Nuclear fuel assembly
US4240876A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 10, 1978 |
| Grant date | Dec 23, 1980 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 10, 1998 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The fuel assembly comprises a bundle of fuel pins spaced in parallel relation in a uniform lattice by means of support grids resiliently applied against the fuel pins and a rigid independent structure formed by two parallel end plates. Tie-rods extending between the end plates are disposed at uniform intervals at the lattice nodes. The bundle of fuel pins is supported by the first grid on a series of tubular spacer members which surround the lower ends of at least a number of tie-rods with provision for a clearance space. The tubular spacer members extend between the bottom end plate and the first grid, the tie-rods being permitted to pass freely through each grid by means of guide sleeves.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.