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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Nondestructive analysis of irradiated fuels. [BWR; PWR; LMFBR]

Conference ·
OSTI ID:5217224
The principal nondestructive examination techniques presently used to assess the physical integrity of reactor fuels and cladding materials include gamma-scanning, profilometry, eddy current, visual inspection, rod-to-rod spacing, and neutron radiography. LWR fuels are generally examined during annual refueling outages, and are conducted underwater in the spent fuel pool. FBR fuels are primarily examined in hot cells after fuel discharge. Although the NDE techniques are identical, LWR fuel examinations emphasize tests to demonstrate adherence to technical specification and reliable fuel performance; whereas, FBR fuel examinations emphasize aspects more related to the relative performance of different types of fuel and cladding materials subjected to variable irradiation conditions.
Research Organization:
Exxon Nuclear Co., Inc., Richland, Wash. (USA); Westinghouse Hanford Co., Richland, Wash. (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
EY-76-C-14-2170
OSTI ID:
5217224
Report Number(s):
HEDL-SA-1350; CONF-771036-14
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English