DETECTION OF PARTIAL DEFECTS USING A DIGITAL CERENKOV VIEWING DEVICE

Year
2008
Author(s)
B. Lindberg - LENS-TECH AB
M. Larsson - Swedish Nuclear Power Inspectorate
K. Axell - Swedish Nuclear Power Inspectorate
J. Dahlberg - Swedish Nuclear Power Inspectorate
J.D. Chen - Channel Systems Inc.
A.F. Gerwing - Channel Systems Inc.
D.A. Parcey - Channel Systems Inc.
B. Wilcox - Channel Systems Inc.
R. Kosierb - Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
E. Sundkvist - Mindcell AB, Falugatan
F. Vinna - Mindcell AB, Falugatan
Abstract
The results of studies on the ability of the digital Cerenkov viewing device (DCVD-e) to detect missing and substituted rods are given. Measurements were performed on BWR and PWR spent fuel assemblies with missing and substituted Zircaloy rods. A single missing rod can be easily detected provided the view of the position is not obstructed by the lifting handle or top plate. Missing fuel rods can be differentiated from partial-length fuel rods. Quantitative results are given for the detection of substituted Zircaloy rods.