Aging Mechanisms and Non-Destructive Aging Indicators of XLPE/CSPE Unshielded LV Nuclear Power Cables Subjected to Simultaneous Radiation-Mechanical Aging

Abstract

Low-voltage cable systems in nuclear power plants are key components that have a crucial role in the safe operation of nuclear facilities. Thus, the aging management of cable systems is of utmost importance as they cannot easily or economically be replaced or upgraded. Therefore, there is a continuous need to develop reliable non-destructive condition monitoring techniques, mostly based on the measurement of the dielectric properties of cable insulation. This paper introduces the changing of dielectric and mechanical properties of XLPE insulated and CSPE jacketed unshielded low-voltage nuclear power plant power cable in case of simultaneous mechanical and radiation aging. The cable samples were bent and exposed to 400 kGy gamma irradiation with a 0.5 kGy/hr dose rate. Dielectric response (real and imaginary permittivity) in the 0.1 Hz−1 kHz frequency range, extended voltage response (EVR), and the Shore D hardness test techniques were measured to track aging. The electrical and mechanical parameters have increased monotonically with aging, except the imaginary permittivity, which increased only at frequencies higher than 10 Hz. Furthermore, different quantities were deducted based on the frequency and permittivity data. The electrical parameters and deducted quantities correlation with aging and mechanical parameters were investigated. Since the deducted quantities and the electrical parameters are strongly correlated with absorbed dose and mechanical properties, the electrical measurements can be applied as a non-destructive aging indicator for XLPE/CSPE unshielded low-voltage nuclear power cables.