Nuclear reactor of the pebble bed type

A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which includes scanning the fuel sphere with X-rays by means of a computerised tomography scanner and producing a digital image of the fuel sphere.

A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which includes the further step of comparing features of the representation with predetermined specifications to ascertain whether or not the fuel sphere complies with the specifications.

A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which includes the steps of

• performing an initial identification of each fuel sphere prior to loading of the sphere into a reactor core vessel;
• and
• performing at least one further identification of each fuel sphere.

A nuclear plant having a reactor of the pebble bed type, the plant including a reactor core vessel having

• at least one fuel loading inlet connected to the core vessel of the reactor for loading fuel elements into the reactor core;
• and
• a first scanning means arranged upstream of the or each fuel loading inlet to scan each fuel sphere entering the inlet to ascertain compliance with predetermined specifications before loading of the sphere into the reactor core.

A fuel element for use in a pebble bed reactor which is generally spherical and includes

• a plurality of fuel particles;
• and
• at least one identification element.

A new method, plant or fuel element, substantially as described herein.