A fuel rod inspection apparatus and sorting method

Abstract

The application discloses a fuel rod detection equipment, which comprises a rack, a feeding roller assembly, a detection device and a transfer device arranged on the rack, the detection device comprises a length measuring mechanism and an appearance detection mechanism, the feeding roller assembly is used for receiving fuel rods and conveying the fuel rods to a feeding station, the length measuring mechanism is arranged on a length measuring station and used for detecting the length of the fuel rods, the appearance detection mechanism is arranged on an appearance detection station and used for detecting the appearance of the fuel rods, and the transfer device is arranged above the rack and used for transferring the fuel rods to be detected between the stations. The fuel rod detection equipment can automatically detect the quality of the fuel rods, and the application further provides a fuel rod sorting method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of nuclear industry technology, specifically relating to a fuel rod detection device and sorting method. Background Technology

[0002] The manufacturing technology of MOX (mixed oxide fuel) elements in China is in its early stages of development. In the production of MOX components for fast reactors, the length, straightness, and surface appearance quality of fuel rods are important indicators for determining whether fuel rods are qualified. Traditionally, fuel rods are inspected and judged manually. However, MOX fuel rods are characterized by high doses of radioactivity, and manual inspection can lead to radiation hazards to personnel. Therefore, this traditional method of fuel rod appearance inspection is difficult to meet the requirements of MOX fuel rod applications. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to address the above-mentioned deficiencies in the prior art by providing a fuel rod detection device that can automatically detect the quality of fuel rods, and also provides a fuel rod sorting method.

[0004] This invention provides a fuel rod inspection device, including a frame, an incoming roller conveyor assembly, an inspection device, and a transfer device mounted on the frame. The inspection device includes a length measuring mechanism and a visual inspection mechanism. The incoming roller conveyor assembly receives fuel rods and transports them to the incoming station. The length measuring mechanism is mounted at the length measuring station and is used to measure the length of the fuel rods. The visual inspection mechanism is mounted at the visual inspection station and is used to inspect the appearance of the fuel rods. The transfer device is mounted above the frame and is used to transfer the fuel rods to be inspected between the various stations.

[0005] Preferably, the fuel rod testing equipment further includes a shielding device, which includes an isolation shielding plate. The frame includes a receiving frame, which has a cubic frame structure. The receiving frame is divided into an incoming material area and a testing area by the isolation shielding plate. The incoming material station is arranged in the incoming material area. The incoming material roller conveyor assembly transports the rod box containing fuel rods to the incoming material area. The length measuring station and the appearance inspection station are both arranged in the testing area. The transfer device is used to transfer multiple fuel rods from the rod box in the incoming material area to the length measuring station and the appearance inspection station one by one for testing.

[0006] Preferably, the receiving frame is supported by a bottom frame and spaced from the ground. The shielding device also includes an external shielding plate, which is disposed on the receiving frame and located on the outside of the receiving frame to close three sides of the receiving frame. One side of the receiving frame is left open as the inlet and outlet port of the incoming material roller conveyor assembly. The transfer device is disposed on the top of the receiving frame.

[0007] Preferably, the material receiving station, length measuring station, and appearance inspection station are arranged parallel to each other and side by side. The transfer device includes a translational drive component, which is movably connected to the frame in a direction perpendicular to each station to drive the rotating device to translate between each station.

[0008] Preferably, the transfer device further includes a lifting drive, a crossbeam, hooks, and a rotating assembly. Multiple hooks are rotatably connected to the crossbeam via the rotating assembly around a vertical axis for hooking a single fuel rod. The lifting drive is connected to the drive end of the translation drive to move translating between various workstations under the drive of the translation drive. The crossbeam is connected to the drive end of the lifting drive to rise and fall under the drive of the lifting drive.

[0009] Preferably, the detection device further includes a pre-positioning mechanism, which is disposed on a pre-positioning station on the frame. The pre-positioning station is located between the length measuring station and the material receiving station. The pre-positioning mechanism is used to axially limit the fuel rod so that the axial position of the fuel rod is aligned on the pre-positioning mechanism, the length measuring mechanism and the appearance inspection mechanism.

[0010] Preferably, the pre-positioning mechanism includes a support roller, a pre-positioning element, a second guide rail, a second slider, and a second base. The support roller is disposed on the second base for supporting the fuel rod. Two second guide rails are arranged along the same straight line on the second base and are respectively located at both ends of the support roller. Two second sliders are disposed, each sliding on one of the second guide rails. At least one second slider is provided with the pre-positioning element. By sliding the second slider on the second guide rail, the pre-positioning element pushes the fuel rod on the support roller to a predetermined axial position.

[0011] Preferably, the prepositioning mechanism further includes a second detection switch, which is disposed on the support roller and is used to detect whether there is a fuel rod on the support roller. When there is a fuel rod on the support roller, the second slider is controlled to slide on the second guide rail, so that the prepositioning member pushes the fuel rod on the support roller to a predetermined axial position.

[0012] Preferably, the length measuring mechanism includes a support block, a length gauge, a first guide rail, a first slider, and a first base. The support block is disposed on the first base for supporting the fuel rod. Two first guide rails are arranged along the same straight line on the first base and are respectively located at both ends of the support block. Two first sliders are disposed, each sliding on one of the first guide rails. At least one first slider is provided with the length gauge. The length gauge contacts the end of the fuel rod on the support block by sliding the first slider on the first guide rail to measure the length of the fuel rod.

[0013] Preferably, the appearance inspection mechanism includes a rotary drive, a pneumatic clamp, a moving drive, a moving base, an appearance inspection module, and a holding groove. The holding groove is mounted on the frame and is used to hold the fuel rod. The driving end of the rotary drive is connected to the pneumatic clamp, which clamps the end of the fuel rod and drives the fuel rod to rotate within the holding groove under the drive of the rotary drive. The moving base is mounted on the frame and located on one side of the holding groove, with its length direction parallel to the axial direction of the fuel rod. The moving drive is mounted on the moving base, and its driving end is connected to the appearance inspection module, driving the appearance inspection module to reciprocate along the length direction of the moving base to detect appearance defects in the fuel rod.

