMMcells
cellsare
aremultimultiof highly
irradiated
materials.
functional
functionaland
andare
areroutinely
routinelyre-configured
re-configuredtotomeet
meetthe
theneeds
needsofofany
any
particular
particular
projector
orcustomer.
customer.approximately 700 hot cell projects
We project
have
completed
Examples
Examples
ofwork
workperformed
performed
ininthese
these
two
twocells
cellsinclude,
include,but
butare
arenot
not
for aofvariety
of
customers
worldwide.
limited
limitedto,to,loading
loadingand
andunloading
unloadingofofautoclaves,
autoclaves,hydrogen
hydrogenanalysis,
analysis,laser
laser
High-level
Hot Cell
micrometer
micrometer
measurements,
measurements,
metallographic
metallographicspecimen
specimenpreparation,
preparation,laser
laser
welding,
welding,
etc.
Theetc.
high-level cell was initially designed and constructed
to accommodate the size and radiological conditions
associated with a full-sized Westinghouse commercial plant
fuel assembly. As such, this particular cell is relatively large
(24 feet long x 5 feet deep x 12 feet high) and is constructed
with extremely thick high-density poured concrete walls
(minimum wall thickness of 27 inches) for additional
radiological shielding.
multifunctional and is routinely
reconfigured to meet the needs of our customers. Work
SEM
SEMHot
HotCell
Cell
performed in this cell includes: machining, cutting, grinding,
AA
small
smallisolated
isolated
hot
hotcell
cellsolely
solely
dedicated
dedicatedto
toscanning
scanningelectron
electron
milling,
photography
and
ultrasonic
measurements.
microscopy
microscopy(SEM)
(SEM)evaluations
evaluationsofofhighly
highlyirradiated
irradiatedsamples
samplesis islocated
locateda a
Background
radiation
fields
inAnthe
high-level
cell are
generally
floor
floor
above
abovethe
thehigh
highlevel
levelhot
hotcell.
cell.
Anelevator
elevator
consisting
consisting
ofofa asmall
small
specimen
specimen
platform
platform
and
anda agear
gearmotor
motor
driven
drivencable
cable
connects
connects
the
thehigh
high
of the order
of 1,000
rad/hour;
however,
individual
components
level
level
hot
hotcell
celltotothe
theSEM
SEMhot
hotcell
celltherefore
therefore
allowing
allowing
transfer
ofofhighly
highly
under
examination
in
the
cell can
havetransfer
radiation
fields
irradiated
irradiatedspecimens
specimensfrom
the
thehigh
highlevel
cell
celldirectly
directlyinto
intothe
theSEM
SEMhot
hot
approaching
7,000 from
rad/hour
nearlevel
contact.
cell.
cell.
The
The
SEM
SEMis isnot
notlocated
located
inside
insidethe
theSEM
SEMhot
hotcell
cellbut
butinstead
insteadabuts
abutsone
oneofof
Low-level
Hot
Cell
the
the
SEM
SEM
hot
hotcell
cellwalls.
walls.
AnAnaccess
door
doorinto
inthe
thehot
hot
cell
cellwall
wallcan
canbebe
The
low-level
hot
cell
isaccess
adjacent
the
high-level
hot
cell and
opened
opened
and
and
the
thea
SEM,
SEM,
which
which
is ispositioned
positioned
onona amoveable
moveable
track
system,
system,
is used
for
wide
range
of irradiated
materialtrack
testing
and
can
canbebeslid
slidinto
intoplace
placeagainst
againstthe
thehot
hotcell
cellwall.
wall.The
TheSEM
SEMspecimen
specimen
measurements. The cell measures 17.5 feet long x 6 feet deep x
chamber
chamberdoor
dooropens
opensinto
intothe
thehot
hotcell
celland
andmanipulators
manipulatorsare
areused
usedtoto
10 feet move
high
and
has
12- to
24-inch-thick
poured
concrete
walls.
remotely
remotely
move
the
thespecimen
specimen
from
from
the
thespecimen
specimen
elevator
elevator
platform
platform
into
intothe
theSEM
SEMspecimen
specimenchamber.
chamber.
The low-level cell has three remote handling stations and, like
We
We
have
have
upgraded
upgraded
this
this
SEM
SEM
totoa a2012
2012
Tescan
TescanVega3
Vega3XMU
XMU
which
which
aa
the
high-level
cell,
has
multiple
remote
cameras
with
liveis is
video
variable
variablepressure
pressureSEM
SEMenabling
enablingthe
theinvestigation
investigationofofnon-conductive
non-conductive
feed viewing monitors.
specimens
specimensininthe
theuncoated
uncoatedcondition.
condition.
This cell also is multifunctional and is routinely reconfigured
to meet customer needs. Work performed in this cell includes:
Charpy testing, tensile testing, immersion density measurements,
eddy current examinations, photography and dimensional
measurements. A through-wall transfer tube connects the highlevel hot cell and the low-level hot cell, allowing for the transfer
of specimens and tools between the two cells.
The high-level cell has four remote handling stations and
multiple remote cameras with live video feed viewing monitors.
