Method and device for detecting defective nuclear fuel elements
US4684493A · kind A · utility
6Cited by
4References
8Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 16, 1983 |
| Grant date | Aug 4, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 16, 2003 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Defective fuel elements in an assembly immersed in a liquid are detected using ultrasonic absorption. A train of ultrasonic waves having a frequency and duration such that propagation takes place as Lamb waves is applied to an end portion of the sheath. The echoes are detected. Transmission and detection are repeated for different frequencies. Some frequencies are in a range corresponding to absorption by water which may be contained in the sheath. Other frequencies correspond to a range for which there is an echo at a mechanical defect of the sheath, such as a crack.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.