System for fuel rod removal from a reactor module

Patent · Thu Jul 28 00:00:00 EDT 1988

OSTI ID:6220064

Matchett, R. L.; Fodor, G.; Kikta, T. J.; Bacvinsicas, W. S.; Roof, D. R.; Nilsen, R. J.; Wilczynski, R.

A robotic system for remote underwater withdrawal of the fuel rods from fuel modules of a light water breeder reactor includes a collet/grapple assembly for gripping and removing fuel rods in each module, which is positioned by use of a winch and a radial support means attached to a vertical support tube which is mounted over the fuel module. A programmable logic controller in conjunction with a microcomputer, provides control for the accurate positioning and pulling force of the rod grapple assembly. Closed circuit television cameras are provided which aid in operator interface with the robotic system. 7 figs.

• Research Organization: Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory (BAPL), West Mifflin, PA (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC11-76PN00014
• Assignee: Dept. of Energy
• Patent Number(s): PATENTS-US-A7225435
• Application Number: ON: DE89011464
• OSTI ID: 6220064
• Resource Relation: Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
42 ENGINEERING
FUEL RODS
REMOTE HANDLING EQUIPMENT
LWBR TYPE REACTORS
COMPUTERIZED CONTROL SYSTEMS
CONTAINERS
INVENTIONS
POSITIONING
ROBOTS
BREEDER REACTORS
CONTROL SYSTEMS
EQUIPMENT
FUEL ELEMENTS
MATERIALS HANDLING EQUIPMENT
REACTOR COMPONENTS
REACTORS
THERMAL REACTORS
WATER COOLED REACTORS
WATER MODERATED REACTORS
210500* - Power Reactors
Breeding
420203 - Engineering- Handling Equipment & Procedures