DISCUSSION

Recent operational and management experience with established post-irradiation examination facilities

MR H. W. N. TULLOCH, BNFL, Windscale

With regard to Paper 27, how is the fuel assembly introduced to the lower stand and is equipment mounted to the test rack after the fuel is introduced?

The equipment is reported to be portable. Are there any problems in removing equipment from the pond after use on irradiated fuel?

How long does it take to do a full fuel assembly examination and what is the cost of the equipment or service per unit examined?

MR CORSETTI, Paper 27

The method by which the assembly is introduced into the stand is described in the Paper. The spent fuel handling machine (SFHM) is pulled over the working platform. The platform and the upper frame are provided with openings to allow the SFHM cables and fuel assembly to enter the stand to a position precisely over the elevator. With the elevator in the down position, the fuel assembly is lowered on to the elevator turntable.