A heavy-duty manipulator with a hoist capability of 1,000 pounds
MCOE
MCOE
auxiliary
auxiliary
hot
hot
cell
cellA A(left)
(left)and
and
MM(right)
(right)
High-level hot
cell with
four remote
handling
stations
(right)
and
low-level hot cell with
three remote handling stations (left)
MCOE
MCOESEM
SEMhot
hotcell
cellviewing
viewingwindow
windowwith
withmanipulator
manipulator(left)
(left)and
and2012
2012
Tescan
TescanVega3
Vega3XMU
XMUSEM
SEM(right)
(right)
Expert
ExpertIn-Cell
In-CellMachining,
Machining,Testing,
Testing,and
andMeasurement
MeasurementCapabilities
Capabilities
Expert In-Cell Machining, Testing, and Measurement Capabilities
MCOE
MCOEhas
hasextensive
extensiveexpertise
expertiseregarding
regardingin-cell
in-cellmachining,
machining,testing
testingand
and
measurements.
measurements.
Capabilities
Capabilitiesinclude
includein-cell
in-cell
machining
machining
ofoftest
testspecimens
specimens
Our personnel
have
extensive
expertise
in infrom
froma awide
widerange
rangeofofirradiated
irradiated
components
components
and/or
part
partshapes.
shapes.We
We test
cell
machining,
testing
and and/or
measurements
of
have
havein-cell
in-cellmachined
machinedthousands
thousandsofofo-rings,
o-rings,tensile
tensilespecimens,
specimens,compact
compact
specimens
from
a wide range
of
irradiated
components
tension
tensionspecimens,
specimens,fracture
fracturetoughness
toughnessspecimens,
specimens,etc.
etc.
and part shapes. We have in-cell machined thousands
In-cell
In-celltesting
testingcapabilities
capabilitiesinclude,
include,but
butare
arenot
notlimited
limitedto,to,tensile,
tensile,fracture
fracture
of
O-rings,
tensile
specimens,
compact
tension
toughness,
toughness,compression,
compression,crack
crackgrowth
growthrate,
rate,slow
slowstrain
strainrate,
rate,etc.
etc.
specimens and fracture toughness specimens.
In-cell testing capabilities include: tensile, fracture
toughness, compression, crack growth rate and slow
strain rate.
Thread removal
Thread
Threadremoval
removal
Head removal
Head
Headremoval
removal
Initial Initial
stages
in-cell of
machining
of
amachining
tensile specimen
from a highly
irradiated
bolt
Initialof
stages
stages
ofin-cell
in-cell
machining
ofofa atensile
tensile
specimen
specimen
from
from
a ahighly
highlyirradiated
irradiatedbolt
bolt(thread
(threadremoval)
removal)
44
11
Hot Cells – Auxiliary Hot Cells and SEM Hot Cell
A and M Auxiliary Hot Cells
SEM Hot Cell
The A and M auxiliary cells are both fabricated from multiple
steel plates, approximately 10 inches thick. These two cells
have dimensions of 6 feet long x 6 feet deep x 11.5 feet high.
The A and M cells are stand-alone isolation cells and are not
connected to each other or to the high-level and low-level cells.
A small, isolated hot cell solely dedicated to SEM evaluations of
highly irradiated samples is located a floor above the high-level
hot cell. An elevator consisting of a small specimen platform
and a gear-motor-driven cable connects the high-level hot cell
to the SEM hot cell, thus allowing transfer of highly irradiated
specimens from the high-level cell directly into the SEM hot cell.
Similarly to the high- and low-level cells, the A and M cells are
multifunctional and are routinely reconfigured to meet the needs
of a particular project or customer.
The SEM is not located inside the SEM hot cell but instead abuts
one of the SEM hot cell walls. An access door in the hot cell wall
can be opened and the SEM, which is positioned on a moveable
track system, can be slid into place against the hot cell wall.
The SEM specimen chamber door opens into the hot cell, and
manipulators are used to remotely move the specimen from the
specimen elevator platform into the SEM specimen chamber.
Examples of work we perform in these two cells includes:
loading and unloading of autoclaves, hydrogen analysis,
laser micrometer measurements, metallographic specimen
preparation and laser welding.
We have upgraded this SEM to a 2012 Tescan Vega3 XMU,
which is a variable pressure SEM enabling the investigation of
non-conductive specimens in the uncoated condition.
Auxiliary hot cell A (left) and M (right)
SEM hot cell viewing window with manipulator
12
Corrosion Laboratory
contains the results for more than 100 test specimens
and represents numerous different heats of stainless steel
with specimen neutron exposures ranging from a low
Autoclave
laboratory
of the 22 available
displacements per
atom (dpa)
value up to(18
76 dpa.
Our corrosion and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) laboratory
consists of 22 fully automated autoclave pressure vessels.
The autoclaves have pressure vessel capacities of one or
two gallons and are rated up to 34.5 MPa (5,000 psi) and
482 degrees C (900 degrees F).
Corrosion Laboratory
Corrosion
Laboratory
Four The
of the
available
autoclaves
are equipped
with
load
framesconsists of 22 fully automated autoclave pressure vessels. The autoclaves have
MCOE
corrosion
and stress corrosion
cracking
(SCC)
laboratory
autoclave
vessel
capacities
of
12,720
or corrosion
2 gallons
and
arepounds).
rated
toEach
34.5 MPa
(5,000
psi)
andautomated
482°C (900°F).
with pressure
load
capabilities
up
kg (6,000
The MCOE
corrosion
andto
stress
cracking
(SCC) up
laboratory
consists
of 22
fully
autoclave pressure vessels. The autoclaves have
pressure
vessel
capacities
of 1 or
gallons
areload
ratedframes
up
to 34.5
psi) and
(900°F).
autoclave
controlled
withand
operating
readouts
Four
ofistheautomatically
available
autoclaves
are2 equipped
with
withMPa
load(5,000
capabilities
up482°C
to 2,720
kg (6,000 lbs).
sent Each
toFour
aautoclave
central
server.
