Passive Temperature Sensors for Nuclear Applications

Davis, Kurt L [Idaho National Laboratory] (ORCID:0000000338230728); Skifton, Richard S [Idaho National Laboratory] (ORCID:0000000212538057); Wilding, Malwina A [Idaho National Laboratory] (ORCID:0000000324732735)

DOE OSTI · 3023403

Passive Temperature Sensors for Nuclear Applications

Davis, Kurt L [Idaho National Laboratory] (ORCID:0000000338230728)·Skifton, Richard S [Idaho National Laboratory] (ORCID:0000000212538057)·Wilding, Malwina A [Idaho National Laboratory] (ORCID:0000000324732735)

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Abstract

In April 2007, the Department of Energy (DOE) designated the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) a National Scientific User Facility (NSUF) to advance US leadership in nuclear science and technology. By attracting new users from universities, laboratories, and industry, this program supports basic and applied nuclear research to help address the nation's energy security needs. In support of this program, the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) established in-house capabilities to develop, fabricate, test, and qualify new and enhanced temperature sensors for irradiation testing. This effort is continuing today through the DOE?s Advanced Sensors and Instrumentation (ASI) program. Although most efforts emphasize sensors capable of providing real-time data, selected tasks have been completed to enhance passive sensors for irradiations where instrumentation leads cannot be included. These sensors include silicon carbide (SiC) monitors, melt wires and the sublime temperature monitor. SiC monitors are available to detect peak irradiation temperatures between 200°C and 800°C in reactor locations where instrumentation leads cannot be used. SiC monitors may be evaluated using specialized equipment installed at INL?s Measurement Sciences Laboratory (MSL). A melt wire inventory is also maintained at MSL. This inventory contains wires for specific use in irradiation experiments ranging in temperatures from 30°C to 1500°C. Melt wires and SiC monitors have had decades of research and application. Recent research has produced a passive monitor known as the sublime temperature monitor. This passive sensor has the capability of recording temperature gradients. This paper will discuss passive temperature sensors currently being researched and implemented under the ASI program.

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BibTeX RIS

Davis, Kurt L [Idaho National Laboratory] (ORCID:0000000338230728), Skifton, Richard S [Idaho National Laboratory] (ORCID:0000000212538057), Wilding, Malwina A [Idaho National Laboratory] (ORCID:0000000324732735). 2025-07-01. Passive Temperature Sensors for Nuclear Applications. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/3023403

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