Visual examination of the fuel assembly is used to:

• Get a general impression of the condition of the fuel assembly.

• Assess zirconium oxide type and whether oxide spallation has occurred or not.

• Identify the primary failure cause and characterize degradation of failed fuel.

• Measure component dimensions by means of translation stages and position encoders.

Fuel assemblies are sometimes inspected while supported on the fuel han­dling mast. More commonly, visual inspections are performed in fuel prepa­ration machines located in fuel storage pools. The fuel preparation machines are usually equipped with a rotating fixture to enable inspections of all four assembly faces without the use of the bridge crane and with a sensor to rec­ord axial position.

Visual inspection equipment, typically consists of:

• Television camera and spotlights.

• In-pool support system for camera and lights.

• Data acquisition, processing and storage equipment.