ORNL advances safer faster inspection for nuclear reactor components

ORNL advances safer faster inspection for nuclear reactor components
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jan 03, 2025

A collaboration between Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has streamlined the inspection process for nuclear reactor components, with applications now extending to nuclear fuels. This partnership leverages a software algorithm developed at ORNL to improve efficiency and safety in evaluating materials and components.

The ORNL algorithm, originally designed to inspect additively manufactured metals, is now being adapted to examine irradiated nuclear fuels. "If we use this algorithm to reduce the scan time for radioactive fuels by 90%, it will increase worker safety and the rate we can evaluate new materials," said Bill Chuirazzi, INL's Diffraction and Imaging group leader.

Accelerating Nuclear Innovation

Traditionally, qualifying materials and technologies for nuclear reactors takes decades. By enhancing inspection capabilities, this partnership expedites the deployment of advanced reactor designs, enabling nuclear energy to contribute more effectively to global energy needs.

The ORNL-developed tool, Simurgh, significantly reduces scan times for dense materials while enhancing defect detection capabilities. It uses a neural network trained on realistic data to reconstruct images with fewer X-ray scans. This advancement allows faster characterization of nuclear parts and materials, paving the way for innovations such as small modular reactors and high-temperature gas reactors.

Broad Applications in Nuclear Science

The collaboration has expanded Simurgh's utility, applying it to challenges such as inspecting TRISO fuel particles for irradiation-induced defects. Researchers aim to use the software to identify swelling, cracks, and separations in these advanced fuels, further supporting the qualification of materials and fuels for next-generation reactors.

Chuirazzi noted the impact of Simurgh on inspection timelines. "Including prep, it now takes about 15% of the time it did to scan something with our setup," he said. These efficiency gains also enhance safety, as less radiation exposure occurs during scans.

Industry Impacts and Future Prospects

The research aligns with the DOE's Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office and the Office of Nuclear Energy. With support from these programs, Simurgh has expanded its scope, addressing the stringent demands of nuclear applications. ORNL and INL continue to explore its use in evaluating irradiated components such as 3D-printed fuel brackets exposed to radiation at Tennessee Valley Authority's Brown's Ferry Nuclear Plant.

Ryan Dehoff, director of DOE's Manufacturing Demonstration Facility at ORNL, emphasized the technology's reliability: "The fact we're using this tool suite in the nuclear sphere speaks to the quality and reliability of the technology."

As Simurgh evolves, it promises to revolutionize X-ray CT imaging across multiple industries, offering enhanced efficiency, cost savings, and safety. Its development underscores the potential of computational and imaging advancements in addressing complex nuclear challenges.