Patent · US Expired

Detection of fuel rod leakage

US3969187A · kind A · utility

2Cited by
4References
5Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 6, 1973
Grant dateJul 13, 1976
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 6, 1993

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02E30/30
  • WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

Nuclear reactor fuel rod leakage is determined by measurement of vibrational characteristics of a resilient, flexible means sealed within the upper end caps of the fuel elements. The flexible means, which is preferably a metallic diaphragm, is set into motion by the impact of an internal metal rod which is operated by an external magnetic field, thereby permitting an indication of the pressure inside a fuel element without disturbing the welded assembly. The metal rod is activated and the vibration measurements are made through the use of a special tool which fits near the end cap of the fuel element to be tested.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.