Induced nuclear reactions: processes – systems – and elements – Fuel component structure – Plural fuel segments or elements
Reexamination Certificate
2006-03-09
2009-06-16
Palabrica, Rick (Department: 3663)
Induced nuclear reactions: processes, systems, and elements
Fuel component structure
Plural fuel segments or elements
C376S443000, C376S438000
Reexamination Certificate
active
07548602
ABSTRACT:
A spacer grid having tunable mixing vanes for optimizing coolant flow is provided for a nuclear fuel assembly. The mixing vanes include an upper piece and a lower piece, which are coupled to a middle ligament that is coupled to the top or downstream portion of one or more of the grid straps forming the spacer grid. The upper piece, lower piece, and middle ligament are bent, rotated, and/or twisted into various positions to more effectively mix the coolant and affect the coolant's flow as it moves upwards through the fuel assembly. For example, in one embodiment, the mixing vane has an “S” shape wherein the middle ligament is positioned parallel to the longitudinal axes of the fuel rods of the fuel assembly, the upper piece bends towards one of the fuel rods, and the lower piece bends away from the fuel rod. In this manner, optimized even and sustained mixing of the coolant is provided.
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Marzean Michael A.
Smith, III Levie D.
Palabrica Rick
Westinghouse Electric Co. LLC
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