Finding the flaws in nuclear power plants

Premature pinholes in the steam generator tubing of the Indian Point 3 nuclear power plant in New York State and vibration-induced wear of the Ringhals 3 nuclear steam generator in Sweden have one thing in common: they are typical of a worldwide rash of similar aging problems that are shutting down reactors or forcing them to operate at reduced power. And wherever nuclear plants remain down for inspection and repair, consumers storm at the resulting utility rate increases to cover the purchase of replacement power. To meet the problem, fresh nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques are being devised to give earlier warning of troubles that may threaten public safety or plant availability.