Measuring nuclear fuel burnup
US4881247A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 16, 1989 |
| Grant date | Nov 14, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 16, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for measuring the burnup of nuclear fuel. A curve giving the calculated relationship between the fast neutron emission rate and the burnup of fuel is prepared. The fast neutron counting rate from a sample of nuclear fuel of known burnup is measured and the proportionality ratio between that measurement and the fast neutron emission given by the curve for the same burnup is determined. The fast neutron counting rate of nuclear fuel of unknown burnup is then measured and multiplied by the proportionality ratio to determine the fast neutron emission rate, from which the unknown burnup is then determined by means of the curve.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.