WE Colloquium: Jeremy Renshaw, Robotically-Deployed Nondestructive Evaluation of Used Nuclear Fuel Storage Canisters

Abstract

As Dry Cask Storage Systems (DCSSs) that store used nuclear fuel age into the period of extended operations, nondestructive evaluation (NDE) inspections will be needed to confirm continued safe operation of these systems. NDE inspections are the cornerstone of aging management to identify and assess potential degradation of the DCSS to maintain their safety functions during the period of extended operations.

DCSSs present a challenge for inspection and delivery systems due to the high temperature, high radiation, confined entry and small annulus space. Some DCSS designs may have multiple 90° bends or other internal obstacles that must be negotiated to perform inspections. Various DCSS designs have been deployed to the field with different geometries and other substantial challenges for inspection. Despite these challenges, significant progress has been achieved across the industry in developing inspection and delivery systems for DCSS inspection.

A number of NDE techniques have been identified and either modified or refined for improved compatibility to DCSS inspections that include capabilities for high-temperature, high-radiation, and confined or occluded area inspections. While significant progress has been made, additional modifications and refinements are ongoing. Field trials have played an important role in the technology transfer process to facilitate the use of these systems by industry. To date, five field trials have been conducted using multiple NDE techniques deployed on robotic delivery systems.  Future field trials are planned to further refine and develop the NDE and delivery systems.

Bio

Dr. Jeremy Renshaw is the Program Manager for the Used Fuel and High-Level Waste Group at the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI).

He manages R&D efforts focused on all aspects of the back end of the fuel cycle including used fuel, wet and dry storage, transportation, and eventual dispositioning.  These efforts include aging management and inspection of dry cask storage systems, maintaining criticality margins during wet and dry storage, understanding high burnup cladding performance, and activities related to interim and final storage options.

Prior to joining the Used Fuel and High-Level Waste group, Dr. Renshaw focused on nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of nuclear fuel assemblies, dry storage canisters, concrete structures, one-time inspections, and advanced NDE methods. He has experience with ultrasound, eddy current, thermography, terahertz, microwave/mm-wave, and acoustic emission testing, and robotic deployment methods.

Prior to joining EPRI, Dr. Renshaw worked at AREVA, Inc. as an R&D Project Manager/Senior Engineer on reactor internals inspection and other R&D efforts related to advanced NDE inspections. Previously, Dr. Renshaw worked at Sauer-Danfoss, Inc. as an engineer on the new product development team and in the materials lab.

Dr. Renshaw serves as a reviewer for multiple peer-reviewed journals, has published several peer-reviewed journal articles and conference proceedings papers, and holds one U.S. Patent.

Dr. Renshaw holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, a Master’s degree in Systems Engineering, and a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, all from Iowa State University where his research focused on thermal NDE methods.