Induced nuclear reactions: processes – systems – and elements – Fuel component structure – Plural fuel segments or elements
Patent
1995-12-05
1997-03-11
Wasil, Daniel D.
Induced nuclear reactions: processes, systems, and elements
Fuel component structure
Plural fuel segments or elements
376444, G21C 3322
Patent
active
056109610
ABSTRACT:
A fuel assembly for a nuclear reactor vessel includes a plurality of fuel rods, at least one coolant rod, a lower tie plate supporting the fuel rods and coolant rod, and a channel surrounding the fuel rods, coolant rod and tie plate. The lower tie plate is supported by the channel such that the channel carries a load of the fuel assembly. In one aspect of the invention, a conventional upper tie plate is removed and a handle assembly is provided that includes two spring loaded latch pins engageable with corresponding apertures in the channel. A transition member supports the lower tie plate and is rigidly secured to the channel. Thus, when lifting the fuel assembly from the reactor, the channel bears the load of the fuel assembly. If it is desired to remove the fuel bundle from the channel, the handle assembly is released from the assembly by releasing the latch pins. The bundle can then be removed from the channel by attaching a grapple head to the coolant rod ends, which are specially shaped to facilitate an attachment tool.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3015616 (1962-01-01), Sturtz et al.
patent: 3197381 (1965-07-01), Blake
patent: 3344036 (1967-09-01), Haslam et al.
patent: 3366546 (1968-01-01), Anthony et al.
patent: 3395077 (1968-07-01), Tong et al.
patent: 3607639 (1971-09-01), Van Santen et al.
patent: 3697376 (1972-10-01), Mefford et al.
patent: 3968008 (1976-07-01), Piepers et al.
patent: 3992259 (1976-11-01), Anthony et al.
patent: 4038137 (1977-07-01), Pugh
patent: 4364901 (1982-12-01), Feutrel
patent: 4418036 (1983-11-01), Gjertsen et al.
patent: 4499047 (1985-02-01), Borrman et al.
patent: 4560532 (1985-12-01), Barry et al.
patent: 4578241 (1986-03-01), Borrman et al.
patent: 4587093 (1986-05-01), Borrman et al.
patent: 4588550 (1986-05-01), Blomstrand et al.
patent: 4632804 (1986-12-01), Wallander et al.
patent: 4652426 (1987-03-01), Boyle et al.
patent: 4666664 (1987-05-01), Doshi
patent: 4683117 (1987-07-01), Carlson et al.
patent: 4749547 (1988-06-01), Blomstrand et al.
patent: 4795608 (1989-01-01), Nylund
patent: 4895697 (1990-01-01), Andersson et al.
patent: 5255300 (1993-10-01), Patterson et al.
patent: 5327471 (1994-07-01), Meier et al.
patent: 5339342 (1994-08-01), Meier et al.
Dunlap Thomas G.
Elkins Robert B.
Frederickson Christian D.
Proebstle Richard A.
General Electric Company
Wasil Daniel D.
LandOfFree
Fuel assembly structure using channel for load support does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Fuel assembly structure using channel for load support, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Fuel assembly structure using channel for load support will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-449945