Researchers
are
able
to
access
this
of the available
autoclaves
are equipped
with
load
frames
withsent
loadtocapabilities
up to 2,720
kg researchers
(6,000 lbs). are able to access this information
is automatically
controlled
with
operating
read outs
a central server.
MCOE
information
remotely
from
off-site,
allowing
for
test
monitoring
remotely
from
off-site
allowing
for
test
monitoring
and
data
interrogation.
Each autoclave is automatically controlled with operating read outs sent to a central server. MCOE researchers are able to access this information
and data
interrogation.
remotely
from off-site
allowing for
monitoring
and data
Numerous
specimen
geometries
andtest
autoclave
conditions
caninterrogation.
be utilized to evaluate a variety of material properties under temperature, pressure,
environment and stress, including, but not limited to, corrosion, wear, SCC initiation, and SCC growth.
Numerous specimen geometries and autoclave conditions can be utilized to evaluate a variety of material properties under temperature, pressure,
Numerous
specimen geometries and autoclave conditions
environment and stress, including, but not limited to, corrosion, wear, SCC initiation, and SCC growth.
can be used to evaluate a variety of material properties under
temperature, pressure, environment and stress, including
corrosion, wear, SCC initiation and SCC growth. Our laboratory
SCC along porous grain boundary in the absence of protective oxide surface films
SCC along porous grain boundary in the absence of
protective oxide surface films
Av
Corrosion Testing of Irradiated M
Autoclave laboratory (18 of the 22 available autoclaves shown)
Autoclave laboratory (18 of the 22 available autoclaves shown)
Autoclaves equipped with load frames
Autoclaves equipped with load frames
Still need to write something in here.
Autoclaves equipped with load frames
SCC
along
SCC
alongporous
porousgrain
grainboundary
boundaryininthe
theabsence
absenceof
of
protective
protectiveoxide
oxidesurface
surfacefilms
films
Corrosion Testing of Irradiated Materials
Average
growth rates
rates as
asaafunction
functionof
ofpH
pHfor
forAlloy
Alloy718
718atat644°F
644°Fand
and
Average crack
crack growth
680°F
(340°C
and
360°C);
data
normalized
to
K
=
30
MPa√m
680°F (340°C and 360°C); data normalized to K = 30 MPa√m
Corrosion
CorrosionTesting
Testingof
of Irradiated
Irradiated Materials
Still
need
toto
write
ininhere.
Still
need
writesomething
something
here.
Our MCOE
personnel
have
extensive
experience in corrosion testing
of irradiated materials with an emphasis on irradiated-assisted SCC
initiation testing. We have the largest crack initiation database
worldwide for irradiated stainless steels.
(Left) Westinghouse’s In-Cell Crack Growth Rate Test Assembly. (Right) Test fixture
for loading six O-ring specimens for Internal Association for Six Sigma Certification
(IASCC) initiation testing.
13
66
n of unirradiated
new fume hoods and
contained in this
Analytical Chemistry Capabilities
osphere glovebox
Autotitration
emical potentiostats
We use the autotitration unit primarily for automated
ze analyzer measurement of H BO in autoclave water and the reactor
3
3
coolant, and it can be modified to analyze other species as well.
ntial/DLS instrument
Chemistry Laboratory
The Churchill site has a newly constructed and well-equipped
chemistry laboratory for the evaluation of unirradiated materials.
This laboratory contains six new fume hoods and substantial
bench and cabinet space.
Radioactive specimens can be analyzed using this equipment.
Ion Chromatography
Autotitration
The following analytical equipment is contained in this laboratory:
Our ion chromatography equipment detects minute quantities of
• Thermogravimetric analyzer
• Gas chromatograph
The autotitration
unit is used primarily
for automated
andminute
cations inquantities
water, using of
very
little sampling volume.
nt is used toanions
detect
anions
glovebox
The equipment has low-ppb to sub-ppb limits of detection measurement
for
•
Inert
atmosphere
of H3BO3 in autoclave water and reactor
ampling volume.
The equipment has low-ppb to
common anions (F–, Cl–, Br–, SO42–, NO2–, NO3–, PO3–, etc.) and
• Ultra-violet visible
coolant,spectrometer
and can be modified •toElectrochemical
analyze other species as
–, SO 2–, NO –, NO –, PO 3–, etc.)
Cl–, Brlevels
n anions (F–,low-ppb
of
4 detection
2 for polyatomic
3
4 cations, alkali and
well. Electrochemical
alkalinealkali
earth metals
and someearth
transition
metals. Radioactive
• Particle size analyzer
lyatomic cations,
and alkaline
metals
specimens can be analyzed using this equipment.
potentiostats
Analysis of radioactive specimens
be performed
using
• Zetacan
potential/data
link
•
Fourier
transform
server
(DLS)
instrument
this equipment.
be performed using this equipment.
spectrometer
Microwave Digestion
A microwave digestion system is available to support ICPMS sample preparation. The system used concentrated
acids at up to 22C and 800 psig to achieve complete and
rapid digestion of multiple intractable samples.
This equipment is used to process radioactive samples.
