Apparatus for applying an end plug to an end of a fuel rod tube

Patent · Tue May 05 04:00:00 EDT 1987

OSTI ID:6522966

Rieben, S L; Wylie, M E

This patent describes an improved apparatus for applying an end plug to a hollow tube end of a nuclear fuel rod such that a close frictional interfitting engagement will be established between the end plug and the tube end facilitating the formation of a connection which hermetically seals the fuel rod. The improved apparatus comprises: guide means disposed in the housing and having internal surface portions which define an internal guide channel aligned in tandem with the inlet and outlet ends of the housing along a common axis and being of a cross-sectional size smaller than that of an outer external surface of the end plug, the guide means being yieldably expandable radially with respect to the common axis; and the guide means including a bushing disposed in the housing and having a continuous internal side wall.

• Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp., Pittsburgh, PA
• Patent Number(s): US 4662051
• OSTI ID: 6522966
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
220300* -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Fuel Elements
CLOSURES
CONDUCTOR DEVICES
CONNECTORS
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
FRICTION
FUEL ELEMENTS
FUEL RODS
INSTALLATION
MATERIALS HANDLING EQUIPMENT
POWER REACTORS
REACTOR COMPONENTS
REACTORS
SEALS
TUBES