The split-count technique for failed fuel detection and location

This paper reviews development of the ''split-count'' Burst Can Detection technique on the Windscale AGR. Improvements in failed fuel location were achieved by monitoring the proportion of longer-lived noble gas emitted by very small defects. The behaviour of holes in cladding, 10-10 m2 or even smaller, was studied over long periods. Experience throughout application on WAGR is described, with reference to post-irradiation examination results and to confirmatory experiments using a loop facility. (author)