Microwave Digestion
A microwave digestion system supports ICP-MS sample
preparation. The system uses concentrated acids at up to
22ºC and 800 psig to achieve complete and rapid digestion of
multiple intractable samples. This equipment is used to process
radioactive samples.
Thermo-Dionex ICS-5000 Anion/Cation system with autosampler
Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectroscopy
Our inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS)
system measures elemental concentrations down to low-ppt
levels.
on/Cation system with autosampler
CEM MARS-5 Microwave Digestion System
We routinely characterize components of fuel crud and steam
generator sludge using this equipment. In addition, we take
measurements to determine alloy composition and to support
autoclave testing. Radioactive specimens are analyzed using
this equipment.
Mass Spectroscopy
Hydrogen Analysis
ass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) system is used to
wn to low ppt levels.
The LECO RHEN-602 measures hydrogen in metal and
oxide samples. MCOE has one unit modified for remote
operation in our hot cells and one unit for unirradiated
CEM® MARS-5
Microwave Digestion System
specimen
analysis.
enerator sludge are routinely characterized using
ments to determine alloy composition and to
ormed.
Hydrogen Analysis
The LECO® RHEN-602 measures hydrogen in metal and oxide
samples. We have one unit modified for remote operation in our
hot cells and one unit for unirradiated specimen analysis.
be performed using this equipment.
Agilent® 7700x ICP-MS with autosampler
Modified LECO RHEN-602 H-Analyzer (prior to hot cell installation)
14
Specimen
Preparation
Laboratory
IrradiatedMetallographic
Metallographic
Specimen
Preparation
Unirradiated Metallographic Specimen Preparation Laboratory
Metallographic Specimen Preparation
Unirradiated Metallographic Specimen
Preparation Laboratory
Metallographic
Specimen
Preparation
Laboratory
Irradiated metallographic
specimen
facilities
are contain
MCOE has a newly refurbished
and well appointedpreparation
metallographic
specimen
preparation
laboratory
for
preparing
metallographic
Unirradiated Metallographic Specimen Preparation Laboratory
sections for
both macroscopic
and microscopic
examination.
The
MCOE Hot Cells.
This
area
allows
for
complete
metallographic
prepa
laboratory
expert specimen
sectioning,
mounting,
MCOE has provides
a newly refurbished
and well
appointedplating,
metallographic
specimen
preparation
laboratory
for
preparing
metallographic
grinding, specimens,
polishing, cleaning, etching
and pickling capabilities.
or contaminated
specimen
preparation must be performe
Laboratory
sections for both macroscopic and microscopic examination. The
Two precision cut off saws are available for initial specimen
laboratory provides expert specimen sectioning, plating, mounting,
sectioning if needed. Specimens can be hot mounted using one of
grinding, polishing, cleaning, etching and pickling capabilities.
two hot presses using either electrically conductive or nonTwo precision
cut off saws
are available
initial specimen
conductive
mounting
compounds
or coldformounted
using a variety of
sectioning
if needed.
Specimens
can is
bedesired
hot mounted
using one
of
available
resins.
If specimen
plating
for improved
edge
two hot presses
using either
electrically
or non- for gold
retention,
a Cressington
108auto
sputterconductive
coater is available
conductive mounting compounds or cold mounted using a variety of
plating of specimens or a Technic, Inc. plating system can be used for
available
resins. If specimen
plating is desired for improved
edge
irradiated
metallographic
specimen
nickel
plating of specimens.
Light
Optical
Irradiated
MetallographicMicroscopy
Specimen Preparation
We offer retention, a Cressington 108auto sputter coater is available for gold preparation
laboratory
is equipped
with three
automatic
polishers,
plating
of specimens
or aaccess,
Technic,
Inc. plating
system
can beincluding
usedcontrolled
for
inThe
alight
restricted
radiologically
work
We have a newly refurbished and well-appointed metallographic
A fullfacilities
range of
optical
specimens.
anickel
2011 plating
Struers of
AbraPol-20
high capacity programmable polishing
area
behind
the
hot
cells.
This
area
allows
for
complete
machine.
Complete
polishing
of specimens
can
be
provided,
including
specimen preparation laboratory for preparing metallographic
The
laboratory
is
equipped
with
three
automatic
polishers,
including
microscopes diamond
are
available
suspensions
downhigh
to grain
sizes of 1 µm and, polishing
if requested,
a 2011 Struers
AbraPol-20
capacity
metallographic
preparation
of ofprogrammable
moderately
irradiated and
sections for both macroscopic and microscopic examination.
further
polishing
with
a wide selection
active
oxide
suspensions
machine.
Complete
polishing
of specimens
can be
provided,
including
for use
for
the
evaluation
of
down
to grain
sizes of 0.02
diamond
suspensions
downµm.
to grain
sizes of 1 irradiated
µm and, if requested,
contaminated
specimens.
For
highly
or
contaminated
It provides expert specimen sectioning, plating, mounting,
polishing
with a wide
of active oxide
Afurther
wide variety
of etching
and selection
pickling capabilities
are suspensions
available. Both
both
unirradiated
and
down
to
grain
sizes
of
0.02
µm.
specimens,
specimen
preparation
must
be
performed
remotely
standard and electrolytic etching methods can be performed in
grinding, polishing, cleaning, etching and pickling capabilities.
A wide variety
ofaetching
and pickling
capabilities areetchants.
available. Both
conjunction
with
vast selection
of metallographic
in
the
M
auxiliary
hot
cell.
irradiated materials.
