Neutron Computerized Tomography (CT) of the non-irradiated fuel rod

Abstract

Due to the special and difficult conditions for the fuel rods inside the reactor core, inspection and quality control of the fuel after the production at the factory and before loading in the core of the reactor is essential. This process is carried out using various non-destructive tests. Generally, neutron radiography is one of the most important non-destructive tools for fresh fuel inspection. In the present work, neutron computerized tomography (CT) of a depleted TRIGA fuel rod is investigated using a digital detection system which includes a scintillator screen, a mirror, and a CCD camera. The experiments were performed in the INUS neutron radiography facility. The results show that the structure and components of the fuel rod such, as pellets and springs, are well visible by using the neutron tomography technique and it can be utilized for precise investigation of the fuel rod’s structure after production at the factory.

Keywords

• neutron ct
• fuel rod
• non-destructive test
• radiography
• triga reactor