Locking tube insertion fixture and method in a reconstitutable fuel assembly

Patent · Tue Jan 27 04:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:6782313

Shallenberger, J M; Ferlan, S J

A method is described, for use with a reconstitutable fuel assembly including a top nozzle with an adapter plate having at least one passageway, at least one guide thimble with an upper end portion and an attaching structure having a hollow locking tube for releasably locking the upper end portion of the guide thimble within the passageway of the top nozzle adapter plate. The method described is for inserting the locking tube into its locking position and comprises: (a) releasably disposing a locking tube within an opening in a tool guide; (b) locking the tool guide on the top nozzle so as to align its opening with the passageway of the top nozzle adapter plate and the locking tube disposed within the opening in alignment with the upper end portion of the guide thimble positioned within the passageway; and (c) moving a tool holder having a locking tube insertion tool mounted thereon toward the tool guide so as initially to cause the tool to extend through the guide opening and locking tube and into the upper end portion of the guide thimble and thereafter to engage the locking tube. This causes its release from the tool guide opening and insertion into the guide thimble upper end portion to its locking position therein.

• Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp., Pittsburgh, PA
• Patent Number(s): US 4638556
• OSTI ID: 6782313
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
220300* -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Fuel Elements
ALIGNMENT
FABRICATION
FASTENERS
FASTENING
FUEL ASSEMBLIES
JOINING
NOZZLES
POSITIONING
REACTORS
TOOLS
TUBES