Skip Navigation LinksTRIUMPH Camera Inspections

 

The TRIUMPH (Television Remote Inspection Unit Multi-Purpose Head) camera is the general purpose closed circuit television (CCTV) inspection tool for AGRS. The camera is used deployed usually deployed from the Core Monitoring Delivery Hoist, or from one of the station TRIUMPH Hoists. The camera functions and cooling are supplied via the Delivery Hoist umbilical which also returns the video signals and camera telemetry.

Note that the TRIUMPH camera is used for both the inspection of the reactor core by deploying it into fuel channels, and for inspection of the pressure vessel. This is achieved by using different modules, as described below.

The Channel Viewing Mirror Module consists of a tube camera viewing via an aluminised metal mirror which is pivoted to allow the operator to look sideways, at the channel wall, or forwards down the channel. Two lighting assemblies provide 100W of forward, and 120W of sideways, illumination. The combination of a Rotate Module and Channel Viewing Mirror Module is generally known as a Channel Viewing Camera.

Various Camera Modules are used in the TRIUMPH depending on the application. Solid state CCD (charged-coupled device) are being used where radiation doses are low. For in core inspections conventional tube cameras are used.

The camera is usually attached to a 6:1 zoom lens assembly to allow for detailed inspections of particular features from various distances. At maximum zoom, from a distance of 6m, the camera is able to film a subject 300mm across in detail. The camera can also be focused onto immediately adjacent objects.

In most cases a Prism Module will be fitted in front of the zoom lens which allows the field of view to be tilted through 105° from forward to side. This in combination with the Rotate Module gives a full hemispherical view for the camera. The Prism Module also incorporates high lower lighting, typically 300W, which may be mounted so as to follow the movement of the prism.

Prior to deployment the TRIUMPH camera functions are tested against a check sheet, as well as camera picture quality. Once ready, the standpipe valve is opened and the TRIUMPH camera is lowered into the standpipe. In some cases a full inspection is required and items such as the standpipe welds and brush seals seatings are inspected whilst passing down into the core.

The camera is then lowered to the top brick interface and a survey of the interface is carried out. The camera is then lowered further to check all the brick interfaces and mid-brick sections. Any areas of particular interest highlighted by the CBMU scan will be given a detailed survey as part of the inspection. When the camera reaches the bottom of the channel the debris pot is checked for loose items.

The camera is raised through the core obtaining views of the graphite surfaces on the way. A videotape, including audio voice-over, is made of the whole inspection. The camera is retrieved through the standpipe and into the hoist, and checked again using the test card to ensure that the picture quality has not been degraded during inspections.