Fuel assembly arrangement for retaining fuel rod end plug to bottom nozzle
US12315646B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 24, 2023 |
| Grant date | May 27, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 24, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A nuclear reactor assembly may include a fuel rod and an end plug extending from the fuel rod The end plug may include a first engagement surface and a second engagement surface. The second engagement surface may have a circular groove disposed in an exterior surface of the end plug, the circular groove defining a plane orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the end plug. The assembly may also include a bottom nozzle forming a recess, in which the recess includes a first retainer extending from the recess and a second retainer extending from the recess. The first retainer may engage the first engagement surface and the second retainer may include a second retainer portion to engage the second engagement surface. The first retainer and the second retainer may axially retain the end plug to the bottom nozzle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.