FUEL & FUEL CYCLE | COVER STORY
In 2020, Studsvik decided to upgrade and replace parts of the
periscope equipment used for visual inspection of nuclear fuel rods and other highly radioactive materials. The equipment is one of its most utilised and is a central piece of equipment in its laboratory
manually move and take pictures of the rod or choose to perform an automatic inspection. Camera and light settings can be adjusted to achieve the best possible image quality, something that is often a challenge in the hot-cell environment due to the strong yellow light of its sodium lamps. The images are calibrated to provide the real-life position
of each pixel and this calibration information is stored, together with the images, so it can be used during future inspections. The associated analysis software can be used to measure distances and sizes of defects on the fuel from the captured images. The software also enables the user to change the colour
balance of the images and look at two successive images together. There are also features to re-save an image and to easily save information about the position of a defect together with a related comment. The bulk of the visual inspection can thus be performed outside the hot cell, greatly reducing the bottleneck effect of the in-cell inspection.
Improving the measurement system The new inspection system secures continued operation, but it also significantly increases Studsvik’s measurement capacity, since many of the new system features are automated. One key aspect is that inspecting a fuel segment is
substantially faster than before, so the hot cell is better utilised. The time required to image a one-metre fuel segment has been reduced from several hours to about 30 minutes. The inspection system can also be operated remotely which improved the ergonomics for the operator. Finally, both the inspection system and the translation
stage can now be serviced without entering the hot cell. This is a great improvement, since the hot cells are not required to be shut down during system maintenance.
The new system allows:
● Fast, automatic inspection of the whole rod. ● Automatic measurements of the diameter along the fuel rod.
● Automatic stitching of images along a rod. ● Manual inspection of defects. ● Remote supervision and control. ● Data storage of image information, such as resolution, position, and diameter profile.
● Offline inspection of stored images.
Smart updates When updating systems in the nuclear industry Niklas Snis, head of fuel testing at Studsvik Nuclear recommends careful consideration of the need to modify quality and safety-related documentation. This can result in a significant amount of work. The smart approach is therefore to update a system in a way that keeps this documentation valid even after the new system is implemented. With proper preparation and assessment of the equipment it is often possible to improve the performance and usability of a system without too much change to safety and quality documentation. An environment such as Studsvik’s hot cell laboratory
also often requires reuse of parts and concepts. Having a partner like DVel that has the flexibility and skills to integrate new equipment or software with older hardware is critical for a successful system upgrade. The close collaboration between Studsvik and DVel will
continue to help Studsvik keep evolving its solutions. The general knowledge DVel has of Studsvik’s many customised hot cell systems facilitates a proactive approach, with smart new features developed as ideas emerge. This way Studsvik can develop its methods and techniques in an innovative way and keep on providing its services to the nuclear industry. ■
www.neimagazine.com | January 2022 | 19
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