[0014] Preferably, the feed roller assembly includes a frame, rollers, and a feed drive. Multiple rollers are arranged in parallel between two frames to form a roller conveyor for supporting a fuel rod box. The feed drive drives each roller to rotate by forward and reverse rotation, thereby moving the fuel rod box placed on the roller.

[0015] Preferably, the fuel rod testing equipment further includes a waste rod discharge device, which is mounted on the frame and used to receive unqualified waste rods and transport them to the waste rod discharge station. The waste rod discharge device and the incoming roller conveyor assembly are located on two outer sides of the frame, respectively. The waste rod discharge device includes a discharge wheel, a discharge drive component, and a third base. The discharge wheel is mounted on the third base and used to support the unqualified waste rods. The drive end of the discharge drive component is connected to the discharge wheel, and the discharge drive component drives the discharge wheel to rotate to transport the waste rods to the waste rod discharge station.

[0016] Preferably, the fuel rod inspection equipment further includes a control component electrically connected to the incoming roller conveyor assembly and the transfer device. The control component controls the transfer device to start after the incoming roller conveyor assembly delivers the fuel rods to the incoming material station, so that the transfer device transfers the fuel rods to the inspection device for inspection. The control component is also electrically connected to a length measuring mechanism and a visual inspection mechanism. When the length measuring mechanism determines that the fuel rod is qualified, the control component controls the transfer device to transfer the fuel rod to the visual inspection mechanism for inspection. When the visual inspection mechanism determines that the fuel rod is qualified, the control component controls the transfer device to transfer the fuel rod back to its original picking position. And, when the length measuring mechanism or the visual inspection mechanism determines that the fuel rod is unqualified, the control component controls the transfer device to transfer the unqualified fuel rod to the waste rod discharge station for processing.

[0017] The present invention also provides a fuel rod sorting method, implemented using the aforementioned fuel rod detection equipment, comprising the following steps:

[0018] The incoming roller conveyor assembly transports the fuel rod box to the incoming station; the transfer device transfers the fuel rods from the incoming station to the length measuring mechanism.

[0019] The length measuring mechanism checks whether the fuel rods are qualified. The transfer device transfers the fuel rods that have passed the length measuring mechanism to the appearance inspection mechanism, and transfers the fuel rods that have failed the length measuring mechanism to the designated waste rod discharge station.

[0020] The appearance inspection agency checks whether the fuel rods are qualified. The transfer device transfers the fuel rods that have passed the appearance inspection to their original feeding position, and transfers the fuel rods that have failed the appearance inspection to the designated waste rod discharge station.

[0021] The fuel rod inspection equipment disclosed in this invention transports fuel rods to the receiving station via an incoming roller conveyor assembly. A transfer device then transfers the fuel rods from the receiving station to the inspection device, where a length measuring mechanism and a visual inspection mechanism inspect the length and appearance quality of the fuel rods to determine their qualification. This invention provides an automated device for fuel rod sorting. The entire inspection process is fully automated, requiring no manual intervention. This avoids radiation hazards to personnel from highly radioactive materials such as MOX fuel. Furthermore, the automated equipment offers more reliable inspection, avoids introducing human error, and improves inspection efficiency, thus accelerating fuel rod production. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the fuel rod detection device in Example 1;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the length measuring mechanism in the fuel rod testing equipment of Example 1;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the appearance inspection mechanism in the fuel rod inspection equipment of Example 1;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the pre-positioning mechanism in the fuel rod detection device of Example 1;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the transfer device in the fuel rod detection equipment of Example 1;

[0027] Figure 6 This is an internal structural diagram of the transfer device in the fuel rod detection equipment of Example 1;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the incoming roller conveyor assembly in the fuel rod inspection equipment of Example 1;

[0029] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the waste rod discharge device in the fuel rod detection equipment of Example 1.

[0030] In the diagram: 1. Frame; 11. Incoming material area; 12. Inspection area; 13. Holding rack; 2. Shielding device; 21. External shielding plate; 22. Isolation shielding plate; 3. Incoming material roller conveyor assembly; 31. Frame; 311. Guide wheel; 312. Guide wheel; 32. Roller shaft; 33. Incoming material drive component; 331. First motor; 332. Sprocket; 333. Chain; 34. Support leg; 35. Clamping cylinder; 36. Bar box; 37. Fuel rod; 38. Bar scanner; 4. Pre-positioning mechanism;

[0031] 41. Support roller; 42. Pre-positioning component; 43. Second guide rail; 44. Second slider;

[0032] 45. Second bracket; 46. Second detection switch; 47. Second base; 5. Length measuring mechanism;

[0033] 51. Support block; 52. Length gauge; 53. First guide rail; 54. First slider; 55. First bracket; 56. First detection switch; 57. First base; 6. Appearance inspection mechanism; 61. Rotary drive component; 611. First servo motor; 612. Synchronous pulley; 613. Synchronous belt; 614. Rotating shaft; 62. Pneumatic clamp; 621. Gripper; 63. Moving drive component; 631. Second servo motor; 632. Servo cylinder; 633. Moving base; 64. Appearance inspection module; 641. Camera; 642. 3D laser; 65. Holding groove; 66. Steel frame;

[0034] 67. Marble platform; 68. Mounting base; 7. Waste bar discharge device; 71. Discharge wheel;

[0035] 72. Discharge drive component; 721. Second motor; 722. Reducer; 723. Drive chain;

[0036] 724. Protective cover; 73. Third base; 74. Third detection switch; 8. Transfer device;

[0037] 81. Translational drive component; 811. Third servo motor; 812. Commutator; 813. Electric cylinder;

[0038] 814. Cable chute; 815. Cable chain; 816. Translation seat; 82. Lifting drive component; 821. Fourth servo motor; 822. Screw jack; 823. Guide sleeve; 824. Guide rod; 83. Crossbeam; 831. Gear; 84. Hook; 85. Rotating assembly; 851. Pneumatic push cylinder; 852. Rack. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The technical solutions of the invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the invention, not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without creative effort are within the scope of the invention.