A etching methods can be performed in
standard and electrolytic
The
laboratory includes 3 state-of-the-art Supreme Air LV fume
Two precision cutoff saws are available for initial specimen
conjunction with a vast selection of metallographic etchants.
hoods. Two of the hoods are used for pickling/etching and acid
majority
of
the
microscopes
The laboratory The
includes
state-of-the-art
Supreme
Air LV fume
neutralization.
third3hood
is dedicated
to electrolytic
polishing of
sectioning, if needed. Specimens can be hot mounted using
Light Optical
Microscopy
hoods.
Two of for
thetransmission
hoods are used
for pickling/etching
and acid
foil
specimens
electron
microscopy examination.
are connected
toofa light
site-wide
neutralization.
The third
hood is dedicated
to electrolytic polishing
one of two hot presses, and using either electrically conductive
A full range
optical
microscopes
are ofavailable for
foil specimens for transmission electron microscopy examination.
Irradiated
Metallographic Specimen Preparation
or non-conductive mounting compounds. They can be cold
evaluation
of
both
unirradiated
and
irradiated
materials. A
imaging software,
image
Irradiated
Metallographic
Specimenfacilities
Preparation
Irradiated
metallographic
specimen preparation
are contained in a restricted-access radiologically controlled w
mounted using a variety of available resins. If specimen plating
majority
of
the
microscopes
are
connected
to
a ofsite-wide
MCOE
Hot Cells.
This areaspecimen
allows forpreparation
complete metallographic
preparation
moderately irradiated
and contaminated
analysis and image
database
Irradiated
metallographic
facilities are contained
in a restricted-access
radiologically
controlled wo
or
contaminated
specimens,
specimen
preparation
must be performed
remotely
in the M
Auxiliaryand
Hotcontaminated
Cell.
MCOE
Hot Cells.
This areaanalysis
allows
for complete
preparation
of moderately
irradiated
sp
is desired for improved edge retention, we have a Cressington
imaging software,
image
andmetallographic
image
database
system.
or contaminated specimens, specimen preparation must be performed remotely in the M Auxiliary Hot Cell.
system.
108 auto-sputter coater for gold plating of specimens and a
Light Optical Microscopy
Light Optical Microscopy
Technic, Inc. plating system for nickel plating of specimens.
A full range of light optical
A full range of
optical
microscopes
arelight
available
microscopes
availableof
for
use for theare
evaluation
for
use
for
the
evaluation
of
both unirradiated and
both unirradiated
andA
irradiated
materials.
irradiated
A
majority
ofmaterials.
the microscopes
majority
of thetomicroscopes
are
connected
a site-wide
are connected to a site-wide
imaging software, image
imaging software, image
analysis and image database
analysis and image database
system.
The laboratory also has three automatic polishers, including
a 2011 Struers® AbraPol-20 high-capacity programmable
polishing machine. We provide complete polishing of specimens,
including diamond suspensions down to grain sizes of 1.0 µm
and, if requested, further polishing with a wide selection of active
oxide suspensions down to grain sizes of 0.02 µm.
ation Laboratory
boratory
system.
We also offer a wide variety of etching and pickling capabilities.
Both standard and electrolytic etching methods can be performed
in conjunction with a vast selection of metallographic etchants.
In addition, our laboratory includes three state-of-the-art
Supreme Air® LV fume hoods. Two of the hoods are used
for pickling/etching and acid neutralization. The third hood
is dedicated to electrolytic polishing of foil specimens for
transmission electron microscopy examination.
Specimen analysis and optical microscopy laboratory with example of digitized
microstructure being evaluated
Metallographic preparation laboratory with example of as-polished samples
a restricted-access radiologically controlled work area located behind the
n of moderately irradiated and contaminated specimens. For highly irradiated
15
motely in the M Auxiliary Hot Cell.
Mechanical Testing Capabilities
We offer multiple types of mechanical testing capabilities,
both for unirradiated and irradiated materials.
Out-of-cell mechanical testing lab includes six
additional test frames:
• Four MTS test frames (three servo-hydraulic frames and
one electromechanical frame) ranging from 6,750 to
100,000-pound load capacity
• Two Instron® test frames (one servo-hydraulic and one
electromechanical) ranging from 25,000- to 50,000-pound
load capacity
In-cell mechanical testing includes the following
equipment:
• 90 KN (20,000-pound) servo-hydraulic test machine
(for J, K and master curve testing)
• Instron 250-KN (56,000-pound) screw-driven tensile machine
(2011)
• 358J (254 ft-lb) Charpy impact test machine (instrumented for
load-time data collection per ASTM E2298) (upgraded 2009)
• Creep tests can be performed in environments (i.e.,
7,500-pound load frames attached to four 5,000 psi/900
degrees F autoclaves)
• Similar to creep testing, crack growth rate testing of irradiated
materials can be performed in autoclave environments
Satec Systems Model 30WBN screw tensile machine
MTS Criterion Model 43 table top tensile tester with environmental chamber, show in
close-up on right
16
ure SEM with an Orsay Physics Canion FIB column
x 80 XEDS, Oxford EBSD detector, low vacuum secondary
stem and sample
manipulator
forMicroscopy
making TEM lamella
Scanning
Electron
ScanningElectron
ElectronMicroscopy
Microscopy
Scanning
Electron
Microscopy
Scanning
TheMCOE
MCOElaboratory
laboratoryfacilities
facilitiesincludes
includesfour
fourscanning
scanningelectron
electronmicroscopes
microscopes(SEMs),
(SEMs),each
eachwith
with
The
The MCOE laboratory facilities includes four scanning electron microscopes (SEMs), each with
performed
using
this
equipment
varying
capabilities.
