Use Cases
Elevation and displacement tracking
in nuclear infrastructures
Summary
When Structural Shifts Matter, Precision Matters More
In high-stakes environments such as nuclear facilities, structural integrity is non-negotiable. During extreme testing phases like wall pressurization, even micron-scale floor movements must be detected with precision and confidence.
Monitoring Floor Stability in Nuclear Power Plants with FOGALE GEODYN
The challenge
Pressure testing of nuclear power plant containment walls induces significant mechanical stress on surrounding structures—including the floor slab. Without accurate levelling systems, these deformations may go undetected, potentially compromising long-term safety and alignment.
Challenges faced include:
- Micrometric Deformation Detection – Required measurement precision is in the range of ±10 μm over distances of hundreds of meters.
- Environmental Compensation – The system must account for thermal expansion, water column effects, and long-term sensor drift.
- Complex Setup and Validation – Sensor similarity, pipe connections, and stabilization time are all critical to final accuracy.
- Real-Time Monitoring Requirements – Continuous data acquisition during pressurization requires reliable, low-noise measurements.
APPLICATIONS IN CIVIL AND NUCLEAR INFRASTRUCTURE
- Nuclear Plant Containment Testing – Validates structural deformation during wall pressure tests.
- Long-Term Civil Monitoring – Tracks foundation shifts or slab movement over months or years.
- Sensitive Floor-Leveling Needs – Ensures planarity and deflection control in precision manufacturing or cleanroom environments.
- Seismic Stability Studies – Monitors site deformation post-seismic or during load evolution campaigns.
The solution
GEODYN is designed for high-precision differential elevation measurements using a communicating liquid system. It leverages the natural properties of water level and advanced sensor technology to provide real-time measurements across large surfaces—ideal for floor movement analysis during containment wall testing.
Key features:
- High Accuracy – Measurement resolution of ±10 µm, validated during full-scale nuclear containment wall pressure tests.
- Sensor Stability and Repeatability – Sensors use free-surface liquid principles and capacitive sensing for long-term performance.
- Full Network Integration – Sensors linked via liquid-filled tubing and connected to PC-based acquisition systems.
- Real-Time Data Display – PC interface enables instant visualization and data logging during pressurization events.
KEY ADVANTAGES
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Capacitive Hydrostatic Sensors | Micrometric precision over extended distances |
| Non-Invasive Measurement | No mechanical linkage—ideal for inaccessible zones |
| Easy System Validation | Reference thickness checks confirm accuracy |
| Continuous Real-Time Output | Data displayed instantly on PC during critical tests |
| Proven in Nuclear Environment | Field-tested under live pressure testing |
The results
GEODYN offers unmatched precision for monitoring deformations in critical infrastructure. Whether used during short-term pressure testing or long-term operational supervision, HLS ensures the smallest movements don’t go unnoticed—protecting structural integrity in even the most demanding applications.