[0040] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper" and "lower" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience and simplification of the description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0041] In the description of this invention, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0042] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "setting," "installation," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0043] Example 1

[0044] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the fuel rod testing equipment disclosed in this embodiment is mainly used for automated testing of fuel rods. It includes a frame 1, an infeed roller conveyor assembly 3, a testing device, and a transfer device 8 mounted on the frame 1. The testing device includes a length measuring mechanism 5 and a visual inspection mechanism 6. The infeed roller conveyor assembly 3 receives fuel rods 37 and transports them to the infeed station. The length measuring mechanism 5 is mounted at the length measuring station to measure the length of the fuel rods 37. The visual inspection mechanism 6 is mounted at the visual inspection station to inspect the appearance of the fuel rods 37. The transfer device 8 is mounted above the frame 1 and is used to transfer the fuel rods 37 to be tested between various stations.

[0045] This embodiment provides an automated device for sorting fuel rods 37. The entire process is fully automated and does not require human intervention, thus avoiding radiation hazards to personnel from highly radioactive MOX fuel and other workpieces. In addition, the device has more reliable detection, can avoid the introduction of human error, and can also improve detection efficiency and speed up the production progress of fuel rods 37.

[0046] Currently, fuel is still detected manually, and a major factor contributing to the difficulty in detecting high-dose MOX fuel is that the radiation from fuel rod 37 affects the detection equipment, making the equipment's accuracy insufficient for detecting fuel rod 37. This embodiment perfectly solves this problem through the following settings:

[0047] In this embodiment, the equipment also includes a shielding device 2, which includes an isolation shielding plate 22. The frame 1 includes a receiving frame 13, which has a cubic frame structure. The receiving frame 13 is divided into a material receiving area 11 and a testing area 12 by the isolation shielding plate 22. The material receiving station is arranged in the material receiving area 11. The material receiving roller conveyor assembly 3 transports the rod box 36 containing fuel rods 37 to the material receiving area 11. The length measuring station and the appearance inspection station are both arranged in the testing area 12. The transfer device 8 is used to transfer multiple fuel rods 37 in the rod box 36 of the material receiving area 11 to the length measuring station and the appearance inspection station for testing one by one.

[0048] The radiation generated by the pile of fuel rods 37 will inevitably lead to increased errors or even malfunction of the detection device. However, in this embodiment, by shielding and isolating the material receiving area 11 and the detection area 12, the large number of fuel rods 37 in the rod box 36 cannot affect the detection area 12. Only the transfer device 8 transfers the individual fuel rods 37 to the detection area 12 for detection one by one. Therefore, the influence of the fuel rods 37 on the detection device is greatly reduced, so that the detection device can perform its original detection function. This not only achieves the goal of automated and efficient detection, but also ensures that the detection results reach the required accuracy.

[0049] In this embodiment, the housing frame 13 is supported by a bottom frame and spaced from the ground. The shielding device 2 may also include an external shielding plate 21, which is disposed on the housing frame 13 and located on the outside of the housing frame 13, for sealing three sides of the housing frame 13. One side of the housing frame 13 is left open as the inlet / outlet port of the incoming roller conveyor assembly 3 to communicate with external transportation equipment, facilitating the entry and exit of the bar box 36. The transfer device 8 is disposed on the top of the housing frame 13. The transfer device 8 can be inserted into or removed from the material handling area 11 and the detection area 12 through the top opening of the housing frame 13 to perform transfer operations.

[0050] In this embodiment, the frame 1 can be made of aluminum profiles and stainless steel profiles spliced ​​together. The external shielding plate 21 and the isolation shielding plate 22 of the shielding device 2 can both be made of lead glass. Some external shielding plates 21 can also be built on the top of the housing frame 13 for more comprehensive radiation protection for personnel.

[0051] In this embodiment, the material receiving station, length measuring station, and appearance inspection station are arranged in parallel and side by side. The transfer device 8 includes a translational drive 81, which is movably connected to the frame 1 in a direction perpendicular to each station, so as to drive the rotating device 8 to translate between each station.

[0052] In this embodiment, the various devices are not arranged in a straight line like an assembly line. Instead, the workstations are arranged in a parallel and side-by-side configuration, with the material receiving roller assembly 3, length measuring mechanism 5, and appearance inspection mechanism 6 arranged sequentially in each workstation. This layout is more compact and can be placed in a smaller space. Therefore, the overall frame 1 of the equipment can be a cubic frame structure, resulting in lower costs. The transfer device 8 is movably connected to the frame in a direction perpendicular to each workstation. Therefore, when transferring the fuel rods 37 to be inspected between workstations, the stroke of the transfer device 8 is very short, resulting in higher transfer efficiency.

[0053] In this embodiment, as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the transfer device 8 also includes a lifting drive 82, a crossbeam 83, a hook 84, and a rotating assembly 85. Multiple hooks 84 are rotatably connected to the crossbeam 83 via the rotating assembly 83 around a vertical axis, and are used to hook up a single fuel rod 37.

[0054] The rotating assembly 85 includes a pneumatic pusher cylinder 851 and a rack 852. The rack 852 is essentially a drive shaft with teeth engraved on its shaft to form the rack 852. The rack 852 is axially movably connected to the crossbeam 83 and is driven to move axially by the pneumatic pusher cylinder 851. The crossbeam 83 is also provided with multiple gears 831, which are evenly arranged along the rack 852 and mesh with it. The gear shafts of the gears 831 are arranged vertically and rotatably connected to the crossbeam 83. The gear shaft of each gear 831 passes through the crossbeam 83 and is connected to a hook 84.

[0055] Driven by the pneumatic pusher cylinder 851, the rack 852 moves axially, thereby causing the gear 831 to rotate, which in turn drives each hook 84 to rotate synchronously around the vertical axis, thereby hooking and releasing a single fuel rod 37.

[0056] The lifting drive component 82 is connected to the drive end of the translation drive component 81 so as to move translating between various workstations under the drive of the translation drive component 81. The crossbeam 83 is connected to the drive end of the lifting drive component 82 so as to lift and lower under the drive of the lifting drive component 82.

[0057] The translational drive component 81 includes a third servo motor 811, a commutator 812, an electric cylinder 813, a cable chain groove 814, a cable chain 815, and a translational seat 816.

