Patent
1976-02-11
1978-11-21
Engle, Samuel W.
176 19R, 73590, 73592, G21C 1700
Patent
active
041265149
ABSTRACT:
A method for detecting and locating defective fuel elements in a liquid cooled nuclear reactor employing a sonic/ultrasonic dual test. In accordance with the invention acoustic transducers, sensitive to a broad range of frequencies ranging from the audio to ultrasonic range, are respectively coupled to the exposed top end plugs of the fuel elements of a nuclear reactor fuel assembly. The respective fuel assemblies are voided of coolant, raising the temperature of the individual elements to a point that will boil any liquid coolant present in a defective fuel tube. The audio output of each transducer is translated into a graphic display identifying the presence and location of defective fuel elements. At prescribed intervals passive acoustic monitoring is interrupted for a pulse-echo attenuation measurement of each element. The respective transducers are sequentially energized, communicating pulsed acoustic energy along the fuel element cladding. Attenuation of the acoustic pulses, propagating along the cladding, is highly dependent upon small quantities of moisture in contact with the inside surface of the cladding. The respective transducers monitor attenuation of the reflected energy as a further indication of fuel element defects.
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Abeles D. C.
Cangialosi S. A.
Dermer Z. L.
Engle Samuel W.
Westinghouse Electric Corp.
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