Locking tube removal and replacement tool and method in a reconstitutable fuel assembly

Patent · Tue Feb 03 00:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:6878742

Shallenberger, J M; Ferlan, S J

This patent describes a reconstitutable fuel assembly including a top nozzle with an adapter plate having at least one passageway, at least one guide thimble with an upper end portion and an attaching structure having a hollow locking tube for releasably locking the upper end portion of the guide thimble within the passageway of the top nozzle adapter plate. A tool is described for removing the locking tube from its locking position, comprising: (a) an elongated inner hollow tubular force-transmitting member having upper and lower opposite ends, the force transmitting member being insertable at its lower end in the locking tube and including (i) an elongated inner tubular body having upper and lower ends, and (ii) a tubular extension having an upper end fixed to the lower end of the inner tubular body and extending therefrom in axial alignment therewith. An upper end portion of the tubular extension has a larger diameter than a lower end portion thereof so as to define a downwardly-facing shoulder on the tubular extension which abuts the locking tube when the lower end of the force-transmitting member is inserted therein; and (b) a force-receiving member fixedly attached to the upper end of the force-transmitting member.

• Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp., Pittsburgh, PA
• Patent Number(s): US 4639998
• Application Number: TRN: 87-009673
• OSTI ID: 6878742
• Resource Relation: Patent File Date: Filed date 9 Nov 1984
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
FUEL ASSEMBLIES
FASTENERS
REMOTE HANDLING
ALIGNMENT
ELONGATION
FASTENING
NOZZLES
POSITIONING
REMOTE HANDLING EQUIPMENT
ROTATION
SHAFTS
SLEEVES
TOOLS
TUBES
EQUIPMENT
FABRICATION
JOINING
MACHINE PARTS
MATERIALS HANDLING EQUIPMENT
MOTION
220300* - Nuclear Reactor Technology- Fuel Elements