FUEL SLUG RUPTURE DETECTOR

Patent · Wed Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1961

OSTI ID:4068349

Paul, R S

An apparatus is described which detects ruptured fuel slugs and their location within a reactor having coolant channels positioned in a square lattice forming a plurality of vertical columns and horizontal rows of coolant channels. An elevator, which is positionable along the face of the reactor, is used to load and unload the coolant channels. In the instant apparatus, an I-beam is attached to the elevator and supports a plurality of radiation detectors arranged in a horizontal row, one detector for each vertical column of coolant channels. Each radiation detector is adapt to receive radiation only from the associated coolant channel in the vertical row. The outputs of the radiation detectors are each connected through an integrating circuit to a respective contact on a rotary switch. The rotary switch is adapted to sequentially engage each of the stationary contacts and transmit the output therefrom to an oscilloscope display where a pulse is shown for the output of each radiation detector. The oscilloscope beam makes one horizontal sweep for each revolution of the rotary switch. Thus, as the elevator is then raised or lowered, the condition of the fuel slugs in the coolant channels may be monitored.

• Research Organization: Originating Research Org. not identified
• NSA Number: NSA-15-013135
• Assignee: DTIE; NSA-15-013135
• Patent Number(s): US 2974096
• OSTI ID: 4068349
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

CIRCUITS
COOLANT LOOPS
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
ENGINEERING AND EQUIPMENT
FUEL ELEMENTS
LATTICES
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES
MONITORING
OSCILLOGRAPHS
PULSES
RADIATION DETECTORS
REACTORS
SAFETY
SWITCHES