Nuclear fuel rod end plug weld inspection
US4554128A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 1, 1983 |
| Grant date | Nov 19, 1985 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 1, 2003 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus and method for testing TIG (tungsten inert gas) welds of end plugs on a sealed nuclear reactor fuel rod. An X-ray fluorescent spectrograph testing unit detects tungsten inclusion weld defects in the top end plug's seal weld. Separate ultrasonic weld inspection system testing units test the top end plug's seal and girth welds and test the bottom end plug's girth weld for penetration, porosity and wall thinning defects. The nuclear fuel rod is automatically moved into and out from each testing unit and is automatically transported between the testing units by rod handling devices. A controller supervises the operation of the testing units and the rod handling devices.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.