What makes a suitable linear measurement device for a radioactive environment?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on identifying suitable linear measurement devices for use in radioactive environments, specifically within nuclear reactors. Participants explore the criteria for selecting such instruments and consider various technologies that could replace existing mechanical devices.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests starting with known selection criteria that distinguish instruments suitable for radioactive environments.
  • Another participant proposes non-contact laser interferometry as a potential solution for measuring relative displacements, provided the laser can be positioned outside the reactor vessel.
  • Concerns are raised about the lack of details regarding accuracy, measurement length, and the specific parameters of what needs to be measured.
  • A later reply clarifies that the measurement required is the diameter of graphite bricks in a nuclear reactor core, emphasizing the importance of accuracy to detect shrinkage or misalignment.
  • Criteria mentioned for suitable instruments include the ability to function in hostile environments with varying temperature and pressure, ease of maintenance post-deployment, and resilience to radiation effects on functionality.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the best measurement device, and multiple competing views regarding suitable technologies and criteria remain present.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the need for more specific details on measurement requirements and the potential impact of radiation on different measurement technologies.

mistry
Messages
9
Reaction score
0
Hi, I am on a placement year with an engineering company who design tools for the nuclear industry. One of the tasks I have been given looks at what linear measurement devices can be used in a radioactive environment? I havn't been able to find much and was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction. I am basically looking at what can be used to replace the current mechanical device and has the capabilites of being used in a reactor.
Thanks is advance
Am
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Let's start by listing some of the known selection criteria you need. What distinguishes an instrument that can be used in a radioactive environment?
 
FredGarvin said:
Let's start by listing some of the known selection criteria you need. What distinguishes an instrument that can be used in a radioactive environment?

...and whether you need to measure absolute distances or relative displacements. If relative displacements, then non-contact laser interferometry would be a good choice:

http://www.home.agilent.com/agilent...00386.0.00&id=1000000394:epsg:pgr&cmpid=93152

It's rad hard, as long as you can place the laser outside the main vessel, and use optical windows to get the laser into the vessel.
 
The laser device was going to be my first thought, but it depends on quite a few things from what I have seen of them. The OP has no mention of accuracy, length of measurement, what is being measured, etc...
 
Firstly to clarify. the measurment that needs to be taken is of the diameter of the graphite bricks which make up a nuclear reactor core. The measurment instrument needs to be integrated into a 1m inspection unit which performs core montioring of graphite bricks and fuel channels. The idea is to integrate a new measurement device into this tool to allow measurment to be taken. Standard diameter values of anout 600mm. The aim of taking the measurment is to determine if bricks have shrunk or have be misaligned - therefore accuracy is important.

The point : 'what distinguishes an instrument that be used in radioactive environment'.
The criteria that i am currently looking at is - it must be able to work in a hostile environment with changing temperature and pressure. In addition it needs to be easily maintainable because, once it has been deployed in a reactor it becomes radioactive. Also radioation cannon affect the function of the measurement.

Thanks
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K