Induced nuclear reactions: processes – systems – and elements – Fuel component structure – Plural fuel segments or elements
Patent
1993-07-12
1994-06-07
Harvey, Behrend E.
Induced nuclear reactions: processes, systems, and elements
Fuel component structure
Plural fuel segments or elements
411435, 376261, G21C 332
Patent
active
053196910
ABSTRACT:
A method and an apparatus for locking the tie rods to block rotation relative to either the upper or lower tie plates utilizing the required fuel bundle channel. A conventional lock nut is provided for threading to the upper threaded end of the tie rods. This lock nut has attached extending wings, these wings when rotated interfering with a placed fuel bundle channel. In installation to the fuel bundle, and assuming that the tie rod has been fully threaded to the lower tie plate, the winged lock nut is rotated overlying the upper tie plate to cause full engagement of the upper tie plate to the tie rods. In such fastening, the winged lock nuts are rotated to an angle that provides no interference with the subsequently placed channel. Thereafter, and when the channel is placed, the channel interference with the rotational path of the wings of the lock nut and thus prevents relative rotation between the tie rod and winged lock nut. The fastening of the wings to the lock nut leaves portions of the hex surface of the lock nut exposed. Thus when bundle disassembly is required, only removal of the channel followed by conventional counter or unthreading rotation of the winged lock nut with sufficient force to overcome the locking characteristic of the nut is required. Consequently, disassembly for inspection of an irradiated fuel bundle assembly is facilitated.
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patent: 4963318 (1990-10-01), Johansson et al.
Beulick J. S.
Chelliah Meena
General Electric Company
Harvey Behrend E.
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