Method for determining clad integrity of a nuclear fuel rod
A method is disclosed for testing the clad integrity of a nuclear fuel rod, comprising the first step of fabricating a sealed fuel rod with a wad of electrically conducting material mounted therein. The material is of a type that undergoes a permanent change in electrical conductivity when exposed to water. The next step is to establish an eddy current signal characteristic of the moisture-free rod. The rod is then loaded into the core as part of a fuel assembly. After the producing power, the assembly is removed for inspection, and an eddy current signal is again obtained from the rod. The eddy current signals are compared to determine whether inleakage of moisture has oxidized or otherwise altered the conductivity of the wad enough to significantly change the characteristic signal.
- Assignee:
- Combustion Engineering, Inc.
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4402904
- OSTI ID:
- 5386646
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: Filed date 18 Dec 1980; Other Information: PAT-APPL-217713
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
FUEL RODS
TESTING
WATER COOLED REACTORS
CLADDING
ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY
FUEL ASSEMBLIES
NUCLEAR FUELS
REACTOR SAFETY
SIGNALS
DEPOSITION
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
ENERGY SOURCES
FUEL ELEMENTS
FUELS
MATERIALS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
REACTOR COMPONENTS
REACTOR MATERIALS
REACTORS
SAFETY
SURFACE COATING
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