Inventors:
William S. Bacvinskas - Bethel Park PA
John E. Bayer - Pittsburgh PA
William W. Davis - West Mifflin PA
George Fodor - Pittsburgh PA
Thomas J. Kikta - Pittsburgh PA
Richard L. Matchett - Bethel Park PA
Roy J. Nilsen - Pittsburgh PA
Rosemarie Wilczynski - McKees Rocks PA
Assignee:
The United States of America as represented by the United States
Department of Energy - Washington DC
International Classification:
G21C 1700
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a semi-automatic rod examination gauge for performing a large number of exacting measurements on radioactive fuel rods. The rod examination gauge performs various measurements underwater with remote controlled machinery of high reliability. The rod examination gauge includes instruments and a closed circuit television camera for measuring fuel rod length, free hanging bow measurement, diameter measurement, oxide thickness measurement, cladding defect examination, rod ovality measurement, wear mark depth and volume measurement, as well as visual examination. A control system is provided including a programmable logic controller and a computer for providing a programmed sequence of operations for the rod examination and collection of data.