Control of nuclear fuel element leaks - by measuring contamination of liquid in container caused by decomposition products

摘要

Control of leaks in nuclear fuel elements comprises placing the element with liquid in a container and measuring the radioactivity of the liquid before controlling the leak. A second measurement is made after a dwell time sufficient for the stream of decomposition products from the element to contaminate the liquid. The two are then compared. The decomposition product stream is increased by creating or current in the liquid. Pref. a sump is connected to the container to circulate the liquid. A sampling device is pref. incorporated in the circuit.