System for automatic refueling of a nuclear reactor
US5490185A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 23, 1993 |
| Grant date | Feb 6, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 23, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A refueling system for a nuclear power plant utilizing a data network to provide for automatic control and enhanced monitoring of the entire fuel transfer process. The refueling system of this invention provides integrated control of the refueling machine within the containment building, the spent fuel handling machine within the fuel storage building, and the fuel transfer system between the buildings. The system provides supervisory control of the overall system operation via a remote control station, while at the same time, having the capability for local on-line control of each element of the system in the event of network failure. The system may automatically identify individual fuel assemblies with an optical scanner. An in-mast sipper connected to the network automatically tests for leaking fuel assemblies. A revised core load pattern and a revised sequence plan can be calculated by the system in the event of the discovery of a leaking fuel assembly. The system may also include a fuel loading guide to facilitate the automatic loading of bowed fuel assemblies. Human interface with the system may be provided at a plurality of locations, including for example, a refueling contr…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.