Device for gripping and detaching a top nozzle subassembly from a reconstitutable fuel assembly

Patent · Tue Mar 03 04:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:6727330

Wilson, J F; Gjersten, R K

This patent describes a reconstitutable fuel assembly including a top nozzle subassembly and guide thimbles. The top nozzle subassembly has a lower adapter plate, hold-down springs and an upper hold-down plate with coolant flow openings defined therethrough. The guide thimbles have upper end portions slidably mounting the lower adapter plate and upper hold-down plate for movement therealong between lower and upper limits. A device is described for gripping and detaching the top nozzle subassembly from the guide thimble upper end portions, comprising: (a) a central spider disposable in overlying relation to the upper hold-down plate; (b) locating lugs disposed radially outwardly from the spider and arranged for alignment with and insertion into the plurality of coolant flow openings in the upper hold-down plate. Each of the locating lugs has an elongated central bore; (c) collars interconnected to the spider, each collar connected to one of the locating lugs and bearing on the hold-down plate when the locating lug is inserted in its respective flow opening; and (d) elongated members received through and rotatable within the respective central bores of the locating lugs.

• Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp., Pittsburgh, PA
• Patent Number(s): US 4646414
• OSTI ID: 6727330
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
220300* -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Fuel Elements
ALIGNMENT
COMPRESSION
COOLANTS
EQUIPMENT
FUEL ASSEMBLIES
GRABS
MACHINE PARTS
MATERIALS HANDLING EQUIPMENT
MOTION
NOZZLES
ROTATION
SPRINGS