Patent · US Expired

Mid span mixer grid

US5339341A · kind A · utility

3Cited by
4References
7Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 17, 1993
Grant dateAug 16, 1994
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 17, 2013

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02E30/30
  • WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A mixer grid for a nuclear reactor fuel assembly has a plurality of strips arranged in interlocking rows and columns defining a plurality of cells. A stopper is fixed to each corner of each cell for both directing coolant flow, providing coolant mixing and providing a smooth contact surface for the fuel rod. The stopper is either cone-shaped or cylindrical for directing and channeling coolant flow. The stopper also has a smooth, flat chamfered surface for contacting the fuel rod and minimizing damage upon the shifting of the fuel rod. The grid is attached to the nuclear reactor fuel assembly by using guide cells comprising a plurality of support arches for welding to the nuclear reactor fuel assembly.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.