Device for testing nuclear reactor fuel elements

The authors suggest a device for thermal sorting of reactor fuel elements during manufacture. The device comprises heating and cooling elements. To approximate experimental-to operating conditions, the fuel element is installed inside a retarder-simulating bushing comprising two concentric bushes with reciprocating motion. Look boxes serve to control the envelope surface with the aid of photometric instruments. An electric range with a cooling system and suitable controls for reproducing thermal conditions are installed in a common rotating housing to allow to inspect the entire surface of the envelope