Asummary
summary
these
instruments
and
their
uses
isasas
follows:
varying
capabilities.
ofof
these
instruments
and
their
uses
follows:
varying
capabilities.
AAsummary
of
these
instruments
and
their
uses
isisas
follows:
Zeiss SUPRA-40 FE-SEM
The Churchill site's laboratory facilities include four SEMs, each
Tescan
LYRA-3
GMU
FIB/SEM
Tescan
LYRA-3
GMU
FIB/SEM
Tescan
LYRA-3
GMU
FIB/SEM
with
varying
capabilities,
as summarized
below.
•
Dual
beam
FIB,
which
pressure
SEM
with
anan
Orsay
Physics
Canion
FIB
column
Dual
beam
FIB,
which
avariable
variable
pressure
SEM
with
Orsay
Physics
Canion
FIB
column
•• •Dual
beam
FIB,
which
isisaisavariable
pressure
SEM
with
an
Orsay
Physics
Canion
FIB
column
Equipped
with
Oxford
Instruments
XMax
8080
XEDS,
Oxford
EBSD
detector,
low
vacuum
secondary
Equipped
with
Oxford
Instruments
XMax
XEDS,
Oxford
EBSD
detector,
low
vacuum
secondary
•• •Equipped
with
Oxford
Instruments
XMax
80
XEDS,
Oxford
EBSD
detector,
low
vacuum
secondary
Tescan
LYRA-3
GMU
FIB/SEM
electron
detector,
mono-gas
injection
system
and
sample
manipulator
for
making
TEM
lamella
electron
detector,
mono-gas
injection
system
and
sample
manipulator
for
making
TEM
lamella •
electron
detector,
mono-gas
injection
system
and
sample
manipulator
for
making
TEM
lamella
ofof
irradiated
materials
materials
of
irradiated
•irradiated
Dualmaterials
beam FIB, which is a variable pressure SEM with
Analysis
ofof
radioactive
specimens
can
bebe
performed
using
this
equipment
Analysis
radioactive
specimens
can
performed
using
this
equipment
•• •Analysis
of
radioactive
specimens
can
be
performed
using
this
equipment
irradiated specimens
ector for ultra-high
count rates for elemental
an Orsay Physics Canion focused ion beam (FIB) column
d for high-res/low
voltage
imaging of non-conductive
Zeiss
SUPRA-40
FE-SEM
Zeiss
SUPRA-40
FE-SEM
Zeiss
SUPRA-40
FE-SEM
High
resolution
SEM
for
evaluation
ofof
unirradiated
specimens
•resolution
Equipped
with
Oxford
Instruments
XMax 80 x-ray energyHigh
resolution
SEM
for
evaluation
unirradiated
specimens
•• •High
SEM
for
evaluation
of
unirradiated
specimens
2 SDD
22SDD
Equipped
with
anan
80mm
SDD
XEDS
detector
for
ultra-high
count
rates
for
elemental
Equipped
with
80mm
XEDS
detector
for
ultra-high
count
rates
for
elemental
•• •Equipped
with
an
80mm
XEDS
detector
for
ultra-high
count
rates
for
elemental
dispersive
spectroscopy
(XEDS),
Oxford
electron
backscatter
identification
and
mapping
(ideally
suited
for
high-res/low
voltage
imaging
ofof
non-conductive
identification
and
mapping
(ideally
suited
for
high-res/low
voltage
imaging
non-conductive
identification
and
mapping
(ideally
suited
for
high-res/low
voltage
imaging
of
non-conductive
era for grain
orientation
and
crystallographic
diffraction (EBSD)
detector,
low vacuum secondary electron
specimens)
specimens)
specimens)
Equipped
with
EBSD
detector/camera
for
grain
orientation
and
crystallographic
Equipped
with
afast
fast
EBSD
detector/camera
for
grain
orientation
and
crystallographic
•• •Equipped
with
aafast
EBSD
detector/camera
for
grain
orientation
and
crystallographic
detector,
mono-gas
injection
system
and sample
manipulator
information
ofof
polished
samples
information
polished
samples
information
of
polished
samples
for making transmission electron microscope (TEM) lamella
Tescan
Vega-3
XMU
SEM
Tescan
Vega-3
XMU
SEMmaterials
Tescan
Vega-3
XMU
SEM
of irradiated
Attached
toto
SEM
Hot
Cell
(refer
toto
Hot
Cell
section)
Attached
SEM
Hot
Cell
(refer
Hot
Cell
section)
•• •Attached
to
SEM
Hot
Cell
(refer
to
Hot
Cell
section)
Analysis
ofof
radioactive
specimens
can
bebe
performed
using
this
equipment
Analysis
radioactive
specimens
can
performed
using
this
equipment
•• •Analysis
of
radioactive
can
be
performed
using
this
equipment
• Analysis
ofspecimens
radioactive
specimens
can
be
performed
Equipped with an 80 mm2 silicon drift detector (SDD) XEDS
detector for ultra-high count rates for elemental identification
and mapping (ideally suited for high-resolution/low voltage
LYRA-3
GMU FIB/SEM
imaging ofTescan
non-conductive
specimens)
• Equipped with a fast EBSD detector/camera for grain
Tescan
LYRA-3
GMU
FIB/SEM
Tescan
LYRA-3
GMU
FIB/SEM
Tescan
LYRA-3
GMU
FIB/SEM
orientation and crystallographic information of polished
samples
Tescan Vega-3 XMU SEM
using
ell section)
this
equipment
RJRJ
Lee
(now
ASPEX)
PSEM
Lee
(now
ASPEX)
PSEM
RJ
Lee
(now
ASPEX)
PSEM
performed
using
this
