Locking tube removal fixture and method in a reconstitutable fuel assembly
A method is described for use with 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. The method described is for removing the locking tube from its locking position and comprises: (a) disposing a locking tube engaging means having a lower segmented rim within an opening in a tool guide and extending downward therefrom; (b) positioning the tool guide on the top nozzle so as to align its opening with the passageway of the top nozzle adapter plate and extend the locking tube engaging means through the locking tube in the upper end portion of the guide thimble positioned within the passageway with the segmented rim of the tube engaging means disposed at a level below a lower edge of the locking tube; and (c) moving a tool holder having an elongated actuating means mounted thereon and extending through the tube engaging means from a first to a second position so as to move the actuating means from a disengaged to an engaged position.
- Assignee:
- Westinghouse Electric Corp., Pittsburgh, PA
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4638543
- OSTI ID:
- 7054288
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: Filed date 28 Jan 1985
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Guide thimble captured locking tube in a reconstitutable fuel assembly
Guide thimble captured locking tube in a reconstitutable fuel assembly