Method and apparatus for ultrasonic testing of nuclear fuel rods employing an alignment guide.

摘要

A method and apparatus for eliminating erroneous test readings during ultrasonic testing of nuclear fuel rods (21) is disclosed. The method and apparatus employ the use of an alignment guide (30) to effect temporary alignment of the fuel rods (21) during testing in order to overcome mechanical deviations of the rods. The alignment guide (30) includes elongated, parallel guide bars (31) for insertion into an array prior to ultrasonic testing. The bars (31) are mounted on a base (34) which, in turn, is movably mounted on a support element. A fixed guide (35) maintains the relative position of the guide bars (31) with respect to one another. A hydraulic element (37) causes the guide bars (31) to be inserted into and removed from the fuel array. In a preferred arrangement, the alignment guide (30) may be removably mounted on a frame (11) containing the ultrasonic testing equipment. <IMAGE>