Handle assembly and channel for a nuclear reactor fuel bundle assembly
US5787140A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 29, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jul 28, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 29, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A fuel bundle assembly for a nuclear reactor includes a modified channel that improves pressure drop performance and a handle assembly that includes structure for preventing a broken end plug from escaping the fuel bundle. In modifying the channel, one approach is to vary the outside dimension of the fuel channel along the length of the channel, but maintain a constant channel wall thickness. Another approach is to maintain the external dimensions of the fuel channel and vary the wall thickness along the length of the channel. The handle assembly replaces the conventional upper tie plate and is provided with structure for preventing debris such as a broken fuel rod end plug from escaping the fuel bundle. The structure preferably includes a plurality of gridwork cross members forming a substantially square grid including gridwork windows that are sized smaller than the fuel rod end plugs.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.