CERENKOV LIGHT IMAGES OF IRRADIATED LWR FUEL ASSEMBLIES

Year
1989
Author(s)
G.J. Young - Atomic Energy of Canada Limited
A. Nilsson - Swedish Nuclear Power Inspectorate
N. Danielsson - Swedish Nuclear Power Inspectorate
J. D. Chen - Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd.
P. Vodraska - International Atomic Energy Agency
A. Nakaoka - Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry
Abstract
Cerenkov light images from boiling-water reactor (BWR) and pressurized-water reactor (PWR) irradiated fuel assemblies were assessed using three different types of Cerenkov viewing devices. The fuel was examined at the Ringhals and Forsmark Nuclear Power Plants in Sweden. The fuel burnup ranged from 20 000 to 40 000 MWd/t U and the cooling time ranged from 0.5 to 7 years. A specially designed tripod mount was used to hold three Cerenkov Viewing Devices (CVDs) and a normal camera. The plate holding the instruments was capable of aligning each device directly over a single fuel assembly without needing to move the tripod itself. Cameras were attached to each CVD to document the Cerenkov images. In addition, telephoto lenses were attached to the CVDs to determine whether any additional information could be observed compared to the normal lenses used on the CVDs. The photographic results of these tests are given and the unique Cerenkov glow characteristics are discussed.