Patent Number: 046438670
Section: abstract

A refueling machine (10, 100) within a nuclear reactor facility includes an outer stationary mast (12, 112) upon which are mounted a plurality of light sources (28, 128), inclined mirrors (36, 136), and television cameras (24, 124) for scanning a fuel assembly (32) for the existence of any defects or damage as the fuel assembly (32) is being withdrawn from the reactor core into the stationary mast (12, 112). In a first embodiment, the light sources (28), mirrors (36), and cameras (24) are mounted upon a sleeve (14) clamped about the lower end of the stationary mast (12), while in a second embodiment, the light sources (128), mirrors (136), and cameras (124) are mounted upon a basket-type framework (178) which is suspendingly supported upon the stationary mast (112) by support cables (158). A fixture (176) can support the framework (178) in an off-the-mast mode so as to permit remote-controlled maintenance or repair of the light sources ( 128), mirrors (136), or cameras (124). The mirrors (36, 136) may be eliminated and the light sources re-oriented so as to illuminate the reactor core and thereby facilitate the insertion of a fuel assembly (32) within the reactor core. Television monitors and tape recorder apparatus (168) are disposed upon the refueling machine trolley (150) for remote viewing of the scanned fuel assembly or viewing of the reactor core during an insertion mode of the refueling operation.