Spacing grid of a fuel assembly for a nuclear reactor and fuel assembly
US5966419A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 3, 1997 |
| Grant date | Oct 12, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 3, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The spacer grids consist of interlaced metal straps defining a regular lattice of cells. A spring for holding a fuel rod against bearing stops is fixed on at least one wall of each of the cells. In its part which constitutes the wall of the cell, the strap includes at least one stop produced by cutting and pushing the metal of the strap into the cell, so as to limit the displacement of a fuel rod housed in the cell. Stops for limiting the displacement of the fuel rod are placed preferably o the walls of the peripheral cells or corner cells of the spacer grid, opposite a peripheral belt of the spacer grid. The invention also relates to a fuel assembly which includes, in addition to structural spacer grids, end grids and additional mixing grids interposed between the structural spacer grids.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.