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IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO LEAK TESTING OF NUCLEAR REACTOR FUEL ELEMENTS

Patent ·
OSTI ID:4131437

In the method described for leak testing a helium-filled nuclear reactor fuel element the fuel element is immersed in He to cause He to enter the sheath. The sheath is sealed, and the fuel element is transferred to a chamber filled with a gas other than He at a pressure such that, if there is a leak in the fuel element sheath, He can diffuse from the fuel element sheath through the leak into the chamber without desorption of He from the surface of the sheath. The gas in the chamber is then tested for He content without reducing the pressure of gas in the chamber below the pressure at which He desorbs from the surface of the fuel element sheath. A leak test chamber is described, which is connected to a mass spectrometer through an adjustable leak. (A.G.W.)

Research Organization:
Originating Research Org. not identified
NSA Number:
NSA-18-005471
OSTI ID:
4131437
Report Number(s):
GB 938352
Country of Publication:
United Kingdom
Language:
English

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