Induced nuclear reactions: processes – systems – and elements – Handling of fission reactor component structure within... – Fuel component
Patent
1998-03-06
1999-03-09
Wasil, Daniel D.
Induced nuclear reactions: processes, systems, and elements
Handling of fission reactor component structure within...
Fuel component
G21C 3334, G21C 2100
Patent
active
058811192
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The present invention relates to apparatus for handling fuel rods of the type used in nuclear fuel assemblies and for constructing fuel assemblies incorporating the fuel rods. In particular the invention relates to apparatus for handling fuel rods containing mixed oxide fuel material having a hazardous component and for constructing fuel assemblies of different types from such fuel rods.
The use in a nuclear reactor of fuel rods manufactured from a mixture of uranium and plutonium oxides is desirable since economic use is made of the plutonium recovered from the reprocessing of spent uranium oxide nuclear fuel. However, the presence of the hazardous plutonium component in the fuel rods gives rise to difficulties in handling them. It will be apparent that it would be dangerous to handle directly the plutonium-containing fuel rods because of the potential danger to the health of the operatives. Therefore, the handling of plutonium-containing fuel rods must be carried out within shielded enclosures using equipment operated automatically under the control of operatives at a remote location.
It is an object of this invention to provide an apparatus which facilitates the handling of fuel rods and the construction of nuclear fuel assemblies of different types from the fuel rods, particularly fuel assemblies including fuel rods containing mixed oxide fuel material having a hazardous component.
According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus for handling fuel rods for use in nuclear fuel assemblies, the apparatus comprising a store means constructed from radiation shielding material and having a plurality of elongate channels extending in parallel relationship, each of said channels being adapted to receive a magazine containing at least one fuel rod, and a remotely and automatically operated magazine handling means operable to insert a magazine into or to remove a magazine from a selected one of said channels.
Preferably the magazine handling means comprises a housing constructed from radiation shielding material adapted to accommodate a magazine.
Each of said channels is preferably closed at one end by a removable closure means constructed from radiation shielding material and means are provided on said magazine handling means for removing the closure means from or inserting the closure means in the channel.
In a preferred embodiment guide means are provided on the magazine handling means for receiving the closure means.
The guide means for receiving the closure means may comprise a pair of parallel guide bars, and wherein rollers are provided on the closure means for running along the guide bars.
The housing and said guide means may extend in parallel relationship, the housing having an open end adjacent to said guide means through which a magazine can be inserted or removed.
Preferably locking means are provided on the closure means for securing and releasing the closure means in the channel, and wherein operating means are provided on the magazine handling means for actuating said locking means.
The locking means may comprise at least one catch which is extendible from an external surface of the closure means to secure the closure means in the channel and is retractable beneath said external surface to release the closure means from the channel, the catch being operatively connected to a rotatable toothed pinion, and the operating means being engageable with the pinion to cause rotation thereof whereby the catch can be extended and retracted.
Suitably, further guide means are provided in the channel to facilitate the removal and insertion of the closure means, the further guide means comprising a guide bar extending along the channel at each side thereof, and wherein the rollers provided on the closure means are arranged to run along the guide bars during removal and insertion of the closure means.
Preferably coupling means are provided on said closure means whereby the closure means can be coupled to the magazine.
The magazine preferably comprises an elongate casing of rectangular cross-sect
REFERENCES:
patent: 4713199 (1987-12-01), Spilker et al.
Blackwell Alan
Evans David L.
Wilcock Terrence
British Nuclear Fuels PLC
Wasil Daniel D.
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