METHOD FOR OBSERVING AND IDENTIFYING NUCLEAR FUEL ASSEMBLIES UNDERWATER, AND EQUIPMENT THEREFOR

摘要

Methods and equipment for identifying and/or observing fuel assemblies (2) or the like underwater in a pool by means of a camera (1) during the loading, unloading or reloading of a nuclear reactor (3). The advantageously detachable camera (1) is arranged vertically in a transfer pool (6) with its lens pointed downwards, at a predetermined altitude and in a predetermined angular position in the horizontal plane, and placed in a cylindrical vertical sleeve (10) coaxial with the camera (1). The sleeve extends above the water surface (11) and is sealed with a water-proof plug (54) and provided with means (39, 40) forming a biological shield (13) for protecting the camera (1) and zoom (21) from radioactive radiation. An optical deflecting device (9) is secured to the vertical sleeve (10) by suitable means (41, 47) and arranged below the camera (1), on the optical axis (14) thereof, in permanent, adjustable or variable positions to provide deflection (15) of the optical axis (14) along a beam that enables at least the assembly (2) to be observed or identified.