Apparatus for detecting reactor fuel tube failures

Patent · Mon Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1973

OSTI ID:4386804

Jones, C R

Apparatus for detecting reactor fuel element failures within an assembly of fuel elements is described in which a sampling device with a test chamber is disposed over an assembly of sealed fuel elements after a nuclear power plant has been shut down and preparation for fuel removal has been completed. Air is conducted through the sampling device to displace the coolant, such as water, in the test chamber above the assembly of fuel elements and to inhibit the circulation of the coolant about the assemblies of fuel elements. As a consequence thereof, the fuel elements of an assembly of fuel elements become heated and fission products are emitted from the defective fuel elements to cause an increase of radio-activity in the water about the assembly of fuel elements. Coolant within or about the assembly of fuel elements is then removed by the sampling device and conducted to a sampling station. At the sampling station is a vial containing a chemical to concentrate the fission products such as an iodine getter, which is exposed to the coolant conducted to the sampling station. The vials containing sample coolant concentrate are moved from the sampling station to a gamma scanner. The gamma scanner senses the activity level of the selected isotope contained in the coolant sample, which is used for detecting the failure of fuel elements within an assembly of fuel elements. (Official Gazette)

• Research Organization: Originating Research Org. not identified
• NSA Number: NSA-29-012136
• Assignee: to Transfer Systems Inc.
• Patent Number(s): US 3762993
• OSTI ID: 4386804
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

*FAILED ELEMENT MONITORS-- DESIGN
COOLANTS
FAILURES
FISSION PRODUCTS
FUEL CANS
FUEL ELEMENTS
N79200* --Reactors--Reactor Components & Accessories
PATENTS
RADIATION DETECTION
SAMPLING
WATER COOLED REACTORS