[0058] The third servo motor 811 is connected to and drives the electric cylinder 813 via a commutator 812. Two electric cylinders 813 are provided and arranged parallel to each other on the same horizontal plane. The driving ends of the two electric cylinders 813 are connected to both ends of the translational base 816. The lifting drive component 82 is connected to the translational base 816, and its driving end is connected to the crossbeam 83. A cable chain groove 814 is connected to the side of one of the electric cylinders 813. The cable chain 815 is disposed within the cable chain groove 814, with movable ends, and is connected to the translational base 816. This allows the cable to be connected to other equipment on the translational base 816 without interfering with the movement of the translational base 816.

[0059] Driven by the third servo motor 811, the electric cylinder 813 drives the translation seat 816 to move horizontally, thereby causing the lifting drive component 82 to move along with the crossbeam 83.

[0060] like Figure 6 As shown, the lifting drive component 82 includes a fourth servo motor 821, a screw jack 822, a guide sleeve 823, and a guide rod 824.

[0061] The guide sleeve 823 is vertically connected to the translation seat 816. The guide rod 824 passes through the guide sleeve 823 and the translation seat 816 and is connected to the crossbeam 83. The drive end of the fourth servo connection 821 is connected to the screw jack 822. The screw jack 822 is movably connected to the translation seat 816 in the vertical direction, and its bottom end is connected to the crossbeam 83. Its top end is connected to the top end of each guide rod 824 through a transverse connecting rod.

[0062] Driven by the fourth servo motor 821, the screw jack 822 drives the horizontal beam 83 to rise and fall in the vertical direction, and the guide rod 824 guides the rise and fall of the horizontal beam 83.

[0063] In this embodiment, the detection device further includes a pre-positioning mechanism 4, which is set on the pre-positioning station of the frame 1. The pre-positioning station is located between the length measuring station and the material receiving station. The pre-positioning mechanism 4 is used to axially limit the fuel rod 37 so that the axial position of the fuel rod 37 is aligned on the pre-positioning mechanism 4, the length measuring mechanism 5 and the appearance inspection mechanism 6.

[0064] Since the fuel rod 37 is a long strip structure, the pre-positioning mechanism 4, the length measuring mechanism 5, and the appearance inspection mechanism 6 are all arranged in a strip shape. In this embodiment, the arrangement direction of these three is set to parallel. After the pre-positioning mechanism 4 pre-positions the fuel rod 37, during the transfer, the position of the fuel rod 37 in the other inspection mechanisms (length measuring mechanism 5 and appearance inspection mechanism 6) can be determined in advance. Therefore, the step of other inspection mechanisms reconfirming the position of the fuel rod 37 is eliminated, effectively improving the inspection efficiency. At the same time, since it is not necessary to adjust the position of the fuel rod 37, the stroke of other inspection equipment can be further shortened, making it suitable for mechanisms with smaller strokes.

[0065] Furthermore, the transfer device 8 in this embodiment moves back and forth in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the prepositioning mechanism 4, which can also ensure that the fuel rod 37 is aligned in each detection mechanism, so as to transfer the fuel rod 37 between the prepositioning mechanism 4, the length measuring mechanism 5 and the appearance inspection mechanism 6.

[0066] In this embodiment, as Figure 3 As shown, the inspection device is placed on a movable steel frame 66. The top of the steel frame 66 is equipped with a marble platform 67, and the bottom is equipped with wheels for easy movement. The top of the marble platform 67 is also equipped with a mounting base 68. The pre-positioning mechanism 4 and the length measuring mechanism 5 are installed in the mounting base 68, and the appearance inspection mechanism 6 is directly installed on the marble platform 67.

[0067] In this embodiment, as Figure 4 As shown, the pre-positioning mechanism 4 includes a support roller 41, a pre-positioning element 42, a second guide rail 43, a second slider 44, and a second base 47. The support roller 41 is disposed on the second base 47 and is used to support the fuel rod 37. Two second guide rails 43 are arranged along the same straight line on the second base 47 and are respectively located at both ends of the support roller 41. Two second sliders 44 are disposed, each sliding on one of the second guide rails 43. At least one second slider 44 is provided with a pre-positioning element 42. By sliding the second slider 44 on the second guide rail 43, the pre-positioning element 42 pushes the fuel rod 37 on the support roller 41 to a predetermined axial position.

[0068] Among them, the prepositioning component 42 is a cylinder, which is arranged along the direction of the second guide rail 43. Since the driving end of the cylinder can move, the prepositioning component 42 can move along the second guide rail 43 and can also move through the driving end, which further increases the range of motion of the prepositioning component 42 and ensures that it can push the fuel rod 37 to the predetermined position.

[0069] In this embodiment, the pre-positioning mechanism 4 further includes a second bracket 45 and a second detection switch 46. The second detection switch 46 is disposed on the support roller 41 and is used to detect whether there is a fuel rod 37 on the support roller 41. When there is a fuel rod 37 on the support roller 41, the second slider 44 is controlled to slide on the second guide rail 43, so that the pre-positioning member 42 pushes the fuel rod 37 on the support roller 41 to move to a predetermined axial position.

[0070] Two pre-positioning elements 42 are provided, each connected to a second slider 44 via a second bracket 45. Multiple support rollers 41 are provided, all arranged on the straight line of the second guide rail 43, and together support the fuel rod 37. When the fuel rod 37 is placed on the support rollers 41, the second detection switch 46 is triggered. At this time, the two second sliders 44 slide towards each other along the second guide rail 43 until the ends of both pre-positioning elements 42 contact the ends of the fuel rod 37. The driving end of the pre-positioning element 42 can then push the fuel rod 37 to the predetermined position.

[0071] In this embodiment, the second detection switch 46 can be a pressure sensor, proximity sensor or other components, which can detect whether the fuel rod 37 is placed in place. Other commercially available sensing components can also be used, but their structure and principle are common knowledge in the field, so they will not be described in detail.

[0072] In this embodiment, the length measuring mechanism 5 includes a support block 51, a length gauge 52, a first guide rail 53, a first slider 54, and a first base 57. The support block 51 is disposed on the first base 57 and is used to support the fuel rod 37. Two first guide rails 53 are used, and the two first guide rails 53 are arranged along the same straight line on the first base 57 and are respectively located at both ends of the support block 51. Two first sliders 54 are used, and each of the two first sliders 54 slides on one of the first guide rails 53. At least one first slider 54 is provided with a length gauge 52. By sliding the first slider 54 on the first guide rail 53, the length gauge 52 contacts the end of the fuel rod 37 on the support block 51 to measure the length of the fuel rod 37.

[0073] Specifically, the length measuring mechanism 5 also includes a first bracket 55, through which the length gauge 52 is connected to the first slider 54. A first detection switch 56 is also provided on the support block 51. In this embodiment, both the first guide rail 53 and the support block 51 are connected to the first base 57.

[0074] Both first sliders 54 are connected to length gauges 52, and the axes of the two length gauges 52 are also located on the same straight line, with their detection ends facing each other. When the fuel rod 37 is placed on the support block 51, the first detection switch 56 is triggered. At this time, the two first sliders 54 slide towards each other along the first guide rail 53 until the ends of the two length gauges 52 contact the ends of the fuel rod 37. The length gauges 52 can then provide feedback on the actual length of the fuel rod 37 based on the amount of compression and determine whether it meets the standard length.

[0075] In this embodiment, the first detection switch 56 can be a pressure sensor, proximity sensor, or other components to detect whether the fuel rod 37 is placed in the correct position. Other commercially available sensing components can also be used, but their structure and principle are common knowledge in the field and will not be described in detail. The length gauge 52 can be a detection device with an integrated judgment module, or it can communicate with the control terminal via a communication module and send the length detection result to the control terminal for judgment of whether it is qualified. Fuel rods 37 that pass the length judgment will be transferred by the transfer device 8 to other detection devices (appearance inspection mechanism 6) for inspection, while unqualified fuel rods 37 will be directly transferred by the transfer device 8 to the waste rod discharge device 7.

[0076] In this embodiment, the appearance inspection mechanism 6 includes a rotary drive 61, a pneumatic clamp 62, a moving drive 63, a moving base 633, an appearance inspection module 64, and a holding groove 65. The holding groove 65 is mounted on the frame 1 and is used to hold the fuel rod 37. The driving end of the rotary drive 61 is connected to the pneumatic clamp 62, which clamps the end of the fuel rod 37 and drives the fuel rod 37 to rotate within the holding groove 65 under the drive of the rotary drive 61. The moving base 633 is mounted on the frame 1 and is located on one side of the holding groove 65. Its length direction is parallel to the axial direction of the fuel rod 37. The moving drive 63 is mounted on the moving base 633, and the driving end of the moving drive 63 is connected to the appearance inspection module 64. The moving drive 63 drives the appearance inspection module 64 to reciprocate along the length direction of the moving base 633 to detect appearance defects of the fuel rod 37.

[0077] Specifically, the appearance inspection module 64 includes a camera 641 and a 3D laser 642. As the fuel rod 37 rotates continuously, the camera 641 and the 3D laser 642 can detect the straightness of the fuel rod 37 and identify scratches on the entire circumference.

[0078] The 3D laser 642 can be a 3D line laser camera, which emits line laser light. The fuel rod 37 is placed in the support slot 65. The 3D line laser emits line laser light above the fuel rod 37, measuring the highest and lowest points of the entire fuel rod 37 (similar in principle to a laser rangefinder). Each time the fuel rod 37 rotates by an angle, the 3D line laser scans along the length of the fuel rod 37. Thus, the straightness of the fuel rod 37 can be obtained from the scan data: (highest point - lowest point) / fuel rod length.

[0079] Camera 641 is an area array camera that takes pictures of the fuel rods 37 placed in the support slot 65, capturing one picture at intervals along the length direction. In this embodiment, the fuel rod 37 rotates 4 times, 100 degrees each time. After each rotation, one picture is taken at intervals along the length direction of the fuel rod 37. When multiple pictures are stitched together, overlapping parts are removed, and some overlapping areas are retained. All the acquired pictures are combined into a complete picture using the image stitching function to obtain a stitched image of the entire outer surface of the fuel rod 37. The defect location and size are identified and marked by image processing software. The identified defects are then sent directly to the integrated judgment module for judgment. Alternatively, the image can be connected to the control terminal via the communication module, and the appearance inspection results can be sent to the control terminal for judgment of whether it is qualified. Qualified fuel rods 37 are moved to their original feeding position by the transfer device 8, while unqualified fuel rods 37 are directly transferred to the waste rod discharge device 7 by the transfer device 8.

[0080] In this embodiment, the rotary drive unit 61 includes a first servo motor 611, a synchronous pulley 612, a synchronous belt 613, and a rotating shaft 614. A synchronous pulley 612 is connected to both the first servo motor 611 and the rotating shaft 614, and the two are connected by the synchronous belt 613. A pneumatic clamp 62 is connected to the end of the rotating shaft 614. Two openable grippers 621 are provided at the end of the pneumatic clamp 62. The grippers 621 hold the fuel rod 37, and the first servo motor 611 can drive the fuel rod 37 held by the pneumatic clamp 62 to rotate.

[0081] The cross-section of the holding groove 65 is V-shaped, which allows the fuel rod 37 to be automatically held at the bottom of the groove. This not only limits the rotation of the fuel rod 37, but also facilitates the appearance inspection module 64 to observe the fuel rod 37.

[0082] The moving drive unit 63 includes a second servo motor 631 and a servo cylinder 632. The appearance inspection module 64 is connected to the moving base 633, which is connected to the drive end of the servo cylinder 632. The servo cylinder 632 is driven by the second servo motor 631, and its drive end drives the moving base 633 to move, thereby enabling the appearance inspection module 64 to move along the axial direction of the fuel rod 37 to inspect its entire appearance structure.

[0083] In this embodiment, as Figure 7 As shown, the feed roller conveyor assembly 3 includes a frame 31, rollers 32, a feed drive 33, and support legs 34, with the support legs 34 connected to the bottom of the frame 31. Multiple rollers 32 are arranged in parallel between two frames 31 to form a roller conveyor for supporting the rod box 36 containing fuel rods 37. The feed drive 33 drives each roller 32 to rotate by forward and reverse rotation, thereby moving the rod box 36 placed on the roller 32.

[0084] The material receiving drive unit 33 includes a first motor 331, a sprocket 332 and a chain 333. The end of each roller shaft 32 and the drive end of the first motor 331 are connected to the sprocket 332. Each sprocket 332 is driven by the chain 333, thereby using the material receiving drive unit 33 to drive each roller shaft 32 to rotate in both forward and reverse directions so that the bar box 36 placed on the roller shaft 32 can move.

[0085] Each of the two side frames 31 has a row of guide wheels 311 at its top. When the bar box 36 moves on the roller 32, the guide wheels 311 guide its movement and prevent deviation. A small bevel is provided at the entrance of the frame 31, meaning the distance between the two side frames 31 at the entrance is wider and gradually narrows inwards. This bevel makes it easier for the bar box 36 to enter the frame 31 and also provides some centering. Guide wheels 312 can also be provided at the bevel to further facilitate the entry of the bar box 36.

[0086] In this embodiment, a pressing cylinder 35 is provided on one side of the frame 31. The driving end of the pressing cylinder 35 can move along the arrangement direction of the roller 32, that is, perpendicular to the frame 31. When the rod box 36 enters the position, the pressing cylinder 35 presses the rod box 36 against the other side of the frame 31 to prevent the rod box 36 from moving.

[0087] In this embodiment, an identification code can be set on the end face of the bar box 36, and a barcode scanner 38 can be set at the end of the frame 31. When the bar box 36 is in place, the barcode scanner 38 can scan and identify the identification code, thereby recording information such as the detection status of the internal bar material and the number of scrap bars.

[0088] In this embodiment, the equipment also includes a waste rod discharge device 7, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the waste rod discharge device 7 is installed on the frame 1 to receive the waste rods that fail the inspection and transport them to the waste rod discharge station. The waste rod discharge device 7 and the incoming roller conveyor assembly 3 are located on the two outer sides of the frame 1, respectively. This layout conforms to the inspection process of fuel rods 37, that is, the process of incoming material from the incoming roller conveyor assembly 3 - inspection by the inspection device - discharge by the waste rod discharge device 7.

[0089] The waste rod discharge device 7 includes a discharge wheel 71, a discharge drive component 72, a third base 73, and a third detection switch 74.

[0090] The discharge wheel 71 is mounted on the third base 73 and is used to support the defective scrap bars. The drive end of the discharge drive 72 is connected to the discharge wheel 71, and the discharge drive 72 drives the discharge wheel 71 to rotate to transport the scrap bars to the scrap bar discharge station. Multiple discharge wheels 71 are provided, and each discharge wheel 71 is evenly arranged on the third base 73 along the same straight line.

[0091] The drive end of the discharge drive 72 is connected to the discharge wheel 71, which supports the fuel rods 37. A third detection switch 74 is installed on the discharge wheel 71 to detect the presence of fuel rods 37. When the fuel rods 37 are placed on the discharge wheel 71, the third detection switch 74 is triggered, and the discharge wheel 71, driven by the discharge drive 72, transports the fuel rods 37 to the waste rod discharge position. The transfer device 8 is also used to transfer the fuel rods 37 that fail the detection to the waste rod discharge device 7.

[0092] In this embodiment, the third detection switch 74 can be a pressure sensor, a proximity sensor, or other components, which can detect whether the fuel rod 37 is placed in place. Other commercially available sensing components can also be used, but their structure and principle are common knowledge in the field, so they will not be described in detail.

[0093] In this embodiment, the discharge drive component 72 includes a second motor 721, a reducer 722, a transmission chain 723, and a protective cover 724. The output shaft of the second motor 721 is connected to the reducer 722. The output shaft of the reducer 722 and the axle of each discharge wheel 71 are provided with transmission sprockets. Each transmission sprocket is driven by the transmission chain 723. The protective cover 724 covers the outside of the transmission chain 723 and the transmission sprockets.

[0094] In this embodiment, the equipment also includes a control component, which is electrically connected to the incoming roller conveyor assembly 3 and the transfer device 8. The control component controls the transfer device 8 to start after the incoming roller conveyor assembly 3 delivers the fuel rods 37 to the incoming material station, so that the transfer device 8 transfers the fuel rods 37 to the detection device for detection. In this embodiment, after the barcode scanner 38 scans the information of the rod box 36, it can send a signal to the control component. Upon receiving the signal, the control component controls the transfer device 8 to start and execute the above-mentioned operation.

[0095] The control component is also electrically connected to the length measuring mechanism 5 and the appearance inspection mechanism 6. When the length measuring mechanism 5 determines that the fuel rod 37 is qualified, the control component controls the transfer device 8 to transfer the fuel rod 37 to the appearance inspection mechanism 6 for inspection. When the appearance inspection mechanism 6 determines that the fuel rod 37 is qualified, the control component controls the transfer device 8 to transfer the fuel rod 37 back to its original picking position. To achieve this function, a positioning component can be provided on the transfer device 8 to acquire and temporarily store the picking position during picking, so that the fuel rod 37 can be returned to its original picking position when it is qualified. This picking position can be within the rod box 36 used to hold the fuel rod 37. Furthermore, when the length measuring mechanism 5 or the appearance inspection mechanism 6 determines that the fuel rod 37 is unqualified, the control component controls the transfer device 8 to transfer the unqualified fuel rod 37 to the waste rod discharge station for processing.

[0096] In this embodiment, after determining whether the length gauge 52 and the appearance inspection module 64 meet the standard, they will send the measurement results to the control component. The control component will then perform the above operations based on whether the result is qualified or unqualified.

[0097] In this embodiment, the control component controls the operation of each device by sending and receiving control signals. Its specific functions can be implemented using conventional electrical equipment available on the market, so its specific structure and control principle will not be described in detail here.

