Experimental investigation of using optical fiber sensors for monitoring pipe vibrations and potential applications in CANDU power plants

A nuclear reactor to a nuclear power plant is the same as the heart of a living human. The safe operation of the plant is directly related to the health of the reactor. Just as in the human heart, where blood circulates to deliver oxygen to the other parts of the body, coolant passes through the reactor core and distributes the heat to other parts of the nuclear power plant to drive the turbine generator for electricity generation. Similar to blood vessels (arteries and veins) near the heart, many pipes are connected to the reactor core. Just like our blood vessels, the consequences are disastrous if there is a break or a blockage. It can cause a serious accident. This project aims to explore new technologies based on fiber optic sensors to provide early detection of such events to improve the safety of nuclear power plants in Canada. This project will investigate the feasibility of using fiber optic sensors to monitor the health of the pipes.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jing Jiang

Student:

Partner:

Kinectrics Inc.

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Energy and Utilities; Technology; Information and Communications Technology

University:

The University of Western Ontario

Program: