ULTRASONIC INSPECTION OF IRRADIATED FUEL RODS

Journal Article · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1963 · Proc. Conf. Hot Lab. Equip.

OSTI ID:4159103

Lambert, T G

An immersion ultrasonic testing facility in use at the General Electric Radioactive Materials Laboratory, Vallecitos Atomic Laboratory, Pleasanton, California for examining irradiated fuel rods is described. The tester uses pulse echo ultrasonics to study the condition of irradiated fuel cladding. Cracks as small as 5% of the wall thickness may be detected under favorable conditions, but the presence of scratches, gouges and scale may limit the test to cracks 30% of the wall or greater. The tester is composed of a stainless steel tank in which the fuel rod is immersed, handling fixtures which position the test head over the appropriate area of the rod, and associated electronic circuitry necessary to the test. All equipment was designed especially for in-cell use, with most setup and maintenance done remotely by manipulators. A year's experience showed the tester to be a valuable aid in the examination of irradiated fuel. Fuel clad defects visually undetectable were detected by the tester and later confirmed by metallographic examination. (auth)

• Research Organization: General Electric Co., San Jose, Calif.
• NSA Number: NSA-18-000639
• OSTI ID: 4159103
• Journal Information: Proc. Conf. Hot Lab. Equip., Journal Name: Proc. Conf. Hot Lab. Equip. Vol. Vol: 11th
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

CIRCUITS
CRACKS
DEFECTS
ELECTRONICS
FUEL CANS
FUEL ELEMENTS
INSPECTION
IRRADIATION
MACHINE PARTS
MAINTENANCE
MATERIALS TESTING
METALLOGRAPHY
METALS, CERAMICS, AND OTHER MATERIALS
PLANNING
PULSES
REMOTE HANDLING
RODS
STAINLESS STEELS
STORAGE
THICKNESS
ULTRASONICS
VESSELS