Leak detection by hydrogen measurements in sodium and argon. Application to the Super Phenix scale model

Industrial development of sodium heated generators depends on the perfecting of efficient means for the supervision of thermal exchange walls. In order to determine the possibilities of leak detection by hydrogen proportioning, EDF has fitted on the scale model of SUPER PHENIX steam generator a number of detectors in sodium and argon and examined the behaviour of these units when injecting water steam in various areas of the tube bundle. In this paper, the main specifications of tested detectors are given and so are the results of the measurement of their response time and sensitivity. And finally their performance, if they were fitted on SUPER PHENIX steam generators, are suggested. (author)