[0098] Example 2

[0099] The fuel rod sorting method in this embodiment is implemented using the fuel rod detection device in Embodiment 1, and includes the following steps:

[0100] The incoming roller conveyor assembly 3 transports the rod box 36 containing fuel rods 37 to the incoming station;

[0101] The transfer device 8 transfers the fuel rods 37 from the material feeding station to the length measuring mechanism 5.

[0102] The length measuring mechanism 5 checks whether the fuel rod 37 is qualified. The transfer device 8 transfers the fuel rod 37 that has passed the length measuring mechanism 5 to the appearance inspection mechanism 6, and transfers the fuel rod 37 that has failed the length measuring mechanism 5 to the designated waste rod discharge station.

[0103] The appearance inspection mechanism 6 checks whether the fuel rods 37 are qualified. The transfer device 8 transfers the fuel rods 37 that have passed the appearance inspection mechanism 6 to their original picking position. To achieve this function, a positioning component can be set on the transfer device 8 to acquire and temporarily store the picking position during picking, so that the fuel rods 37 can be returned to their original picking position when they are qualified. The picking position can be the position inside the rod box 36 used to hold the fuel rods 37. The fuel rods 37 that fail the appearance inspection mechanism 6 are transferred to the designated waste rod discharge station.

[0104] In conjunction with the fuel rod detection device in Example 1, the specific steps of this method are as follows:

[0105] 1. The bar box 36 is conveyed to the incoming roller conveyor assembly 3 by other external equipment. It is guided into the frame 31 by the bevel at the entrance of the frame 31 and the guide wheel 312. Under the support of the roller 32, it is limited by the guide wheel 311 and enters the innermost end of the frame 31. Then the pressing cylinder 35 presses the bar box 36, and the bar scanner 38 scans the identification code of the bar box 36.

[0106] 2. The transfer device 8 transfers one fuel rod 37 from the rod box 36 to the prepositioning mechanism 4. The second detection switch 46 is triggered, and the two prepositioning components 42 push the fuel rod 37 to the prepositioning position.

[0107] 3. The transfer device 8 transfers the fuel rod 37 at the predetermined position of the prepositioning mechanism 4 to the length measuring mechanism 5. The first detection switch 56 is triggered, and the length gauge 52 moves towards each other and contacts the end of the fuel rod 37 to measure the length of the fuel rod 37. The length is then used to determine whether the fuel rod 37 is qualified.

[0108] The substandard fuel rods 37 are transferred by the transfer device 8 to the waste rod discharge device 7, while the qualified fuel rods 37 are transferred by the transfer device 8 to the appearance inspection agency 6.

[0109] 4. The fuel rod 37 is transferred to the appearance inspection mechanism 6. The pneumatic clamp 62 clamps the end of the fuel rod 37 and drives the fuel rod 37 to rotate under the drive of the rotary drive 61. Then the moving drive 63 drives the appearance inspection module 64 to move along the axial direction of the fuel rod 37, thereby detecting the straightness of the fuel rod 37 and identifying scratches on the entire circumference. Based on the results, it is determined whether the fuel rod 37 is qualified.

[0110] 5. The unqualified fuel rod 37 is transferred to the waste rod discharge device 7. The third detection switch 74 is triggered. The discharge wheel 71, driven by the discharge drive component 72, moves the fuel rod 37 until the fuel rod is delivered to the waste rod discharge position.

[0111] 6. The qualified fuel rod 37 is transferred to the original feeding position of the fuel rod 37.

[0112] It is understood that the above embodiments are merely exemplary implementations used to illustrate the principles of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fuel rod testing device, characterized in that: It includes a frame (1), a material conveyor assembly (3) mounted on the frame (1), a detection device and a transfer device (8), wherein the detection device includes a length measuring mechanism (5) and an appearance inspection mechanism (6). The incoming roller conveyor assembly (3) is used to receive fuel rods (37) and transport the fuel rods (37) to the incoming station. The length measuring mechanism (5) is installed at the length measuring station and is used to detect the length of the fuel rod (37). The appearance inspection mechanism (6) is set at the appearance inspection station and is used to inspect the appearance of the fuel rods (37). The transfer device (8) is located above the frame (1) and is used to transfer the fuel rods (37) to be tested between various workstations. The equipment also includes a shielding device (2), which includes an isolation shielding plate (22), and the frame (1) includes a housing frame (13), which has a cubic frame structure. The receiving rack (13) is divided into an incoming material area (11) and an inspection area (12) by an isolation shield (22). The incoming material station is arranged in the incoming material area (11). The incoming material roller conveyor assembly (3) transports the rod box (36) containing fuel rods (37) to the incoming material area (11). The length measuring station and the appearance inspection station are both arranged in the inspection area (12). The transfer device (8) is used to transfer multiple fuel rods (37) in the rod box (36) of the material feeding area (11) to the length measuring station and the appearance inspection station for inspection one by one; The material receiving station, length measuring station, and appearance inspection station are arranged in parallel and side by side. The transfer device (8) is set on the top of the housing frame (13) and includes a translational drive (81). The translational drive (81) is movably connected to the frame (1) in a direction perpendicular to each workstation to drive the rotating device (8) to translate between each workstation. The equipment also includes a pre-positioning mechanism (4), which is installed on the pre-positioning station of the frame (1), and the pre-positioning station is located between the length measuring station and the material receiving station. The pre-positioning mechanism (4) is used to axially limit the fuel rod (37) so that the axial position of the fuel rod (37) is aligned on the pre-positioning mechanism (4), the length measuring mechanism (5) and the appearance inspection mechanism (6). After the pre-positioning mechanism (4) pre-positions the fuel rod (37), the position of the fuel rod (37) in the length measuring mechanism (5) and the appearance inspection mechanism (6) can be determined in advance during the transfer.

2. The fuel rod testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The accommodating frame (13) is supported by a bottom frame and is spaced from the ground. The shielding device (2) further includes an external shielding plate (21), which is disposed on the accommodating frame (13) and located on the outside of the accommodating frame (13), for sealing three sides of the accommodating frame (13). The receiving frame (13) leaves one side open as the inlet and outlet port of the incoming roller conveyor assembly (3).

