Fuel rod leak detector
US4110620A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 10, 1975 |
| Grant date | Aug 29, 1978 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 10, 1995 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A typical embodiment of the invention detects leaking fuel rods by means of a radiation detector that measures the concentration of xenon-133 (Xe.sup.133) within each individual rod. A collimated detector that provides signals related to the energy of incident radiation is aligned with one of the ends of a fuel rod. A statistically significant sample of the gamma radiation (.gamma.-rays) that characterize Xe.sup.133 is accumulated through the detector. The data so accumulated indicates the presence of a concentration of Xe.sup.133 appropriate to a sound fuel rod, or a significantly different concentration that reflects a leaking fuel rod. PAC BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to inspection techniques, and more particularly, to a radiation detection method and apparatus for identifying leaking fuel rods within a nuclear reactor core, and the like. 2. Summary of the Prior Art Nuclear reactors for power generation, for research and for other purposes need a "critical" concentration of fissionable material. This concentration--or reactor "core"--frequently comprises an array of long, slender, hollow metal rods, or "cladding," that each contain…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.