Inspection and repair techniques in the reactor vessel of the experimental fast reactor Joyo; Observation techniques development in a reactor vessel of the fast reactor, 2

Okuda, Eiji; Sasaki, Jun; Suzuki, Nobuhiro; Takamatsu, Misao ; Nagai, Akinori

In-Vessel Observations (IVO) techniques for Sodium cooled Fast Reactors (SFRs) are important in confirming its safety and integrity. In order to secure the reliability of IVO techniques, it was necessary to demonstrate the performance under the actual reactor environment with high temperature, high radiation dose and remained sodium. The IVO equipment for the Upper Core Structure (UCS) fitting area was specifically developed in the experimental fast reactor "Joyo". And the IVO was successfully completed as shown below. (1) Improvement of picture quality and resolution. The IVO of UCS fitting area with the gap of 5mm in minimum was achieved using the IVO equipment with video-scope under the actual reactor environment. The picture quality and resolution could be improved comparing with the radiation resistant fiberscope which was used in past IVO. (2) Prevention of video-scope hypofunction by high temperature / radiation dose. Since video-scope is inferior in thermal and radiation resistance, the IVO equipment was designed to be able to withdraw and insert video-scopes with cooling gas. This measure could achieve the observation in short radiation time with available temperature under the actual reactor environment. The IVO equipment for UCS fitting area provided useful information on UCS replacement. In addition, the experience provided valuable insights into further improvements for IVO techniques in SFRs.