Arrangement for retaining a fuel rod in a reconstitutable fuel assembly

Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000

United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 4391771
SERIAL NO

06212375

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Abstract

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An improved nuclear fuel assembly in which the lowermost grid is located close to the lower end fitting of the assembly, and a conventional Zircaloy-clad fuel rod is fitted with a stainless steel tip having a bevelled notch thereon for engaging resilient means on the grid within about one inch (2.5 cm) from the lower tip of the fuel rod. The notch mechanically restrains the fuel rod from lifting upwards during reactor operation, yet is shallow enough to permit removal of the fuel rod in the event reconstitution is required. The stainless steel tip is mechanically secured to the Zircaloy end cap of the fuel rod, and is located in a low importance flux region of the core so that the higher neutron poison absorption cross section of stainless steel is of little consequence. Since the lowermost grid secures each fuel rod within one inch of the lower end of the rod, there is little likelihood that the coolant flowing over the lower ends of the fuel rods will induce significant vibrations.

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
CE NUCLEAR POWER LLC2000 DAY HILL ROAD WINDSOR CT 06095

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Anthony, Andrew J Tariffville, CT 16 224

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