Method and apparatus for cutting irradiated fuel elements in the horizontal position by means of a blade-carrying carriage
US5060546A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 16, 1988 |
| Grant date | Oct 29, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 16, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T83/8834
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention relates to a method and to apparatus for cutting irradiated fuel elements when in the horizontal position. A fuel element is placed on a support and presents a cross-section for cutting. The fuel element may be displaced along its longitudinal axis. In the immediate proximity of the cutting section, the fuel element is compressed by at least one side clamp, and between two cuts the side clamp(s) is/are unclamped, the fuel element is then advanced by a desired length, and the side clamp(s) is/are reclamped. The end pieces cut off by end piece cutters fall into a fixed end piece removal apparatus. The rods are cut up inside a cavity in such a manner as to confine the cut-off lengths therein, the cavity being provided with a bottom opening enabling the cut-off lengths to be removed and directed towards a fixed rod-removal apparatus. In a preferred embodiment, the end pieces are cut off against the front face of the carriage which carries the rod-cutting blade.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.