NDE of copper canisters for long-term storage of spent nuclear fuel from the Swedish nuclear power plants

Tadeusz Stepinski

doi:10.1117/12.484346

16 July 2003 NDE of copper canisters for long-term storage of spent nuclear fuel from the Swedish nuclear power plants

Tadeusz Stepinski

Proceedings Volume 5048, Nondestructive Detection and Measurement for Homeland Security; (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.484346
Event: NDE for Health Monitoring and Diagnostics, 2003, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Sweden has been intensively developing methods for long term storage of spent fuel from the nuclear power plants for twenty-five years. A dedicated research program has been initiated and conducted by the Swedish company SKB (Swedish Nuclear Fuels and Waste Management Co.). After the interim storage SKB plans to encapsulate spent nuclear fuel in copper canisters that will be placed at a deep repository located in bedrock. The canisters filled with fuel rods will be sealed by an electron beam weld. This paper presents three complementary NDE techniques used for assessing the sealing weld in copper canisters, radiography, ultrasound, and eddy current. A powerful X-ray source and a digital detector are used for the radiography. An ultrasonic array system consisting of a phased ultrasonic array and a multi-channel electronics is used for the ultrasonic examination. The array system enables electronic focusing and rapid electronic scanning eliminating the use of a complicated mechanical scanner. A specially designed eddy current probe capable of detecting small voids at the depth up to 4 mm in copper is used for the eddy current inspection. Presently, all the NDE techniques are verified in SKB's Canister Laboratory where full scale canisters are welded and examined.

Citation Download Citation

Tadeusz Stepinski "NDE of copper canisters for long-term storage of spent nuclear fuel from the Swedish nuclear power plants", Proc. SPIE 5048, Nondestructive Detection and Measurement for Homeland Security, (16 July 2003); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.484346

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