Fuel assembly arrangement for retaining fuel rod end plug to bottom nozzle
US11594339B2 · kind B2 · utility
1Cited by
8References
9Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 12, 2020 |
| Grant date | Feb 28, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 1, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved retention system for retaining fuel rods in a fuel assembly is disclosed. The retention system includes a plurality of first engagement surfaces on the bottom nozzle of a fuel assembly. There is at least one engagement surface for each fuel rod. A second engagement surface is formed on the bottom end plug of each fuel rod. The first and second engagement surfaces are configured for engagement with each other for axially and laterally retaining each fuel rod within the fuel assembly. Debris deflectors may also be provided to deflect debris from coolant channels surrounding the fuel rods.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.