Failed fuel element monitor

The installation described is for carrying out control upon the airtightness of fuel element jackets. It comprises an endurance chamber, a collecting electrode, a high-voltage electrode, a drive mechanism, a detector, a feeding system and a branch for the controlled gas. To eliminate neutral aerosols sorption on the collecting electrode, the body of the installation is accomplished with an opening for blowing through the clean gas; the opening is positioned on the side where the controlled gas entrance is. The clean gas flux forms a barrier to the neutral particles, whereas the ionized particles can overcome this barrier, being under the effect of the electrostatic field and precipitate on the collecting electrode. (author)