Browsing by Author "McDonald, NR"
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- ItemApplication of acoustic emission monitoring to pressure tests of a steam receiver vessel with flawed nozzle welds.(Australian Atomic Energy Commission, 1976-01) Woodward, B; McDonald, NR; Hincksman, MJAs part of the first stage of an Australian Welding Research Association co-operative research project, acoustic emission monitoring has been applied to a steam receiver vessel withdrawn from service owing to severe weld cracking. This technique is used to check acceptance standards for defects in nozzle welds and to apply modern methods of assessing the integrity of pressurised plant. Acoustic emission monitoring has been used, together with strain gauge measurements and ultrasonic scanning, to detect the occurrence of any significant defect growth during cyclic pressurisation of the vessel. During this first stage, no significant defect growth has been produced by 1000 cycles of pressure up to 24.1 MPa (3500 psi), subsequent pressurisation up to 35.8 MPa (5200 psi), or 97 per cent of the expected yield stress of the vessel shell. The small amount of acoustic emission detected was consistent with this result.
- ItemLife assessment and extension of HIFAR(The Institution of Engineers Australia, 1994-05-01) Jostsons, A; McDonald, NR; Moss, CJHIFAR has now operated safely for more than 30 years, well beyond the original design expectations, with excellent availability for research and production of radioisotopes. The main reason for the longevity of HIFAR is the degree of conservatism of the design in the 1950's. The key components that affect the estimate of the useful life of HIFAR are presented. They include: the reactor aluminium tank (RAT), the graphite reflector and the reactor steel tank (RST) and shield cooling coils. An assessment of these components indicates that there are no foreseeable technical limitations to the operating life for the continued operation of HIFAR to 2025 at 10MW, in full compliance with safety requirements, provided that attention is paid to operating regimes, regular maintenance and replacement of other components. The costs of refurbishment of HIFAR and its facilities to the year 2025 are considerable. The paper concludes that the main risk from life extension is economic.