Modified cross point spacer apparatus and construction

Patent · Tue Jul 16 04:00:00 EDT 1991

OSTI ID:5768343

Johansson, E B

This patent describes a method of constructing a spacer for maintaining a matrix of vertically aligned fuel rods within a fuel bundle in side-by-side upstanding spatial relation, the spacer being of the class having vertical tubular members interconnected by a grid. It comprises providing upper and lower grid members, the grid members each comprising strips of metal having major surfaces vertically aligned parallel to the vertical direction of the fuel rods within the fuel bundle, the grid members forming a matrix of crossed members defining interstitial areas for receiving and bracing individual fuel rods passing through the spacer; providing a matrix of tubes, the matrix of tubes being aligned vertically with respect to the fuel rods within the fuel bundle and dispose for placement to interstitial locations between the fuel rods; notching the tubes at the upper and lower ends for receiving the grids; confronting the grids to the matrix of tubes at the upper and lower notches on the tubes; fastening the grids to the tubes for forming a unitary grid structure for the spacer.

• Assignee: General Electric Co., San Jose, CA (United States)
• Patent Number(s): US 5032351; A
• Application Number: PPN: US 7-522022
• OSTI ID: 5768343
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
220200 -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Components & Accessories
220300 -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Fuel Elements
220400* -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Control Systems
CONTROL ELEMENTS
CONTROL SYSTEMS
DESIGN
FUEL ASSEMBLIES
FUEL ELEMENT CLUSTERS
FUEL ELEMENTS
FUEL RODS
MAINTENANCE
REACTOR COMPONENTS
REACTOR CONTROL SYSTEMS
SPACERS