Application of infrared thermography to the fabrication process of nuclear fuel containers

In recent years, the use of infrared thermography based non-destructive test (NDT) methods to characterize and control manufacturing processes has been progressively increased. This method can be employed in the fabrication process of containers for nuclear fuel transport. In order to avoid undesirable bubbles, thermal gradients must be controlled during cooling process of the lead shield included in the container. Using infrared thermography the cooling process behaviours are analyzed and monitored on real time, and enabling its control. Satisfactory achievements in two different ways of cooling process are presented in this paper.