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U.S. Department of Energy
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Light Water Breeder Reactor rod removal system (LWBR Development Program)

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5836348· OSTI ID:5836348
This report describes the design and operation of the robotic equipment for remote withdrawal of fuel rods from the Light Water Breeder Reactor (LWBR) fuel modules for proof-of-breeding assay and physical examinations. The Rod Removal System (RRS) was automated to minimize operator errors in removing specified rods while maintaining maximum control over forces applied during removal to preclude damage. The system determined the exact orientation of the fuel module and the positions of fuel rods within the module. The module being derodded was oriented vertically in a support stand in a 35-foot water pit at the Expended Core Facility at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory. The tops of preselected rods were engaged by a programmed mechanical grapple, which was capable of collecting rod pull force data while 10-foot long rods were withdrawn vertically from modules. Pulled rods were transferred to preselected ports in a multiport storage container or inserted into shrouds prepositioned in a rod transfer container. The RRS removed approximately 1100 fuel rods from 12 of the 39 LWBR fuel modules without a major equipment or operational problem. 3 refs., 19 figs.
Research Organization:
Bettis Atomic Power Lab., West Mifflin, PA (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC11-76PN00014
OSTI ID:
5836348
Report Number(s):
WAPD-TM-1609; ON: DE88002087
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English