Nuclear reactor spacer grid
US4702881A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 2, 1985 |
| Grant date | Oct 27, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 2, 2005 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A spacer grid for a nuclear fuel assembly having grid springs and opposing dimples which contact a fuel rod passing through a cell of the spacer grid along arcuate surfaces to cradle the fuel rod and cushion any vibration impact between the fuel rods and the grid springs and dimples during reactor operation and during fuel assembly shipping. The increased bearing surface between the fuel rods and grids also serves to reduce fuel rod scratching during fuel rod insertion. The grid springs and dimples may also be provided with ramped edges to further reduce fuel rod scratching. Stiffening ribs may be on the grid springs and/or dimples. The cradling action of the grid springs and dimples reduces deviations in fuel rod position from a centered position in a spacer grid cell.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.