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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Automated fuel pin loading system

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5277448
An automated loading system for nuclear reactor fuel elements utilizes a gravity feed conveyor which permits individual fuel pins to roll along a constrained path perpendicular to their respective lengths. The individual lengths of fuel cladding are directed onto movable transports, where they are aligned coaxially with the axes of associated handling equipment at appropriate production stations. Each fuel pin can be be reciprocated axially and/or rotated about its axis as required during handling steps. The fuel pins are inerted as a batch prior to welding of end caps by one of two disclosed welding systems.
DOE Contract Number:
AC06-76FF02170
Assignee:
EDB-84-035745; ERA-09-011930
Patent Number(s):
None
Application Number:
ON: DE84005926
OSTI ID:
5277448
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English