Commercial nuclear fuel rods are comprised of zircalloy tubing, uranium pellets, and zirconium end caps mounted with springs.The lower end cap is welded to the zircalloy tubing and loaded with uranium pellets. The upper end cap is welded on and the tube is evacuated and pressurized with an inert Has and welded shut.
Fuel rods placed into a commercial nuclear reactor are subject to extremely harsh conditions. Their primary function is to transfer heat from the fuel rods to the coolant which passes through the reactor. If and when these rods somehow develop a leak, radioactive debris can be passed into the coolant. This condition can lead to costly repair and cleanup efforts by both the fuel manufacturer and the utility.
In order to detect and potentially eliminate the condition noted above, two custom designed fluoroscopic micro focus systems were installed in the fuel rod fabrication line at FCF's manufacturing facility to nondestructively inspect all end cap welds generated during the fuel rod fabrication process.
To date, these systems have been used to inspect the welds on over 250,000 fuel rods. As a result, all reactors supplied with fuel produced by FCF are now operating leaker free.
Implementation of the micro focus systems have therefore been recognized by the Framatome Technologies Group as one of the leading advancements in the Framatome organization worldwide regarding innovative and creative technology.
Abstract Source:
Book of Abstracts, 7th European Conference on Non-Destructive Testing, 26-29 May 1998, ISBN: 87-986898-0-00
Full-Text Source:
Proceedings of the 7th European Conference on Non-Destructive Testing, 26-29 May 1998, ISBN:
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