equipment
Variable
pressure
SEM
with
specimen
chamber
for
the
evaluation
ofof
large
components
Variable
pressure
SEM
with
alarge
large
specimen
chamber
for
the
evaluation
large
components
•• •Variable
pressure
SEM
with
aalarge
specimen
chamber
for
the
evaluation
of
large
components
• Attached to SEM hot cell (refer to SEM Hot Cell section)
• Analysis of radioactive specimens can be performed using
this equipment
Equipped
with
EDS
capabilities
(SiLi
detector)
Equipped
with
EDS
capabilities
(SiLi
detector)
•• •Equipped
with
EDS
capabilities
(SiLi
detector)
Analysis
ofof
radioactive
specimens
can
bebe
performed
using
this
equipment
Analysis
radioactive
specimens
can
performed
using
this
equipment
•• •Analysis
of
radioactive
specimens
can
be
performed
using
this
equipment
men chamber for the evaluation of large components
ctor)
performed using this equipment
n Alloy
High resolution SEM for evaluation of unirradiated specimens
Oxide deposits on the inside diameter
Zeiss
SUPRA-40
FE-SEM
Zeiss
SUPRA-40
FE-SEM
Zeiss
SUPRA-40
FE-SEM
High-resolution image of boiling
Oxide
deposits
on
the
ID
surface
ofof
anan
Alloy
Oxide
deposits
on
the
ID
surface
of
an
Alloy
High
resolution
image
boiling
chimneys
Oxide
deposits
on
the
ID
surface
Alloy chimneys
surface
of an Alloy
600
steam
generator
tube
in a fuel
crudofof
flake
High
resolution
image
boiling
chimneys
ininin
High
resolution
image
of
boiling
chimneys
600
steam
generator
tube
600
steam
generator
tube
crud
flake
600
steam
generator
tube
aafuel
crud
flake
afuel
fuel
crud
flake
Zeiss SUPRA-40 FE-SEM
Zeiss® SUPRA-40
FE-SEM
Tescan
Vega-3
XMU
SEM
Tescan
Vega-3
XMU
SEM
Tescan
Vega-3
XMU
SEM
(attached
toto
SEM
Hot
Cell)
(attached
to
SEM
Hot
Cell)
(attached
SEM
Hot
Cell)
High resolution image of boiling chimneys in
a fuel crud flake
FIB
preparation
ofof
irradiated
stainless
steel
specimen
for
FIB preparation FIB
of
irradiated
stainless
steel specimen
for
subsequent
transmission
preparation
of
irradiated
stainless
steel
specimen
for
FIB
preparation
irradiated
stainless
steel
specimen
for
subsequent
transmission
electron
microscopy
evaluation
subsequent
transmission
electron
microscopy
evaluation
subsequent
transmission
electron
microscopy
evaluation
electron microscopy
evaluation
ASPEX
Variable
Pressure
SEM
ASPEX
Variable
Pressure
SEM
ASPEX
Variable
Pressure
SEM
99 9
Tescan Vega-3 XMU SEM (attached to SEM hot cell)
Tescan Vega-3 XMU SEM
(attached to SEM Hot Cell)
Tescan LYRA-3 GMU FIB/SEM
17
Transmission Electron Microscopy
Transmission Electron Microscopy
MCOE’s transmission
electron
microscope
is an FEI
CM30 with electron
a scanning transmission
microscope (STEM) detector with a LaB6 source.
Specimenelectron
Preparation
Our TEM is an
FEI CM30
with a(TEM)
scanning
transmission
This TEM is also equipped with a Si(Li) X-ray energy-dispersive
spectroscopy (XEDS) detector for TEM-XEDS and STEM-XEDS analysis.
6
We can provide both conventional grinding, polishing, and
microscope (STEM) detector with a LaB source. This TEM is also
For TEM equipped
imaging, we
will abeSi
installing
(if I recall
correctly) a Gatan
Orius SC1000B, which
is an
MP CCD camera
in late
August. as well as FIB TEM
etching
to 11
perforation
of TEM
specimens,
with
(Li) X-ray
energy-dispersive
spectroscopy
specimen preparation.
for TEM-XEDS
andbeSTEM-XEDS
analysis.
Radioactive
Analysis detector
of radioactive
specimens can
performed using
this equipment.
specimens
can be analyzed using this equipment.
Specimen
Preparation
Write something in here for this.
FEI CM30 300-KV TEM equipped with an Oxford
TEM micrograph of highly neutron
FEI CM30
300 KV TEM equipped with an
TEM micrograph of highly neutron
Instruments Si Li EDS system
irradiated (i.e., ~33 dpa) stainless steel
Oxford Instruments Si Li EDS System
irradiated (i.e., ~33 dpa) stainless steel
STEM-XEDS of dispersed fuel crud
STEM-XEDS of dispersed fuel crud
Auger Electron Spectroscopy
X-Ray Diffraction
Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) is used to determine the elemental
composition of conductive and semiconductive surfaces by detecting Auger
electrons emitted from the top few angstroms of a specimen surface. The
kinetic energy spectrum of the electrons is analyzed to identify the atom of
the electron’s origin and its concentration. By using an argon sputtering gun
to remove successive layers from the surface, elemental depth profiling can
also be obtained.
