Hall-Plate Measurements of Magnetite Buildup in Pressurized-Water Reactor Steam Generators

A variable reluctance probe using Hall plates as the sensing elements has been designed, constructed, and field tested in an attempt to provide a measuring technique for the detection of magnetite build. up in the crevice gap region of pressurized water reactor steam generator units. Experimental and theoretical modeling results show that such a probe is sensitive to crevice gap conditions and could possibly be used to determine the effectiveness of chemical flushing procedures.