Method of securing a centering pin for a nuclear fuel assembly

US5089215A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Siemens Aktiengesellschaft · DE

Inventors

• Tilo Landgraf · Erlangen, DE
• Rainer Kunz · Wulfen, DE
• Johann Ropers · Erlangen, DE
• Martin Zenkel · Königsee, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 9, 1990
• Grant date: Feb 18, 1992
• Expiry date: Apr 9, 2010

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T29/4994
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method of securing a cylindrical centering pin for a nuclear fuel assembly in a bore formed in a plate includes introducing an end of the centering pin into the bore until at least part of a coaxial, radially expandable wall portion of the end to be secured protrudes beyond the plate; and generating pressure in a closed hollow space surrounded by the wall portion with a pressure fluid until the wall portion radially expands and anchors the centering pin. According to another method, the end is introduced into the bore until at least part of the end to be secured, which has a periphery and an interior with radial slits formed therein, protrudes beyond the plate; and a mandrel-like tool is partially brought into the slits in the interior of the end of the centering pin and radially expands the end of the centering pin with the tool for anchoring the centering pin.