X-ray diffraction (XRD) identifies materials by measuring diffracted Xrays from microcrystalline sample. MCOE’s XRD is equipped with a
high speed Si strip detector, which has increased our data acquisition
times by approximately 20 to 100 times. In addition, the equipment
includes specialized X-ray optics for performing X-ray microdiffraction and residual stress measurements.
Analysis of radioactive specimens can be performed using this
equipment.
X-Ray Diffraction
MCOE’s AES is equipped with an in situ fracture stage permitting the
chemical analysis of pristine fracture surfaces.
X-ray diffraction (XRD) identifies materials by measuring
diffracted X-rays from microcrystalline
samples.
Our XRD
Analysis
of radioactive
has a high-speed Si strip detector, which
has
increased
specimens can be data
acquisition times by approximately 20 to
100 fold.using
In addition,
performed
this
the equipment includes specialized X-ray
optics for performing
equipment.
X-ray micro-diffraction and residual stress measurements.
Radioactive specimens can be analyzed using this equipment.
PANalytical X’Pert Pro MPD X-Ray Diffractometer
VG Microlab 310D Auger Electron Spectrometer
PANalytical® X’Pert Pro MPD X-ray diffractometer
18
10
able air
ese
ents,
other
ce
Supporting Laboratories
Furnace Laboratory
Our furnace laboratory includes three 3M® Blue Box
programmable air furnaces, a vacuum furnace and two biaxial
creep furnaces, which allow for thermal annealing studies,
hydriding experiments and quenching evaluations.
Multiple additional furnaces are located throughout the site
in other laboratories.
Machine Shops
Our machine shop capabilities include two cold machine
shops and one hot machine shop, which are well equipped
with lathes, drill presses, band saws, cut-off wheels, milling
machines, grinding equipment, shear and bending equipment,
large belt and flat sanding equipment. These on-site machining
capabilities are invaluable for rapid in-house machining of
many needed custom tools, fixtures, test rig components and
specimens without using outside vendors.
Two of the machine shops machine radiologically-clean
materials, with additional machining capabilities available
for machining of both contaminated and irradiated materials,
including expert hot in-cell machining capabilities.
3M Blue Box air furnaces
Biaxial creep furnaces
Vacuum furnace
Balance Laboratory
The Churchill
site's facilities
Balance
Laboratory
include a precision balance
laboratory for high accuracy weight measurements of solid
The
MCOETo
facilities
include
a precision
for highof
samples.
maintain
cleanliness,
webalance
do notlaboratory
permit analysis
accuracy
weight
measurements
of
solid
samples.
To
maintain
powder or chemical specimens in this laboratory.
cleanliness, analysis of powder or chemical specimens is not permitted
This
also includes two Mettler Toledo® DeltaRange™
in
thislaboratory
specific laboratory.
high-precision
balances
on granite
tables
a
The laboratory includes
twopositioned
Mettler Toledo
DeltaRange
highand
precision
Keyence®
LS-7601
highspeed,
high-accuracy
charge-coupled
balances positioned on granite tables and a Keyence LS-7601 highdevice high-accuracy
(CCD) digital CCD
micrometer.
speed,
digital micrometer.
The
used forfor
a wide
variety
of specimen
weightweight
We balances
use the are
balances
a wide
variety
of specimen
measurements
including
preand
post-exposure
measurements
of
measurements, including pre- and post-exposure measurements
corrosion, oxidation, and hydriding specimens. The digital micrometer
of corrosion, oxidation and hydriding specimens. We use the
is used for high-accuracy dimensional measurements on numerous
digitalof
micrometer
high-accuracy
measurements
types
laboratory for
specimens
and hasdimensional
a repeat measurement
on
numerous
types
of
laboratory
specimens;
it
has a repeat
accuracy of +0.15 µm.
measurement accuracy of +0.15 µm.
Machine shop band saw, drill press, lathe and milling machines
Calibration Laboratory
High precision
High balance
precision balance
CCD CCD
digitaldigital
micrometer
micrometer
machine shop which are well equipped with lathes, drill presses, band saws, cut off 19
ng equipment, large belt and flat sanding equipment, etc. These on-site machining
To ensure measurement accuracy, personnel follow a rigorous
equipment calibration program that is defined and controlled by
detailed Westinghouse procedures. Currently, the site maintains
approximately 400 pieces of calibrated laboratory equipment
including inspection, measurement and test equipment. The
majority of all equipment calibrations are performed annually.
All information and images contained in this document are the property of Westinghouse
Electric Company LLC. Any use, reproduction, representation or modification, by any
means, of all or part of the information or images contained in this document without prior
written permission from Westinghouse Electric Company LLC is strictly forbidden.
AP1000 is a trademark or registered trademark of Westinghouse Electric Company LLC, its
affiliates and/or its subsidiaries in the United States of America and may be registered in other
countries throughout the world. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.
3M, Agilent, CEM, DeltaRange, Instron, Keyence, LECO, Mettler Toledo, PANalytic,
Struers, Supreme Air and Zeiss are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective owners. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
www.westinghousenuclear.com
11952
©2017 Westinghouse Electric Company LLC. All Rights Reserved