Exxon Nuclear Company, Inc.

Advanced Nuclear Fuels Corporation

Quang D Ho

Leo F Van Swam

Thomas R Blair

Nuclear fuel rods are checked for the presence of water in their interior by injecting bursts of ultrasound radially into the wall of each tube, producing echoing back and forth between the inner and outer surfaces of the tube. The rate of decay of this echoing indicates whether or not water is present.

Method and apparatus for detecting failed fuel rods (ENC-189)

A mechanism for testing fuel tubes in nuclear fuel bundles includes a carriage, carrying an elongated probe, and a grooved plate. The grooves are parallel to the probe and are spaced by the same distances as rows of tubes in the fuel bundle. They are connected at at least one end. A pin on the carriage fits in the grooves. A hydraulic cylinder reciprocates the carriage longitudinally of the grooves and a pneumatic cylinder urges it laterally, so that the pin moves from groove to groove at the end of each stroke.

Growing community of inventors

West Richland, WA, United States of America

Quang D Ho