Generation IV nuclear power plants will require comprehensive and cost-effective methods for monitoring plant wire and cable. Current methods primarily focus on correlating mechanical or chemical laboratory measurements of samples retrieved from installed wire and cable in the plant with acceleration-aged data. However, physical access to samples is often difficult and time-intensive, and laboratory testing is expensive. This project will develop technology for correlating an in situ electrical measurement to the age-related degradation of the insulation to provide an indication of the remaining cable life. Phase I will show the feasibility of the monitoring approach by performing acceleration-age tests of conductive composites of candidate insulation materials. Correlation of electrical changes with age and known mechanical and chemical effects will provide an indication of the remaining lifetime of the insulation material. Commercial Applications And Other Benefits as described by awardee: An electrical in situ approach should take cable condition monitoring from the laboratory into the field, resulting in reduced cost compared to present methods. Also, eliminating sample retrieval would improve personnel and equipment safety, and allow the condition monitoring of otherwise inaccessible areas. This approach should also have application to monitoring the remaining life of other polymeric materials such as seals, gaskets, and structural components.
