Method and apparatus for compacting a bundle of fuel elements
US4731219A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 29, 1986 |
| Grant date | Mar 15, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 29, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/531
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for consolidating the nuclear fuel elements originally arranged in a square pattern into a truss of tightly packed elements comprises a vertical quiver of pyramidal shape having lateral surfaces converging downwardly and a rectangular cross-section. Two opposite faces of the quiver are formed with projections of downwardly increasing amplitude for rearranging the elements in a triangular pattern when they are lowered into the quiver. Dividing walls perpendicular to those faces which are provided with projections separate and guide rows of elements at the top part of the quiver. A grid at the top of the quiver comprises compartments for introducing elements and consists of several fractions which may be moved apart from each other and brought together along a direction parallel to the dividing wall.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.