Automated leak test systems

Conference · Mon Sep 15 04:00:00 EDT 1997

OSTI ID:570109

Cordaro, J V; Thompson, W D; Reeves, G

An automated leak test system for tritium shipping containers has been developed at Westinghouse Savannah River Co. (WSRC). The leak detection system employs a computer controlled helium detector which allows an operator to enter key information when prompted. The software for controlling the tests and the equipment apparatus were both designed and manufactured at the Savannah River Technology Center within WSRC. Recertification Test: Every twelve months, the pressure vessel portion of the shipping container itself must undergo a rigorous recertification leak test. After an empty pressure vessel (shipping container) is assembled, it is placed into one of six stainless steel belljars for helium leak testing. The belljars are fashioned in row much the same as assembly line arrangement. Post-load Test: A post-load leak test is performed upon reservoirs that have been filled with tritium and placed inside the shipping containers mentioned above. These leak tests are performed by a rate-of-rise method where the area around the shipping container seals is evacuated, valved off from the vacuum pump, and then the vacuum pressure is monitored over a two-minute period. The Post Load Leak Test is a quality verification test to ensure that the shipping container has been correctly assembled. 2 figs.

• Research Organization: Westinghouse Savannah River Co., Aiken, SC (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC09-96SR18500
• OSTI ID: 570109
• Report Number(s): WSRC-MS--97-00668; CONF-970954--; ON: DE97054349
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

05 NUCLEAR FUELS
AUTOMATION
CONTAINERS
LEAK DETECTORS
LEAKS
TRITIUM