Method for loading fuel rods into grids of nuclear fuel assemblies

Patent · Tue Jan 23 04:00:00 EST 1990

OSTI ID:7176299

Shallenberger, J M; Ferlan, S J

This patent describes a method of inserting a fuel rod into cells of a plurality of support grids forming part of a nuclear fuel assembly and having detents for resiliently engaging and laterally supporting fuel rods inserted into the cells. It comprises providing a thin-walled metallic tubular member which has a substantially uniform wall thickness of not more than about 0.008 inch, an as-formed inner diameter substantially corresponding to the outer diameter of the fuel rod, a length sufficient for the tubular member to extend at least through a majority of the plurality of the support grids, and a longitudinal slit formed in the wall of the tubular member throughout the length thereof so as to render the wall resiliently deflectable in a diameter-reducing sense. The longitudinal slit having a width sufficient to preclude overlapping of the edges of the wall along the slit, and insufficient to receive any of the detents; mounting the tubular member in position for protectively enveloping the fuel rod during insertion thereof; and in one substantially continuous operation, inserting the fuel rod, with the tubular member in position to envelope it, into the cells of the support grids and axially withdrawing the tubular member from the inserted fuel rod while restraining the latter against further movement thereof.

• Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp., Pittsburgh, PA
• Patent Number(s): A; US 4895695
• Application Number: PPN: US 7-268920A
• OSTI ID: 7176299
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
220300* -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Fuel Elements
DESIGN
DIMENSIONS
ELECTRODES
FUEL ASSEMBLIES
FUEL ELEMENTS
FUEL RODS
GRIDS
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
POWER PLANTS
REACTOR COMPONENTS
THERMAL POWER PLANTS
THICKNESS
WALLS