Vibrating fuel grapple. [LMFBR]

Patent ·

OSTI ID:5318634

Chertock, A J; Fox, J N; Weissinger, R B

A reactor refueling method is described which utilizes a vibrating fuel grapple for removing spent fuel assemblies from a reactor core. It incorporates a pneumatic vibrator in the grapple head which allows additional withdrawal capability without exceeding the allowable axial force limit. The only moving part in the vibrator is a steel ball, pneumatically driven by a gas, such as argon, around a track, with centrifugal force created by the ball being transmitted through the grapple to the assembly handling socket.

• DOE Contract Number: EY-76-C-03-0893
• Assignee: TIC; ERA-05-032224; EDB-80-095196
• OSTI ID: 5318634
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
GRABS
LMFBR TYPE REACTORS
REACTOR CHARGING MACHINES
FUEL ASSEMBLIES
MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS
PNEUMATICS
BREEDER REACTORS
EPITHERMAL REACTORS
EQUIPMENT
FAST REACTORS
FBR TYPE REACTORS
FLUID MECHANICS
LIQUID METAL COOLED REACTORS
MATERIALS HANDLING EQUIPMENT
MECHANICS
REACTOR COMPONENTS
REACTORS
210500* - Power Reactors
Breeding