A Tool for the Removal and Storage of Horizontal In-Core Flux Detectors (ICFD)

Abstract

Each CANDU reactor is monitored internally in both horizontal and vertical positions, by numerous self-powered neutron flux detectors during high power conditions. After approximately 9 -11 years they start to degrade and eventually cannot function as designed. Although flux detector assemblies contained spare wells to accept new detectors as old detectors started to fail, many CANDU reactors have reached a point where they no longer have spare wells left. Therefore the old detectors need to be removed, safely disposed and replaced with new ones.