Performance evaluation of a novel gamma transmission micro-densitometer for PIE of nuclear fuel. (July 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Senis, L.; Rathore, V.; Andersson, P.; Johnson, K.; Jädernäs, D.; Losin, C.; Minghetti, D.; Wright, J.; Schrire, D.
• Is Part Of: Annals of nuclear energy. Volume 187(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-07
• Subjects: Gamma-transmission densitometry -- Post-irradiation examination -- Nuclear fuel inspection; Nuclear energy -- Periodicals; Nuclear engineering -- Periodicals; 621.4805
• DOI: 10.1016/j.anucene.2023.109783
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-4549

Abstract

Highlights: A novel gamma transmission densitometer is presented for post-irradiation examination of nuclear fuel. The densitometer performance was characterized by a dedicated test campaign in a hot cell laboratory. For a set of calibration standards, the local density was measured with a discrepancy of few percent. A spatial resolution of a few hundred microns was obtained and quantified using an edge spread test. The density profile of an irradiated accident-tolerant fuel sample was measured to demonstrate the measurement concept. Abstract: Collimated Gamma Transmission Micro-Densitometry (GTMD) is a novel technique proposed to investigate local density variations of nuclear fuel in PIE, with a high spatial resolution. In this work, the first experimental tests of a gamma micro-densitometer are presented and the performance is characterized. The experimental procedures are described, including the aligning process and the calibration methodology. The results demonstrated that for the calibration samples with a thickness above 5 mm, a local density was obtained with a maximum discrepancy of about 2% and a spatial resolution of about 280 µm. The setup was used for the first test on an irradiated ADOPT TM fuel pellet slice. From the measurement, an average bulk density of about 9.58 g/cm 3 was calculated and local density features were observed, possibly related to rim effects or the presence of local cracks. The information acquired also presented valuable information for possible improvements in the setup's performance.