Nuclear fuel pellet loading system
US5251244A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 21, 1992 |
| Grant date | Oct 5, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 21, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A nuclear fuel pellet loading system includes pellet handling apparatus and cladding tube handling apparatus functionally interfaced by a bushing assembly. Pellet rows of varying zone lengths are alternately built up on two tracks, measured for zone length, weighed and then loaded by separate pusher carriages through separate bushing assembly passageways into a pair of empty cladding tubes indexed into loading positions by the tube handling apparatus. Separate zone interface tapes affixed to the pusher carriages indicate to an operator the length each pellet zone is to be built to. The tube handling apparatus accommodates cladding tubes of varying lengths and is equipped to automatically read a serial number imprinted on each tube endplug.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.