Importance

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Abstract

Disclosed is a quick release removable top nozzle assembly for use with a nuclear fuel element assembly. The top nozzle assembly disclosed herein is comprised of a top plate member, an enclosure frame and an adaptor plate having a plurality of spaced openings therein. A plurality of tubular insert support members each adapted to fit within a selected opening in the adaptor plate has an enlarged collar section adapted to contact and support the underside of the adaptor plate. The assembly also includes a plurality of quick release joints each adapted to fit within another selected opening in the adaptor plate. Each quick release joint has a tubular lock insert which fits within the selected opening of the adaptor plate. The upper portion of the tubular lock insert is provided with a circumferential groove below a plurality of lobes. A locking ring is retained in a recess in the top of the adaptor plate by a retainer ring. The locking ring is adapted to rotatably engage the circumferential groove and the lobes whereby rotation of the locking ring locks or releases the tubular lock insert from the opening in the adaptor plate and allows an easy locking or release of the entire top nozzle assembly from the rest of the nuclear fuel element assembly for easy replacement of a fuel rod.

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First Claim