Method and apparatus for inspection of nuclear fuel rods
OwnerWilliam J. Wachterinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and apparatus are provided for the inspection of nuclear fuel rods to detect defects or failures in such rods. Assemblies of fuel rods are immersed in water and means are provided for causing a change in the relative pressures in the water and within the fuel rod such that material is expelled from the rod through any defects that may exist. Means are provided for detecting the emission of bubbles, or other material expelled from the rod, and for locating the position of the defective rod in the assembly. The method is also applicable to detection of contaminants in new fuel rods which may result in the development of defects in the rod.
Claims19
A method of detecting defects in nuclear fuel rods immersed in a liquid, said fuel rods containing fuel pellets and a fluid, said method comprising the steps of inducing a change in the relative pressures of said liquid and said fluid, and detecting mechanical vibration of said fuel rods
Apparatus for detecting defective nuclear fuel rods in an assembly of fuel rods immersed in a liquid, said fuel rods containing fuel pellets and a fluid, said apparatus comprising means for effecting a change in the pressure of the liquid immediately surrounding the rods relative to the pressure of said fluid within the rods, and means associated with said assembly of fuel rods for detecting vibration of the fuel rods induced by
Apparatus for detecting defective nuclear fuel rods in an assembly of fuel rods immersed in a liquid, said fuel rods containing fuel pellets and a fluid, said apparatus comprising means for effecting a reduction in the pressure of the liquid immediately surrounding the rods, and means associated with said assembly of fuel rods for detecting vibration of the fuel rods induced by emission of a bubble of said fluid from a rod into
Apparatus for detecting defective nuclear fuel rods in an assembly of fuel rods immersed in a liquid, said fuel rods containing fuel pellets and a fluid, said apparatus including means for lifting said assembly of fuel rods to a depth of immersion in the liquid such that the pressure of the liquid immediately surrounding the fuel rods is substantially reduced, said lifting means being in mechanical contact with said assembly of fuel rods, and sensing means for detecting vibration of the lifting means induced by emission of a bubble of fluid from a rod into the liquid.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.