The examination of LWR irradiated fuel assemblies using simple ion chamber techniques

Abstract The application of ion chambers and proportional chambers to the nondestructive examination of irradiated LWR fuel assemblies is discussed. Axial activity profile measurements are compared with the gamma-ray profiles obtained from a germanium detector. A discussion of the use of these simple devices as a complementary technique to the more complicated gamma spectroscopy is given as well as the feasibility of using these devices in a stand-alone mode for consistency checks on the burnups of irradiated LWR fuel assemblies. Emphasis is placed on the simplicity, accuracy, and time-saving aspects of these devices.