Visual inspection system for radioactive fuel assemblies using fiberoptics
US4764334A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 17, 1983 |
| Grant date | Aug 16, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 17, 2003 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A visual inspection system is described for radioactive nuclear fuel assemblies using fiberoptic technology. The system is provided in an underwater environment in a spent fuel pool and includes a radiation resistant fiberscope/closed circuit television camera system coupled to a three axes manipulator system. The fiberscope includes a radiation resistant fiberoptic image guide having a core manufactured of ultrapure silicon dioxide material so as to minimize transmission losses. The system provides the capability of performing visual inspection of the interior of radioactive nuclear fuel assemblies having channels formed between adjacent fuel elements as small as 0.070 inches. The fuel elements to be visually inspected are illuminated by a laser coupled to a fiberoptic light guide arranged adjacent to the fiberoptic image guide.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.