Method and device for detecting a leak from a fuel element of an assembly for a nuclear reactor
US5235624A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 12, 1991 |
| Grant date | Aug 10, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 12, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The fuel element is inserted into a cell, under water, in a pool. Compressed air is injected into the cell so as to drain it of water. A pressure lower than atmospheric pressure is established in the cell and then the gases contained in the cell are subjected to a stream of scavenging air and are collected in a fission product detecting unit. Water is introduced into the cell, the water in the cell is sampled, fission products in the water sample are detected and the fuel element is extracted from the cell if the possible presence of a leak from this fuel element is determined. The detection device comprises a cell having an elongate body delimiting a central housing for a fuel element and end parts. One of the end parts, traversed by a channel in the extension of the housing, receives a cap for opening and closing the channel associated with a remotely controllable opening and closing arrangement. The device also comprises a fluid circuit enabling the cell to be supplied with pressurized water and compressed air.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.