Apparatus for handling nuclear fuel rods
US5881119A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 6, 1998 |
| Grant date | Mar 9, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 6, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for handling nuclear fuel rods, which include a mixed oxide fuel material, and for constructing fuel assemblies from the fuel rods, includes a store (9) constructed from radiation shielding material. The store includes a number of channels (10), each of which is adapted to receive a magazine (2) containing fuel rods. Removal and insertion of magazines from and into the channels is effected by a handling machine (29) which is remotely and automatically operated. Each of the channels is closed by a plug (11) which can be removed and inserted by the handling machine. The handling machine is able to remove a magazine from a selected channel and to deliver the magazine to either of two fuel assembly lines (16, 21). Each assembly line constructs a different type of fuel assembly from that of the other assembly line, and each assembly line is arranged in a separate shielded enclosure (15, 24).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.