Identification of failed fuel element

Patent · Tue Jun 22 00:00:00 EDT 1976

OSTI ID:862578

Fryer, Richard M ^[1]; Matlock, Robert G ^[2]

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1. Idaho Falls, ID
2. Hinsdale, IL

A passive fission product gas trap is provided in the upper portion of each fuel subassembly in a nuclear reactor. The gas trap consists of an inverted funnel of less diameter than the subassembly having a valve at the apex thereof. An actuating rod extends upwardly from the valve through the subassembly to a point where it can be contacted by the fuel handling mechanism for the reactor. Interrogation of the subassembly for the presence of fission products is accomplished by lowering the fuel handling machine onto the subassembly to press down on the actuating rod and open the valve.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-31109-ENG-38
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States Energy (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 3964964
• OSTI ID: 862578
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

identification
failed
fuel
element
passive
fission
product
gas
trap
provided
upper
portion
subassembly
nuclear
reactor
consists
inverted
funnel
diameter
valve
apex
actuating
rod
extends
upwardly
contacted
handling
mechanism
interrogation
presence
products
accomplished
lowering
machine
press
fuel handling
fuel subassembly
fission product
product gas
fission products
fuel element
nuclear reactor
upper portion
failed fuel
extends upwardly
trap consists
gas trap
/376/976/