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Sample container for high-resolution neutron imaging of spent nuclear fuel cladding sections
Pavel Trtik1, Robert Zubler2, Weijia Gong2
1Laboratory for Neutron Scattering and Imaging (LNS), Paul Scherrer Institut, CH-5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|June 4, 2020
Summary
High-resolution neutron imaging was used to examine irradiated nuclear fuel cladding for the first time. This technique revealed hydride accumulations and precipitation, confirming the method
Area of Science:
- Nuclear engineering
- Materials science
- Radiochemistry
Background:
- Nuclear fuel cladding integrity is crucial for reactor safety.
- Understanding hydrogen behavior in cladding is essential for predicting fuel performance.
- Previous imaging techniques lacked the resolution to detail microstructural hydride features.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and validate high-resolution neutron imaging for irradiated nuclear fuel cladding.
- To develop a specialized handling and measurement procedure for highly radioactive samples.
- To investigate hydride distribution in operational nuclear fuel cladding.
Main Methods:
- Development of a shielded "active box" for safe handling of radioactive samples.
- Utilizing a neutron microscope detector with 13 μm spatial resolution.
- Comparative analysis of unirradiated and irradiated duplex cladding sections.
Main Results:
- Successful application of high-resolution neutron imaging to irradiated fuel cladding.
- Identification of long circumferential hydride accumulations.
- Observation of significant hydride precipitation at the liner-substrate interface.
Conclusions:
- The developed "active box" and neutron imaging procedure are effective for analyzing radioactive cladding.
- High-resolution neutron imaging provides unprecedented detail on hydride formation in nuclear fuel cladding.
- This technique is applicable for assessing fuel integrity and performance under operational conditions.
