Partial length rod upper end plug and grapples therefor
US5280508A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 16, 1993 |
| Grant date | Jan 18, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 16, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A part length fuel rod tip and group of tip grasping tools is set forth for the removal, inspection and replacement of part length fuel rods from a fuel bundle having a part length rods interspersed with a majority of conventional full length rods. The part length fuel rod tip includes a longitudinal keyway allowing torque to be exerted on the fuel rod and a horizontal slot enabling grasping of the fuel rod for vertical withdrawal and replacement movement of the fuel rod. The tools include a torque socket for applying high torque forces to the part length rod for unscrewing the rod when the rod becomes stuck at its threaded connection to the lower tie plate, a tip grasping tool for permitting normal unscrewing torque and grasping for vertical withdrawal and replacement, and finally a tool having both high torque and grasping characteristics. In each case, the diameter of the tools is restricted to enable access to the part length fuel rods through the spacers overlying the upwardly exposed ends of the part length fuel rods.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.