Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

PWR integral tie plate and locking mechanism

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6749004

A locking mechanism for securing an upper tie plate to the tie rods of a nuclear fuel bundle is described. The mechanism includes an upper tie plate assembly and locking sleeves fixed to the ends of the tie rods. The tie plate is part of the upper tie plate assembly and is secured to the fuel bundle by securing the entire upper tie plate assembly to the locking sleeves fixed to the tie rods. The assembly includes, in addition to the tie plate, locking nuts for engaging the locking sleeves, retaining sleeves to operably connect the locking nuts to the assembly, a spring biased reaction plate to restrain the locking nuts in the locked position and a means to facilitate the removal of the entire assembly as a unit from the fuel bundle.

Assignee:
Exxon Nuclear Co. Inc.
Patent Number(s):
US 4219386
OSTI ID:
6749004
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English