Nuclear reactor spacer assembly
Patent
·
OSTI ID:6222600
A fuel assembly for a nuclear reactor is disclosed wherein the fuel element receiving and supporting grid is comprised of a first metal, the guide tubes which pass through the grid assembly are comprised of a second metal and the grid is supported on the guide tubes by means of expanded sleeves located intermediate the grid and guide tubes. The fuel assembly is fabricated by inserting the sleeves, of initial outer diameter commensurate with the guide tube outer diameters, through the holes in the grid assembly provided for the guide tubes and thereafter expanding the sleeves radially outwardly along their entire length such that the guide tubes can subsequently be passed through the sleeves. The step of radial expansion, as a result of windows provided in the sleeves having dimensions commensurate with the geometry of the grid, mechanically captures the grid and simultaneously preloads the sleeve against the grid whereby relative motion between the grid and guide tube will be precluded.
- Assignee:
- Combustion Engineering, Inc.
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4135972
- OSTI ID:
- 6222600
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Spacer grid insert
Grid sleeve bulge tool
Tube support grid and spacer therefor
Patent
·
Tue Jul 07 00:00:00 EDT 1987
·
OSTI ID:6047825
Grid sleeve bulge tool
Patent
·
Tue Oct 21 00:00:00 EDT 1980
·
OSTI ID:6545044
Tube support grid and spacer therefor
Patent
·
Tue Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1985
·
OSTI ID:865768