LEAK DETECTION METHOD Russian patent published in 2001 - IPC

FIELD: leak detection in helium-filled fuel elements of light-water reactors; serviceability check of test facility in the course of measurements. SUBSTANCE: method involves testing units by means of helium leak detector and checking serviceability of test facilities in the course of measurement for using heavily loaded hot parts, locating heavy leaks by using pressure tests, selecting optimal test conditions. For testing a part helium is supplied from standard source; amount of helium leakage from part is determined and compared with permissible leakage; test facility charge for each temperature and permissible amount of leakage for given temperature are calculated. Parts are additionally subjected to pressure test with helium, heavy leaks are detected, and rejection characteristic is calculated. EFFECT: improved capacity depending on type of part under test.