New QUAD400UW Channel Measuring System Provides Instant Full CAD Models

Newton Research Labs, Inc. Jan 24, 2019

Press Release Summary:

The QUAD400UW Channel Measuring System scans BWR fuel in 30 sec with an accuracy of ± 0.01 in. The fuel channel data is used by fuel vendors to bow correlations when paired with neutronics codes. It can be used for inspecting PWR fuel bundles for twisting and bowing.

Original Press Release:

QUAD400UW BWR Fuel Bundle Measurement System Increases Accuracy and Speed of Inspection

In preparation for the current deployment of its QUAD400UW in a BWR of a major utility, Newton Labs (newtonlabs.com) has added significant improvements in both accuracy and speed. The QUAD400UW BWR Fuel Channel Measuring System (newtonlabs.com/nuke_QUAD400.htm) now scans BWR fuel bundles in only 30 seconds with accuracy to +/-0.01 inch insuring precise measurement of both bowing and bulging in the bundles.

The Utility will proactively use this technology as an Asset Management Tool for existing and new BWR Fuel.

BWR Fuel Vendors can use the more plentiful and accurate fuel channel data to quickly develop better bow correlations when paired with the neutronics codes.The QUAD400UW was originally developed in conjunction with EPRI (Report Number 102517) and recently completed a design review with the utility where it will be deployed. The design review highlighted the advanced capabilities of the QUAD400UW. With its ability to efficiently and accurately measure BWR fuel channels in question, the QUAD400UW presents significant benefits to units that need to fully understand the distortion of their fuel bundles.

Scanning a BWR Fuel Channel with the QUAD400UW accurately in just 30 seconds provides instant full CAD models with no other processing required. Utilizing the QUAD400UW, the bundles are normally suspended from the mast with no other guides required thus making the inspection very rapid with little impact on movement time.

The QUAD400UW is also designed to inspect PWR fuel bundles for twisting and bowing. Contact Newton Labs for full details, Newton utilized Mike Baron and Keith Moser of Global Nuclear Associates as consultants on the improvements to the system.

ABOUT NEWTON LABS
Based in Seattle, Washington, Newton Labs is a privately held manufacturer of machine vision, laser scanning, robotics, and optical automation. Newton Labs is the original developer and the world’s largest producer of commercially available nuclear underwater laser scanners, as well as the Newton Fuel Verification system. Over its more than 25 year history, Newton Labs has deployed more than 30,000 machine vision, nuclear laser scanning, robotic, and automation systems worldwide. www.newtonlabs.com

ABOUT GLOBAL NUCLEAR ASSOCIATES (GNA)
Based in Chicago, Illinois, GNA is a full service engineering, project management and R&D company, its specialty is innovation, creation of the unheard of, next phase technologies and processes that enhance, optimize or provide solutions to long standing problems. GNA Associates are recognized worldwide and have contributed or managed optimization projects large and small, impacting some of the largest mega projects around the world. GNA is employed by large OEMs, Governments, Utilities, General Industry, The United Nations, and the US Government. www.globalnuclearassociates.com.