Nuclear engineering and services
Focus on the innovative CHIME + NDT process
In the nuclear industry, non-destructive testing (NDT) of piping systems is used to detect defects and monitor their potential development. In this way, they help guarantee the safety of nuclear installations. Onet Technologies has developed an innovative NDT process: CHIME +.
What is the innovative CHIME + process?
CHIME + provides a highly accurate estimate of the percentage of residual corrosion in pipes, using two multi-element ultrasonic sensors, which in turn act as transmitters and/or receivers. Ultra-sound images are generated from these sensors.
This project received government funding as part of the France Relance plan.
How does CHIME + work?
The combination of three acquisition channels, one CHIME channel and two pulse-echo channels, will provide an accurate estimate of corrosion. These sensors are mounted on a carrier, which is also innovative in that it is motorized and remote-controlled. This carrier will be particularly advantageous in the dry tunnel environment, especially when the piping is very close to the wall and the operator cannot access the area to be monitored. The fact that the carrier is motorized means that it can be used in areas which are not normally accessible.
This new process has the advantage of being more efficient, more reproducible, more reliable, and easier to install on pipes. It also provides excellent data traceability, since all signals are recorded.
What next?
The innovative CHIME + process was developed for EDF, for the dry pipe inspection market. Tomorrow, however, it will be used in other markets, as corrosion can occur anywhere, notably in the petrochemical sector. CHIME + could also soon be used in the construction of new nuclear power plants.
The next stage in the CHIME + project? Testing the equipment in a nuclear power plant, so that it can be validated by EDF.
Thanks to Célia Chevallier, head of Onet Technologies' NDT R&D unit, and her team for their contribution. And a big well done to the Onet Technologies R&D team for developing this innovative process!
Innovation at the heart of our strategy
Onet Technologies' investments in innovation reflect our constant desire to move forward, to anticipate tomorrow's trends. Research & Development projects enable us to develop new know-how, innovative processes and new techniques to enhance our customers' performance.
Our innovative approach is also in line with the Onet Group's CSR policy, which focuses on two key areas: employee safety and respect for the environment.
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Nuclear engineering and services
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