3. The fuel rod testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transfer device (8) also includes a lifting drive (82), a crossbeam (83), a hook (84), and a rotating assembly (85). Multiple of the said hooks (84) are rotatably connected to the crossbeam (83) about a vertical axis via a rotating assembly (85) for hooking up a single fuel rod (37). The lifting drive (82) is connected to the drive end of the translation drive (81) to move translating between each workstation under the drive of the translation drive (81), and the crossbeam (83) is connected to the drive end of the lifting drive (82) to move up and down under the drive of the lifting drive (82).

4. The fuel rod testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pre-positioning mechanism (4) includes a support roller (41), a pre-positioning component (42), a second guide rail (43), a second slider (44), and a second base (47). The support roller (41) is mounted on the second base (47) for supporting the fuel rod (37). Two second guide rails (43) are used, and the two second guide rails (43) are arranged along the same straight line on the second base (47) and are respectively located at both ends of the supporting roller (41). Two second sliders (44) are used, each of the two second sliders (44) is slidably mounted on a second guide rail (43), and at least one second slider (44) is provided with the prepositioning member (42). The second slider (44) slides on the second guide rail (43) to push the fuel rod (37) on the support roller (41) to a predetermined axial position.

5. The fuel rod testing device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The pre-positioning mechanism (4) also includes a second detection switch (46). The second detection switch (46) is installed on the support roller (41) to detect whether there is a fuel rod (37) on the support roller (41), and when there is a fuel rod (37) on the support roller (41), it controls the second slider (44) to slide on the second guide rail (43) so that the prepositioning member (42) pushes the fuel rod (37) on the support roller (41) to move to a predetermined axial position.

6. The fuel rod testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The length measuring mechanism (5) includes a support block (51), a length gauge (52), a first guide rail (53), a first slider (54), and a first base (57). The support block (51) is mounted on the first base (57) and is used to support the fuel rod (37). Two first guide rails (53) are used, and the two first guide rails (53) are arranged along the same straight line on the first base (57) and are respectively located at both ends of the support block (51). Two first sliders (54) are used, each of the two first sliders (54) is slidably mounted on a first guide rail (53), and at least one first slider (54) is provided with the length gauge (52). The length of the fuel rod (37) is measured by sliding the first slider (54) on the first guide rail (53) to contact the end of the fuel rod (37) on the support block (51).

7. The fuel rod testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The appearance inspection mechanism (6) includes a rotary drive (61), a pneumatic clamp (62), a moving drive (63), a moving base (633), an appearance inspection module (64), and a support groove (65). The support slot (65) is provided on the frame (1) for supporting fuel rods (37). The drive end of the rotary drive (61) is connected to a pneumatic clamp (62), which holds the end of the fuel rod (37) and drives the fuel rod (37) to rotate within the support groove (65) under the drive of the rotary drive (61). The movable base (633) is mounted on the frame (1) and located on one side of the support groove (65), with its length direction parallel to the axial direction of the fuel rod (37). The moving drive unit (63) is mounted on the moving base (633). The driving end of the moving drive unit (63) is connected to the appearance inspection module (64), and drives the appearance inspection module (64) to move back and forth along the length direction of the moving base (633) to detect appearance defects of the fuel rod (37).

8. The fuel rod testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The incoming material roller assembly (3) includes a frame (31), a roller (32), and an incoming material drive component (33). Multiple rollers (32) are arranged in parallel between two sidewalls (31) to form a roller channel for holding the rod box (36) containing the fuel rods (37). The material feeding drive (33) drives each roller (32) to rotate by forward and reverse rotation, so that the bar box (36) placed on the roller (32) moves.

9. The fuel rod testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a waste rod discharge device (7). The waste bar discharge device (7) is installed on the frame (1) and is used to receive the waste bars that fail the inspection and transport them to the waste bar discharge station. The waste bar discharge device (7) and the incoming roller conveyor assembly (3) are located on the two outer sides of the frame (1), respectively. The waste rod discharge device (7) includes a discharge wheel (71), a discharge drive component (72), and a third base (73). The discharge wheel (71) is mounted on the third base (73) and is used to support the defective bars that fail the inspection. The drive end of the discharge drive (72) is connected to the discharge wheel (71), and the discharge drive (72) drives the discharge wheel (71) to rotate to transport the waste rods to the waste rod discharge station.

10. The fuel rod testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes control components, The control component is electrically connected to the incoming roller conveyor assembly (3) and the transfer device (8) and is used to control the transfer device (8) to start after the incoming roller conveyor assembly (3) delivers the fuel rod (37) to the incoming material station so that the transfer device (8) transfers the fuel rod (37) to the detection device for detection. The control component is also electrically connected to the length measuring mechanism (5) and the appearance inspection mechanism (6), and is used to control the transfer device (8) to transfer the fuel rod (37) to the appearance inspection mechanism (6) for inspection when the length measuring mechanism (5) determines that the fuel rod (37) is qualified; to control the transfer device (8) to transfer the fuel rod (37) to the original feeding position of the fuel rod (37) when the appearance inspection mechanism (6) determines that the fuel rod (37) is qualified; and to control the transfer device (8) to transfer the unqualified fuel rod (37) to the waste rod discharge station for processing when the length measuring mechanism (5) or the appearance inspection mechanism (6) determines that the fuel rod (37) is unqualified.

11. A method for sorting fuel rods, characterized in that, This is achieved using the fuel rod detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising the following steps: The incoming roller conveyor assembly (3) transports the rod box (36) containing fuel rods (37) to the incoming station; The transfer device (8) transfers the fuel rods (37) from the incoming material station to the length measuring mechanism (5); The length measuring mechanism (5) checks whether the fuel rod (37) is qualified. The transfer device (8) transfers the fuel rods (37) that have passed the length measuring mechanism (5) to the appearance inspection mechanism (6), and transfers the fuel rods (37) that have failed the length measuring mechanism (5) to the designated waste rod discharge station. The appearance inspection agency (6) inspects whether the fuel rods (37) are qualified. The transfer device (8) transfers the fuel rods (37) that pass the appearance inspection by the appearance inspection agency (6) to the original feeding position of the fuel rods (37), and transfers the fuel rods (37) that fail the appearance inspection by the appearance inspection agency (6) to the designated waste rod discharge station.

Images